Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art: Where architecture meets art
Founded in 1999, the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) offers a fantastic collection of exhibits featuring contemporary and modern art as well as architecture and design. Inside, there are five galleries to explore which showcase changing exhibits and works for the Museum’s permanent collection. Outside, enjoy the sculpture garden and beautifully simplistic architectural elements. The SMoCA building itself is a work of art as a complete retrofit of the original movie theater that once existed at the site. It was designed by famed Phoenix-based architect Will Bruder.
Echoing on past architectural competitions, SMoCA has introduced a new series called Architecture + Art—an artistic platform for architects to develop architectural elements that are reflective of the specific environmental context of Scottsdale. The first addition to this series is called 90 Days Over 100? by a Phoenix based architectural team, Atherton and Keener. This exhibit explores the phase change from solid to liquid beginning each day as a solid and with light and color exposure throughout the day. This project seeks to educate viewers on the relationship between water and electricity in the desert environment. Then, reflect on a collection of artwork from the last one hundred years that will both challenge and solidify your views of the West’s Most Western Town—Scottsdale. In this collection you’ll see works by Lon Megargee—American Impressionist landscapes of the 1920’s and Matthew Moore’s 2008 video portrait of water’s journey though the valley.
SMoCA operates with a mission to foster creativity, innovation and vitality of the visual arts through education and by providing a venue for artists to share their work. Educational program offerings include a lecture series, workshops, art classes and other activities for all ages. Finally, stop by the SMoCA store before you leave and browse a variety of gifts and books on contemporary art, photography, architecture, design, pop culture and much more. Visit the website for downloadable audio tours, class registration and for information on current and upcoming exhibits. You can also find SMoCA on Facebook.
HelloScottsdale Tip: SMoCA is located in downtown Scottsdale next to the Scottsdale Civic Center Mall and adjacent to the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. After your visit to SMoCA, head over to one of the many fantastic restaurants in that area including Malee’s Thai Bistro, Wildfish Seafood Grille and Kyoto Japanese Restaurant. Also, visit the Old Town Scottsdale area on Thursday nights and enjoy a festival of art, music and food at the Scottsdale Art Walk from 7-9 p.m.
Posted by Jennifer Pruett
