Art Among Us

Photo: Blooms by Bruce Munro, Scottsdale Public Art. ©Mark Pickthall

The eye of the beholder — that’s where art lives. And there’s plenty for beholders to view throughout Scottsdale’s renowned arts district.

New to the district’s eclectic mix is J. Klein Gallery, itself eclectic in genre. Located on Main Street in Old Town, it includes classic Western themes rendered in contemporary style. It is home to three artists: Jim Klein, whose favored medium is acrylic, paints bright, colorful works that celebrate his love of nature and music; Jeffrey Berryman, whose oils are done on industrial forms of metal, has evolved a modern surreal style he calls “surruralism” for his treatment of agriculture, animals and city scenes; and wildlife sculptor Dan Ostermiller, whose detailed bronzes capture the life of their subject, creates works that range from hand-held size to larger-than-life installations.

Going directly to nature for its art, Touchstone Gallery is filled with what Scottsdale Gallery Association President Veronica Graffius describes as “absolutely amazing” items of minerals and fossils. Located on Marshall Way, its collection ranges from personal pieces of jewelry to larger items of home décor.

Another unique store on Marshall Way is The Paper Place, a family-run Scottsdale treasure for going on four decades. Treating invitations as an art form, it also offers a variety of gift ideas.

Self-describing its location as “on the edge” of the arts district, On the Edge Gallery on 5th Avenue is a recently opened co-op of more than 40 artists that offers gift items as well as fine art.

Helping set the tone for the area is the wonderful public art throughout the district, including changing installations at the Waterfront. Current display is “Blooms” by British artist Bruce Munro. Enhanced by their reflection in the water, these multi-colored light structures glow in the daylight but turn spectacular at night, when they are illuminated.

J. Klein Gallery
7136 E. Main St., Scottsdale
(480) 941-3442

On the Edge Gallery
7050 E. Fifth Ave., Scottsdale
(480) 265-8991

The Paper Place
4130 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale
(480) 941-2858

Touchstone Gallery
4168 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale
(480) 874-8385