One of Scottsdale's Best-Kept Secrets

"The museum's collection and calendar of exhibits is a little more daring than you might imagine, but the permanent installation of James Turrell's Knight Rise presents visitors with the biggest art jolt of all. The work, open to the public for free, consists of a circular bench beneath a luminous domed ceiling. An elliptical hole cut into the top of the dome contains a glimpse of sky. When observed in this manner, even the clearest desert sky seems to shift and pulse and fill thewindow with pure exuberant color. Come at dawn or sunset for the best (and often most solitary) viewing."

"Bang Some Gongs at MIM Don a headset, approach an exhibit, and wirelessly listen to African thumb piano or Mongolian throat singing at the vast Musical Instrument Museum. Besides browsing some 15,000 artifacts that represent different musical genres, visitors can catch a concert, take a drumming class, or recharge at the café, which serves global fare made from local products."

"Free Fun at Scottsdale ArtWalk Every Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m., downtown Scottsdale’s galleries host Scottsdale ArtWalk. It’s the country’s longest running event of its kind and is more like a casual open house with live artist demonstrations and free drinks and snacks. Throughout the year, the gallery association hosts the following themed events: Summer Spectacular ArtWalk (July), Western ArtWalk (November), Fiesta Bowl ArtWalk (December) and Best of Scottsdale ArtWalk (March)."

"Rings a Bell Italian-born architect, artist, philosopher, and ceramicist Paolo Soleri originally came to Arizona tostudy with Frank Lloyd Wright at Taliesin West. His legacy is seen all over Scottsdale, notably at the Soleri Bridge and Plaza in downtown, which spotlights his signature hand-casted ceramic and bronze wind bells. The bells are still hand-poured at Cosanti, Soleri’s studio and former home, where bells of all shapes and sizes can be bought."

"The Great Arizona Picnic At first glance, the Scottsdale Culinary Festival seems like it’s more about the glitz than the food, but don’t let the swank fool you. Sure, there’s the Eat, Drink and Be Pretty party where it may be more about stilettos than spices, but this is a foodie event at its core. The weeklong event includes luxurious dinners and themed cocktail parties, yes, but also the Great Arizona Picnic with 50 restaurants, chef demonstrations, live local bands and special tastings."

"An Artsy Affair Every March, some of the finest local, national and international artists gather at the downtown Civic Center Park for the Scottsdale Arts Festival. The event has been attracting thousands of visitors since 1971 with live performances, exhibits, sales and art demonstrations. Check out works in ceramics, mixed media, digital art, printmaking and much more."

"Downtown Scottsdale’s historic district has plenty to peruse. Shop for cowboy wares, authentic Native American artifacts, and handcrafted leather goods. People who are into Southwestern décor love Shades of the West, which was once Scottsdale’s original general store. Concha belts and turquoise jewelry are bestsellers at Atkinson’s Indian Trading Post and Gilbert Ortega Gallery of Indian Art. For bold Arizona pottery, stop in at River Trading Post and Pueblo Arts."

"The Heart of Southwestern Culture in Phoenix The Heard Museum is a can't-miss cultural institution in Phoenix. Founded in 1929, the Heard details and celebrates American Indian art, history, and tradition through exhibitions, interactive learning, and festivals supporting American Indian artists—a great opportunity to gain deeper knowledge of Southwestern heritage. Phoenix/Flickr."