Iconic Scottsdale art gallery closing after more than 30 years. Here’s why

A cornerstone of downtown Scottsdale’s art scene is making an exit after more than three decades. Art One Gallery announced Monday its long-running space on Marshall Way will close at the end of August after 32 years in business.

The gallery, best known for spotlighting student artists, emerging local talents and established creatives, has been a staple of the Valley’s arts scene for decades.

News of the gallery’s closure was posted on Art One Gallery's social media.

The announcement read in part: “After 32 incredible years of celebrating Arizona's emerging and student artists, it is with heavy hearts that we announce Art One Gallery will be closing its doors. This decision did not come easily. We have explored every possible option, but as a business that has always operated month-to-month, the financial challenges have simply become too great to overcome.” Art One was founded in 1993 by local artist Kraig Foote to foster and showcase emerging Arizona talent. For decades, the gallery has been a launchpad for local creatives and a regular stop on Scottsdale’s monthly art walk. It’s helped artists working in photography, sculpture, painting and other mediums, including such notable locals as painters Brian Boner and Suzanne Falk.

As Phoenix New Times wrote in 2022, Art One "is the best place to see works by emerging and established artists, including many you won't see on the beaten path of Phoenix's downtown arts scene."

Art One’s history had numerous ups and downs. The gallery weathered multiple recessions and a declining interest in downtown Scottsdale’s art scene. While neighbors like Lisa Sette Gallery and Bentley Gallery closed their Scottsdale locations or moved to downtown Phoenix, Foote and Art One kept going, downsizing and surviving close calls with closure. (Art One also operated a second location in downtown Phoenix along Grand Avenue in the 2000s.)

According to Monday’s announcement, Foote has been battling health issues but stayed determined to keep the gallery afloat. Recently, due to financial resources drying up and other issues, he decided to leave Arizona.

“As many of you know, Kraig, our founder and the heart of the gallery, has been navigating ongoing health challenges in recent years. Despite this, he remained fully dedicated to keeping Art One alive, making significant personal sacrifices to support the gallery and the community it serves,” the announcement read. “Unfortunately, those resources have now been exhausted, and the financial demands of keeping the doors open are no longer sustainable. Kraig will be moving to Utah at the end of July to be closer to his family.”

The announcement stated Art One will hold a closing sale from July 7 through Aug. 30 with 20% off all work. The gallery’s nonprofit Art One Foundation, which supports emerging and student artists, will remain active after the gallery’s closure.

“Our goal is to continue supporting student artists in high school and college as they navigate the evolving landscape of the art world,” the announcement stated.

Details about supporting the foundation and a farewell celebration will be announced in the coming weeks.

“We hope you'll come by, share a goodbye and perhaps take home a piece of the magic we created together,” the announcement stated.