Library Art Gallery Exhibits

desert foothills Gallery logoThe Desert Foothills Library is the home of The Desert Foothills Gallery, a permanent gallery mainly featuring artists of the Sonoran Arts League. The wall mounted exhibition is changed four times a year allowing the Library to feature a continuous rotation of work by local juried artists.

All art displayed in the Gallery is for sale. Twenty percent of the sale value benefits the Library and five percent benefits the Sonoran Arts League. To purchase, please stop by the Circulation Desk any time during Library hours.

For information concerning the exhibits in the Gallery, please see the Library calendar. All exhibitions feature an opening reception where the public can meet the artists. Receptions are held at the Library at 3:30 to 5:00pm on selected Fridays.

The Library is fortunate to be the permanent home of other artwork that has been donated. We have two wonderful pieces by the late sculptor Robert Thornley as well as other Southwestern artists.

2026 Hidden in the Hills Showcase

October 15, 2026 to January 6, 2027 | Desert Foothills Library, Cave Creek, AZ

Dates: October 15, 2026 to January 6, 2027
Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri 9am to 5pm | Tue, Thu 9am to 6pm | Sat 10am to 4pm
Location: Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek, AZ 85331
Admission: Free

Get a Head Start on the Hidden in the Hills Artist Studio Tour

Get a head start on planning your visit to the 2026 Hidden in the Hills Artist Studio Tour by exploring the annual Hidden in the Hills Showcase at Desert Foothills Gallery. The exhibit opens October 15, 2026, and runs through January 6, 2027, offering a preview of artwork created by artists participating in this popular local studio tour.

The Showcase has become an annual tradition, giving art lovers a chance to discover the diverse talents, creative styles, and artistic perspectives of participating artists before setting out on the tour. Whether you’re a longtime tour enthusiast or planning your first visit, the Showcase offers inspiration and a sneak peek at the artwork waiting in artists’ studios.

Make the Showcase your first stop. Discover new artists, find inspiration, and start building your must-visit list for the 2026 Hidden in the Hills Artist Studio Tour.

Showcase Events

Opening Reception

Friday, October 23, 2026 | 3:30pm to 5:00pm
View the exhibit and celebrate the creativity of the participating artists. Light refreshments will be served.

Artful Presentation with Q&A

Thursday, November 5, 2026 | 4:00pm to 5:00pm
Engage with the local arts community and learn more about the artists and their creative journeys.

View Exhibiting Artists

View Exhibiting Artists

Supporting Local Art & Community

All artwork in the exhibition is available for purchase. To buy a piece, visit the Desert Foothills Library circulation desk during regular hours. Twenty percent of sales benefits the Desert Foothills Library and 5% supports the Sonoran Arts League. By supporting local artists, you help sustain the vibrant arts community in Cave Creek and beyond.

Preview the Showcase

(Click on any image to enlarge)

Valencia by Lucy Dickens, oil: orange and pink prickly pear cactus blossoms
Anima by Bela Fidel, oil and collage: abstract with layered yellow, blue, pink and black shapes
Colorful Neural Connections by Carol McDonald, acrylic: abstract of blue, purple and gold bursts on cream
Salt Ponds Triptych by Scarlett Fiona Reed, encaustic: three panels of orange, turquoise and white abstract forms
Echos in Stone by Lucy Dickens, oil: creek winding through green trees below red rock canyon cliffs
Radiance In White by Nancy Palmisano, oil on canvas: white blossoms with yellow centers on a deep blue background
Three Zen Graces by Bela Fidel, oils: abstract with three dark blue circles on yellow, green and red
Serendipity by Jules Gallatig, photography: close-up of magenta and green flower buds on a green background
Brilliant Cascade by Lucy Dickens, oil: waterfall pouring between red rock cliffs into a turquoise pool
Coastal Scroll by Marti Skloven, ceramic: footed turquoise vase with a black rim, handles and spiral accents
Morning's Light by Nancy Palmisano, oil on canvas: close-up of a pale blue and white flower with yellow stamens
Launch by Larry Emmott, fiber clay: sculpture of a mountain biker jumping off a green rock
Sunflower Bracelet by Janey White, beads and leather: brown leather wrap bracelet with a sunflower clasp
Goddess Feather Bracelet by Janey White, beads: cream and turquoise beaded bracelet with a bronze feather charm
Watchful Neighbor by Kathleen Reeder, wildlife photography: burrowing owl perched on a dry desert shrub
Seafoam Swirls by Marti Skloven, ceramic: seafoam green basket vessel with a wrapped handle and wire accents
Mountain Creek by Beth Zink, acrylic: rushing creek over boulders in a sunlit pine forest
Blue Pebble Bracelet by Janey White, beads: teal and silver beaded bracelet displayed on weathered wood
Solar Stings by Jules Gallatig, photography: macro view of a yellow flower with long radiating spikes
Covered Jar with Cholla Handle by Christopher Heede, raku ceramic: orange and green jar with a cholla wood handle
Roman Beads by Jane Boggs, gourd: long strand of multicolored round beads ending in a red cross
The Gathering by Kathleen Reeder, wildlife photography: hummingbirds hovering around a purple lupine flower
Pearl Drop Earrings by Janice Stiles, jewelry: pair of white pearl drop earrings on silver posts
Prism II by Bela Fidel, oil: abstract painting with bold strokes of yellow, blue, red and white
Shino Whirl by Marti Skloven, ceramic and wood: tall cylindrical vessel with a branch handle and twig accents
Lady with Spiked Hair by Judy Bruce, mixed media: abstract figure with fiery orange hair against a starry blue sky
Silver Fusion Cuff by Janice Stiles, jewelry: textured metal cuff bracelet with a warm copper and gold finish
Beauty Queen by Gedion Nyanhongo, stone sculpture: tall carved woman's face with long flowing hair
Brush Bustin' by David Irvine, photography: cowboy on horseback riding through dense green brush
Blue Ravaged Lady La by Judy Bruce, mixed media: abstract figure in vivid blue, red and yellow
Dignified Lady by Gedion Nyanhongo, stone sculpture: elongated stylized woman's head on a round base
The Familiar Wild by Kathleen Reeder, wildlife photography: close-up portrait of a coyote
Cherry Blossoms by Carole Perry, glass: curved pink glass panel with a diagonal band of red frit
Queen in Thought by Gedion Nyanhongo, stone sculpture: stylized woman's head with flowing carved hair
Electric Azul Checked by Jacki Cohen, glass: curved fused glass dish in bright blue with black and white checks
The Shape of a Secret by Joel Stevenson, sculpted wood: flowing abstract looped form in golden wood
Wild Orchids by Carole Perry, glass and steel: sculpture of colorful glass orchid blooms on steel stems
Patina in Motion by Bill Battaglia, glass and copper: wall sculpture of copper rods with patina and glass panels
Redhead with Bubbles by Judy Bruce, mixed media: whimsical portrait of a red-haired figure among colorful bubbles
Purple Pal by Jim Bruce, cement and steel: textured purple-blue creature sculpture standing on gravel
Lily Pad by Mona Houle, watercolor: pink and white water lily on green lily pads over purple and blue water
Highlights by Gail Haire, oil: geometric canyon landscape in orange, blue, red and gray
Pearl Drop 5 by Janice Stiles, jewelry: pendant of five graduated white pearls on a silver chain