Carstens Fine Art Studio & Gallery to Host Artists/Teachers Karin Carlson & Monica Garvey

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - Jan. 3, 2019 - PRLog -- Carstens Fine Art Studio & Gallery will host a reception for featured artists Karin Carlson and Monica Garvey on Thursday, January 17, from 6:30pm to 9:30pm with the opportunity to meet the artists, enjoy donuts and light refreshments, accompanied by live music performed by renowned acoustical guitarist John Calvert. Held during the first Gold Palette ArtWalk  "Demonstrate… and Donuts" Artwalk of the New Year with The Scottsdale Gallery Association honoring first responders.

The "Demonstrate . . . and Donuts," is a special Gold Palette ArtWalk featuring donut-sampling opportunities at many of the Scottsdale Arts Districts' participating galleries. Local donut shops will provide the donut tastings and entertainment includes traditional bagpipe musical performances and demonstrations from local artists. The event serves as a fundraiser to benefit the 100 Club of Arizona, a non-profit organization that has been providing assistance to statewide public safety agencies, officers, firefighters, EMT/paramedics and their families since 1968. The Scottsdale Police Department's K-9 Unit will also be on hand throughout the event, providing guests with community safety demonstrations and information about the important role police dogs play within the force.

Karin Carlson moved to Arizona 11 years ago and has been thrilled ever since by the amazing diversity of the state, from the hot arid desert, to the high mountain forests, and the breathtaking canyons. With her paintings, she seeks to inspire in others a deep appreciation for the nature of the Southwest. Her favorite part of teaching in Wickenburg, AZ and making art is using different media for creative problem solving. Her recent favorites are watercolor and acrylic.

Monica Garvey teaches painting and drawing at Ironwood High School in Glendale. Helping students learn, grow, and find their passion in art for 13 years has been a joy and has had significant impact on her artwork as well. Currently, Monica has been painting small and quick abstract pieces that show movement and communicate a burst of emotion, in addition to bright, expressive portraits of dogs. She enjoys being able to capture the life, light, and personality of canines for others to enjoy, and hopefully make them smile.

Cyndy Carstens is a painter and gallery owner will also be demonstrating oil painting techniques during the evening. She creates oil paintings exploring expansive spaces, moments of stillness, and faith. She utilizes a broad spectrum of colors, along with layering and combining genres within her work reinventing the southwest landscape. "The colorful compositions are the music in my head; the light in my soul and the passion of my heart imparting a message of contentment, peacefulness and hope; trees, cacti and other images tell our human stories of fortitude," states Carstens. Finding inspiration in atmospheres, exploring cloud formations and color combinations, her work focuses on the ever-changing weather patterns of the Southwest balanced by organic forms and landscape.

Carstens has exhibited her work extensively across the country and her work is represented by the UGallery of San Francisco, CA, as well as her own gallery. Her work is included in both private and corporate collections across the U.S. and internationally. Her work has been featured on many television/radio news programs throughout her career and her work has gleaned numerous awards. Most recently her work was included in the prestigious National Weather Center Biennial – 2017 and she received the Artist Award of Distinction Richeson: Landscape 2016 Exhibition; the Artist of the Year, Sonoran Arts League; Arizona Artists Guild Best of Show Award; Chairman's Award, Peoria Arts Council Annual Juried Exhibition; and the Artist of Distinction Award, Manhattan Arts International. She has studied the arts at 4 universities including Arizona State University, 3 artist schools and purposes to be an eternal student. Carstens also shares her knowledge through workshops and private art lessons, please inquire for more information.

Stop by Carstens Fine Art during the Artwalk to see Karin and Monica demonstrate their painting talent and to try some delicious donuts! The Carstens Fine Art Studio & Gallery is located at 7077 E. Main Street #5 in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, AZ. The gallery and studio are open daily. For more information about Cyndy Carstens or the "Demonstrate . . . and Donuts" Artwalk on January 17^th, 2019, please visit http://www.cyndycarstens.com. For all media inquiries or a private appointment to view the gallery please contact Artist and Owner, Cyndy Carstens by phone at (480) 946-3217 or by email at cyndy@cyndycarstens.com.