Twenty years ago, the Desert Foothills area was little more than a picturesque silhouette on the northern horizon of the Valley of the Sun. Winter visitors stayed at the world-renowned Boulders Resort; there was boutique shopping in Carefree; and those seeking a Wild West experience could slake their thirsts at colorful "watering holes" in Cave Creek. The Desert Foothills were relatively undiscovered and the residents liked it that way.

Even then, a significant number of artists had already made the Foothills their home, attracted by the peacefulness and scenic beauty of the area. This core population of artists continued to grow - quietly, and in harmony with the high Sonoran Desert environment. For camaraderie among fellow artists, and to exchange ideas about artistic technique and other issues, they formed a group called the Crafts Council.

Over the years the Crafts Council ebbed and flowed. It was active in environmental causes, held arts and crafts shows, and participated in the community. As the Phoenix-Scottsdale population explosion of this decade reached northward, it brought many changes as well as new artists and art patrons with it. Eventually, the Crafts Council waned. At the beginning of the 1990s a new group, the present Sonoran Arts League, was formed by members of the old Crafts Council as a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting the visual arts, artists, and art education within the community.

Since its founding, the Arts League has been actively pursuing its charter by working with local schools and producing events in the community. Hidden in the Hills is the League's major Fall event. This annual tour of member artists' studios works toward achieving the three objectives of our charter by providing tour participants a unique opportunity to observe artists at work in their studios. Another feature that promotes involvement is the People's Choice Awards which allows participants to vote for their favorite artists in various categories and for the artist's studio that they like the best.

Arts awareness is also promoted by Art in the Park during which artist members give hands-on demonstrations in their media. We also produce the Sonoran Festival of Fine Art held every Spring. This event combines the visual arts with other art forms into a real celebration of the arts. The League also produces exhibits throughout the year in various venues, including a revolving exhibition at Harris Bank in El Pedregal, a juried exhibition at MusicFest, and others.

Throughout the year, the Arts League sponsors trips to area museums and to cultural events. We also sponsor hands-on workshops open to the community, conducted by artists from within the League or visiting artists during which participants can try working with different media and learn new techniques.

This season will see two new programs inaugurated: a scholarship fund to further arts education for art students, artists, and teachers; and an Artist-in-Residence program that brings well known artists into the community for an extended period to teach in local schools, conduct Master Classes for artists, and give public lectures about their work.

The League has come a long way since its founding roots in the Crafts Council. How do we see our future? It has this vision: to be the driving organizational force in making the Desert Foothills an art destination. We confidently believe that we have the talent, the vision, and the energy to make that happen.

As we move toward achieving our goals, we invite you to "Be a Part of the Arts" by enjoying our events and by joining with us. Sonoran Arts League membership includes many art appreciators as well as artists, and is not limited geographically. There's a new excitement in the Arts! Come join with us and contribute your time (volunteers welcome!) and talent to this creative energy!