The Sonoran Arts League is proud to announce its 29th Annual Celebration of Art and the 45th Jeff Cross Memorial on Monday, May 12, at Cactus Shadows High School Fine Arts Center. This event is a testament to the League’s commitment to nurturing the creative talents of young artists in our community. The celebration is a free event that will take place from 4:30 to 6 p.m. and will feature over 100 talented students in grades 3 to 12. These students have been recognized for their outstanding achievements in visual arts, and their hard work will be celebrated by their peers, parents, and the community.

• The Sonoran Arts League has a long history of supporting youth arts education, which has been a core part of its mission for over 50 years.
• The League has empowered more than 4,000 students to pursue their passion for art through its various programs and initiatives.

The event will be chaired by Robin Ray, the Sonoran Arts League’s Youth Art Chair, who has been instrumental in organizing this celebration for many years. Ray said, “For more than 50 years, youth arts education has always been a big part of the League’s mission. This event alone has changed the lives of more than 4,000 students over the years.”

Ceramic artist Robin Ray, Sonoran Arts League Youth Art Chair, has been a driving force behind the event, and her passion for art education is evident in her words. “Art is not just a hobby or a pastime; it is a fundamental part of who we are as human beings. It is a way to express ourselves, to communicate with others, and to connect with our surroundings. Through art, we can tap into our emotions, our thoughts, and our experiences, and create something truly unique and meaningful,” Ray said. Mixed media painter Judy Bruce, who has helped coordinate the event for 20 years, shared her thoughts on the significance of art in our lives. “With technology taking over our lives, the handmade, the beautifully crafted, the expressive, the authentic, the creative, the empathetic, are the essence of what art teaches, and what art is, and what makes us human,” Bruce said. The event will feature a special recognition of the Jeff Cross Memorial, which is a prestigious award that recognizes outstanding achievement in visual arts. The award is named after Jeff Cross, a renowned artist who was a long-time supporter of the Sonoran Arts League.

• Students will be recognized by their teachers on stage, and each will receive a gift bag of art supplies provided by the Sonoran Arts League to nurture their creative spirit over the summer.
• The event will take place at Cactus Shadows High School Fine Arts Center, 33606 N. 60th St. in Scottsdale, and is free to the public.

The Sonoran Arts League is committed to providing opportunities for young artists to develop their skills and showcase their talents. The event is a testament to the League’s dedication to empowering the next generation of artists. To learn more about the Sonoran Arts League and its programs, visit www.sonoranartsleague.org or call 480-575-6624.

“Art is a powerful tool that can bring people together, inspire creativity, and foster a sense of community. As we celebrate the artistic talents of our young people, we are reminded of the importance of preserving and promoting the arts in our society.” – Judy Bruce

Empowering the Next Generation of Artists

The Sonoran Arts League is dedicated to providing opportunities for young artists to develop their skills and showcase their talents. The event is a testament to the League’s commitment to empowering the next generation of artists.

• The Sonoran Arts League has a long history of supporting youth arts education, which has been a core part of its mission for over 50 years.
• The League has empowered more than 4,000 students to pursue their passion for art through its various programs and initiatives.

The event will feature a special recognition of the Jeff Cross Memorial, which is a prestigious award that recognizes outstanding achievement in visual arts. The award is named after Jeff Cross, a renowned artist who was a long-time supporter of the Sonoran Arts League.

• Students will be recognized by their teachers on stage, and each will receive a gift bag of art supplies provided by the Sonoran Arts League to nurture their creative spirit over the summer.
• The event will take place at Cactus Shadows High School Fine Arts Center, 33606 N. 60th St. in Scottsdale, and is free to the public.

The Sonoran Arts League is committed to providing opportunities for young artists to develop their skills and showcase their talents. The event is a testament to the League’s dedication to empowering the next generation of artists. To learn more about the Sonoran Arts League and its programs, visit www.sonoranartsleague.org or call 480-575-6624. “Art is a powerful tool that can bring people together, inspire creativity, and foster a sense of community. As we celebrate the artistic talents of our young people, we are reminded of the importance of preserving and promoting the arts in our society.”

Getting Involved

If you would like to get involved with the Sonoran Arts League or learn more about its programs, there are several ways to do so:

• Visit the Sonoran Arts League website at www.sonoranartsleague.org
• Call the Sonoran Arts League at 480-575-6624
• Attend one of the Sonoran Arts League’s events or exhibitions

By getting involved with the Sonoran Arts League, you can help support the next generation of artists and contribute to the preservation and promotion of the arts in our society.