SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Visitors from around the country will be in Scottsdale Feb. 23-26 to experience nine large-scale contemporary public art installations positioned in the Arizona Canal, along its banks and soaring into the skies above.
More than 50,000 people are expected to attend the four-day “Canal Convergence Water + Art + Light” event, presented by Scottsdale Public Art. This unique immersive public art experience features internationally acclaimed works from artists in Belgium, Canada, France, and Mexico as well as nationally recognized artists and performers.
“I am very proud of Canal Convergence’s growth and international recognition with the featured artists this year,” Scottsdale Public Art Director Donna Isaac said. “We continue to bring engaging art installations from light festivals around the world to Scottsdale for our community and visitors to enjoy.”
The nine installations are singularly distinctive and each elegantly captures the attention of art lovers and curious passersby alike. The installations include:
- Polygonum 2.0 by Belgian artist Tom Dekyvere. Large geometrical rhizome construction of rope and reflective triangles lit with multi-color LEDs showcases the relationships between the organic and artificial structures specific to the landscape of Scottsdale Waterfront and the people who inhabit it.
- Les Luminéoles and Lentille d’eau, presented by Porté par le vent. The installations are based on the theme wind and light. Initially made for the Fête des Lumières in Lyon, these pieces are now being presented around the world in large festivals in Jerusalem, Moscow, Mexico, London and Singapore.
- The iconic HYBYCOZO work by artists Yelena Filipchuk and Serge Beaulieu. With backgrounds in Google and YouTube the artists are converting their knowledge of technology and music into art.
- Yun Quin Lee’s exhibit, Moonflower. Flower sculptures are constructed with plastic netting covered in glow-in-the-dark paint, then lit up from the inside by its own solar-powered LED light. Thanks to a recent collaboration between Canal Convergence and I Light Marina Bay in Singapore, these sculptures will make their debut at this year’s event.
Scottsdale Public Art continues to build the audience experience and this year offers an educational Conversation with the Artist lecture series to its visitors. This offering will continue throughout the event, inviting attendees to learn more about the individual artists of Canal Convergence in an intimate setting at a local rooftop lounge.
Scottsdale Public Art will kick off Canal Convergence with an exclusive VIP Preview Party from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 22, at the Casablanca Roof Top Lounge. Party-goers will enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while mingling with the artists who have traveled from around the world to attend this special evening. The Canal Convergence installations will be visible from the Casablanca Roof Top Lounge, offering guests the unique opportunity to view the artwork while discussing them with the artists.
VIP preview tickets are $125 each and can be purchased at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts Box Office in person, via telephone at (480) 499-TKTS (8587), or online.
With the support of presenting sponsors including the Salt River Project (SRP), the City of Scottsdale, and Billie Jo and Judd Herberger, Scottsdale Public Art once again brings together local, national and international artists to create a one-of-a-kind, immersive art event.
For more information on Canal Convergence Water + Art + Light, visit www.ScottsdalePublicArt.org
SCOTTSDALE PUBLIC ART
The mission of Scottsdale Public Art is to make Scottsdale one of the most desirable communities in the country in which to live, work and visit by incorporating art and design projects throughout. In 1985, the City of Scottsdale established Scottsdale Public Art with the goal to enhance the quality of life for its residents and visitors. Since then more than 70 permanent and temporary public artworks have been commissioned throughout the community. Scottsdale’s program and projects have won local, regional and national awards.
