Camp Verde Artists is a recently formed group of artists who live in Camp Verde who want to encourage local artists to come together, inspire one another and create a vibrant and thriving art scene.
After seeing a need for a strong art community in the town, artist and painter Mary Rush decided to take up the challenge herself in December 2023. Rush paints in acrylic and oil, mainly landscapes done en plein air, and also enjoys painting abstracts.
Discussing a past art walk, Rush recalled talking to the event’s featured artist, who specialized in wildlife photographs. She asked the artist if he loved wildlife, to which he replied that it was just what sells. Rush said she felt disheartened by the encounter and tried to move to an area with a vibrant arts scene, but that didn’t work out, so she figured she would start a united, thriving arts scene locally.
“Apparently I’m supposed to be in Camp Verde,” Rush said, and she added that she feels her mission is to unite the artists in the area. The group now has a membership of 38 artists.
“The goal is to have every artist who lives in Camp Verde join the crusade and unite in camaraderie, friendship and solidarity, creating a vibrant and growing art scene,” Rush said.
On Friday, March 5, the group held its third meeting at the Camp Verde Community Library with artists, art advocates and guest speakers on the topic of planning the year ahead. Library Director Kathy Hellman, Library Manager Nicole Metz-Andrews and Library Specialist Carson Ralston spoke about the library’s support for the arts.
“We need more art in Camp Verde,” MetzAndrews said. “I can’t express enough how important art is in a community of any size, especially in a small town.” She added that the library provides a great space to showcase art and has an art display on exhibit right now.
Lynn Szelock, owner of Hole in the Wall Books, spoke about her advocacy for art and wanting to have art at her store and in the courtyard next door.
Daniel Briggs of the Arts Alliance of Camp Verde also spoke about being approached by the town’s economic development department to start the alliance to support the arts and culture in town. The alliance plans to be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports local artists.
Artists also shared their work during a show and tell segment of the meeting, including ceramicists, painters, photographers and mixed media artists.
This was followed by a brainstorming session to define the group’s goals. The group aims to offer art sales opportunities, programs for artists to meet and learn different skills and a variety of activities.
“Artists need to meet to form a strong support net for each other,” Rush said. “Artists are integral to the cultural base of humanity.”
Rush has been organizing artists’ dates that match three people for an intimate time to meet and discuss their art. She said that connecting artists and having them interact will help feed their art.
“I really want the Camp Verde arts scene to expand, to grow, to be a thing,” Rush said. “I know the community wants it. My dream is to get the community and artists together.”
Those interested in joining the group can visit the Facebook page Camp Verde Artists.
