The Best & Brightest in Scottsdale

Scottsdale Artists’ School: Best & Brightest
Scottsdale, Arizona
scottsdaleartschool.org
Through March 12, 2026

Now in its 42nd year, the Scottsdale Artists’ School is set to present “Best & Brightest,” the annual juried art show and sale highlighting artworks created by its top students and alumni living around the world.

All artists who have taken a workshop, program, or online class through the school since 2019 were invited to submit their works for consideration.

The official opening reception and awards announcement ceremony is set for February 12. First and second place awards will be presented in each of six categories: drawing, oil painting, pastel, water media, sculpture, and small work.

The school’s executive director, Trudy Hays, is quick to praise the “professional quality of Scottsdale Artists’ School students” and laughs that she does “not envy the team assembled to jury the pieces because they have a difficult assignment.”

Among the works to be offered is the one illustrated above, “Desert Fireworks.” Its creator, Laura Krusemark, explains: “During my walks in the Scottsdale area, I was inspired by these bright fuchsia cacti blooms saying hello to me under the afternoon sun while their petals cast fanned-out shadows, like a dance across the sand. This piece captures the resilience and brilliance of the Southwest, where beauty thrives in light, movement, and unexpected places.”

For those who cannot attend in person, be sure to view and buy works directly from the school’s website.