Scottsdale Public Art has opened "Desert Diamonds: Scottsdale’s 75th Anniversary" at the Civic Center Public Gallery inside Scottsdale Civic Center Library, running from April 10 through June 30, 2026. The exhibition features works selected from the city’s Fine Art Collection, including photography, painting, and sculpture that trace Scottsdale’s relationship with the arts from its earliest years, such as Mario Martinez’s "Yaqui Deer Dancer: Homage to the Ancestors" and George-Ann Tognoni’s "Helen Scott on Old Maude." The show marks the city’s diamond anniversary, with Scottsdale having been incorporated in 1951.
The exhibition matters because it underscores how the arts have been integral to Scottsdale’s identity since its founding, with cultural life championed by Helen Scott, wife of founder Winfield Scott. It highlights the city’s long-standing commitment to supporting local artists and building a public art collection that began in the late 1960s through citizen-led efforts. By celebrating this history, the show reinforces Scottsdale’s dedication to maintaining a vibrant, accessible arts community for residents and visitors alike.