April 14th, 2026
Scottsdale Public Art’s newest exhibition, “Desert Diamonds: Scottsdale’s 75th Anniversary,” running April 10 through June 30, 2026, at Scottsdale Civic Center Library, features art that showcases the history of the city.
CAPTION: "The Bay, Miller Creek, Near Prescott" by Jay Dusard is among the artworks featured in the “Desert Diamonds: Scottsdale’s 75th Anniversary” exhibition, which opened April 10 at the Civic Center Public Gallery inside Scottsdale Civic Center Library.
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Scottsdale Public Art’s newest exhibition, “Desert Diamonds: Scottsdale’s 75th Anniversary,” running April 10 through June 30, 2026, at Scottsdale Civic Center Library, features art that showcases the history of the city.
The arts have been part of the fabric of Scottsdale since its beginning, when Helen Scott, the wife of founder Winfield Scott, decided that integrating the arts and culture would be important to the community. In 1951, Scottsdale was officially incorporated as a city, and for its diamond anniversary, these artworks were selected from the city’s Fine Art Collection.
Wendy Raisanen, curator and collections manager for Scottsdale Public Art, a department of Scottsdale Arts, explained that choosing the artworks from the collection was a trip down memory lane for her.
“I grew up here and remember artwork on display in the library,” Raisanen said. “Scottsdale’s art collection really began in the late 1960s, when a few enthusiastic citizens held exhibitions in the library and started collecting artwork for the future. They imagined an art center, a museum and big things for Scottsdale, all for us.”
In 2026, the city will proudly mark its 75th anniversary — a milestone honoring the people, progress and spirit that shaped the community since its incorporation in 1951. The works on display reflect Scottsdale’s creative and cultural history through photography, painting, sculpture and more. These artworks represent Scottsdale Arts’ dedication to supporting local artists and showcasing artistic happenings, events and growth throughout the decades.
Artworks include Mario Martinez’s “Yaqui Deer Dancer: Homage to the Ancestors,” a painting depicting the artist's Yaqui/Yoeme ancestors and those who settled and lived in 20th century Scottsdale, and “Helen Scott on Old Maude,” George-Ann Tognoni’s scaled-down version of “Winfield Scott Memorial,” a bronze sculpture of the Scotts and their mule, Old Maude, that can be found in front of the Little Red Schoolhouse at Scottsdale Civic Center.
“This exhibition is a meaningful reflection of Scottsdale’s identity as a community that values creativity, culture and connection,” said Scottsdale’s city manager Greg Caton. “As we celebrate our 75th anniversary, ‘Desert Diamonds’ highlights how the arts have shaped our city from its earliest days to today. These works not only honor our history, but they also inspire the next generation and reinforce our commitment to supporting a vibrant, accessible arts community for all who live, work and visit here.”
“Desert Diamonds” will run from April 10 through June 30, 2026, at the Civic Center Public Gallery, located inside Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3948 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 85251. In addition to the exhibition itself, an audio tour will be included in the Scottsdale Public Art guide on the Bloomberg Connects app. There will also be an opening reception from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on April 16, 2026, at the Civic Center Public Gallery.
Scottsdale Arts Learning & Innovation has organized a creative workshop in association with this exhibition. On Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., guests can join Arizona-based artist Mark McDowell for a guided walkthrough of his work, followed by creating their own drawing on wood using the same materials and techniques. The workshop is free. Visitors can drop in at any time during the event; no registration will be required, but supplies are limited.
Learn more about the exhibition at ScottsdaleArts.org, and to get additional details about the city’s 75th anniversary, visit ScottsdaleAZ.gov/celebrate-75.
MEDIA CONTACT: Sydney Ritter | SydneyR@ScottsdaleArts.org | 480-874-4663