By Amanda Siegal, Class 40

 

 

“Arts are part of the DNA of Scottsdale”. – Jim Bruner

 

Arts Day immersed Class 40 in the creative engine that shapes the city’s identity. The day began in the Center Space Gallery of the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. Alicia Haygood and Dana Close introduce the opportunity for Class Representative, and the murmurs began… who will throw their hat in the ring?From backstage moments and public art walks, to museums, theatres and conversations with the people stewarding our creative spaces, we explored how the arts are not a “nice to have” but a “need to have” in a thriving community.

 

“We are the cultural stewards of the arts for the city”. – Dr. Gerd Wuestemann

 

The day’s content began with an overview of Scottsdale Arts and the impressive network that curates, cultivates, and stewards art for our community. Dr. Gerd Wuestemann’s presentation provided a big-picture view of Scottsdale Arts’ evolution and left many of us wanting more!

 

“The dialogue of art is like ‘parks & rec’ for our souls”. – Dr. Gerd Wuestemann

 

Next, Randy Nussbaum’s candid perspective on advocacy and patronage was filled with personal stories, and of course, PENS! We benefited from the expertise of Kati Ballares with an insightful conversation about public art; how it comes to be, is maintained, and even a sneak peak at what might be coming up next.

 

“Public art is a gateway drug”. – Kati Ballares

 

Julie Ganas led us on an inspiring and curiosity invoking journey through SMoCA’s displays where we were particularly enamored by Squidsoup’s installation “Infinite” and Casey Curran’s kinetic sculptures – an absolute MUST EXPERIENCE.  Zach Ciaburri granted us a backstage tour of the Center of Performing Arts where we learned about the ghost-stories that haunt theatre companies and viewed the giant trusses responsible for scene changes. The back halls told stories of multiple generations of performers who have graced Scottsdale with their craft and their presence.  We wrapped up the first half of our day in the lobby with a group workshop in Ikebana -Japanese flower arranging. (We’ll never know how many relationships were saved with this last-minute Valentine’s gift!).

 

The second half of the day took us to the Museum of the West where Todd Bankofier and Wade Weber connected mission to education. We stood amazed at the unique and ancient pieces on display that anchor Arizona’s heritage and Scottsdale as “The West’s Most Western Town”.

 

“Art saves lives”. – Maureen Watson

 

A short walk led us to Stagebrush Theatre where Maureen Watson brought theater’s community impact to life as they showcased the talents of a current 12-year old student performer, a former student turned Broadway star, volunteers, and board members. The impact of this program on the youth it serves was palpable.

 

Class 40 continued in our tradition of legacy, impact, and innovation, ensuring we left our mark on this worthy cause by donating as a group to sponsor a chair in the theatre. (Check out Row D, Seat 16- best seat in the house).

 

The day wrapped up with a fitting happy hour at Mountain Shadows where Cece Cole hosted a closing conversation and gallery tour. 
Arts thrive through collaboration, intentional funding, accessible programming, and operational excellence behind the scenes. We can champion arts partnerships, support boards and fundraising, and keep these leaders in our networks—bridging business, policy, and creativity to amplify Scottsdale’s cultural momentum.