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Local Event
Cost: $3 Admission
Thunderbird Artists, leading producers of fine art and wine events in the Southwest, is excited to be heading East for the Surprise Fine Art & Wine Festival again this season. The 7th Annual Surprise Fine Art & Wine Festival, January 11th, 12th & 13th, will be our first festival of 2019 and we are proud to feature stone sculptor, Ben Kinne. The event has become a community favorite; locals and visitors love the ambience of strolling throughout juried artworks, while sipping fine wines, sampling local microbrews and listening to live music!
Ben Kinne began his journey with fine art when he started working with his father, Greg Kinne, over a decade ago. Greg had already been established as a skilled artist for over 12 years, working mostly in the medium of concrete, where Ben’s education would begin. Ben learned to cast, acid etch, sculpt, and finish this versatile and beautiful material. As he became more comfortable working with this medium, Ben began creating collaborative pieces with his father as well as unique pieces of his own. While Greg draws strong inspiration from primitive artwork, Ben is inspired to create in contemporary form and design. Working in this realm led to the next evolution of his life in artwork, the addition of bronze appliqué. Bronze quickly became Ben’s main focus starting with flat appliqué on acid etched concrete panels, moving to fabricated forms, embellishing sculpted concrete, pushing him even further to his more advanced works utilizing cast and fabricated bronze in his sculptures and wall pieces. These current works display not only Ben’s ability to design, sculpt and fabricate, but also showcase his understanding of hot chemical patinas and finishes. Every step on these pieces is executed by Ben in his studio, in Quincy California. All of these steps take time, but Ben likes to have as much personal influence on every piece he creates, keeping the finished pieces true to his original vision. He draws his inspiration from southwest culture and design, primitive influences, and geologic formation, while presenting his work in bold contemporary forms. The union of these two very different mediums, concrete and bronze, has enabled him to maintain unique appeal and intrigue throughout his entire body of work. This marriage, of two classic mediums, has created a diverse and attractive collection, while also providing a foundation for many works to come. Ben loves talking with patrons about his pieces and is eager to meet you at the event!
In addition to the works of Ben, 100 other juried fine artists will join Thunderbird Artists to bring the city of Surprise a world-class, fine art event. Patrons love the intimate feel of this festival, where they can get up close and personal with the artwork and can discuss each piece firsthand with the creator. The festival boasts subject matters ranging from southwest and traditional to contemporary and abstract, figurative, floral, wildlife, European, African, Native American and much more, ensuring all attendees find a piece that speaks to them.
Thunderbird Artists knows how important it is for local businesses to be involved in the community and is dedicated to working with charities at each event. 25% of all wine proceeds from the Surprise Fine Art & Wine Festival benefit the Kiwanis Club. The Kiwanis Club is dedicated to empowering communities to improve the world by making lasting differences in the lives of children. The club focuses on raising money for children’s scholarships, school supplies, etc., while also providing meals, education, money for medical expenses and more. For $10, patrons receive an engraved souvenir wine glass and six tasting tickets, giving them an opportunity to sample an extensive collection of domestic and imported wines, as well as flavored spirits, and local microbrews. Schlossadler International has become a local favorite at the event, as well as, King Frosch. Wineries Cellar 433, Del Rio Springs, Su Vino and Village of Elgin bring a variety of wines made from locally grown grapes and Kingman’s Desert Diamond Distillery hosts flavored rums, gins and vodkas. Thunderbird Artists also loves partnering with non-profits and always leaves a few spaces open for locals to raise awareness for their worthy causes.
The festival will also encompass live musical entertainment and tasty food. The West side of the event is lined with a variety of food trucks, ensuring everyone finds something delicious. After lunch, complete your meal by satisfying your sweet tooth and snacking on kettle corn, cookies, caramels, ice cream and more while strolling throughout this unparalleled art arena. Fudge and chocolate covered strawberries are made onsite by K & R Fudge and be sure to stop by Mr Nelson’s Cookies. Mr. Nelson is a “one-man-show” as he personally makes, bakes, wraps and packages 24 dozen perfect chocolate chip cookies a day, four days a week.
Live music is a mainstay at all Thunderbird Artists events and this event is happy to feature Jason Michael Tracy, Gina Machoyina and Vibhas Kendzia. Pianist, Jason Michael Tracy’s energy is evident for all who hear him. His passion for music helps him add his own vocals to traditional favorites. Gina’s beautifully mesmerizing music is a soulful mix of guitar masterpieces and passionate vocal tunes. She is a classically trained guitarist who has been performing and writing music for 35 years. Vibhas’ strength is versatility. He plays his original piano solos with a classical touch, his fingers running over the keys like a soft cool breeze in summer. With the keyboard accompaniment, Vibhas is free to play haunting melodies on the Indian flutes, or smooth jazz arrangements with the soprano sax. The musicians will play continually throughout the three days and take breaks in between sets.
This event will take place at the Surprise Recreation Campus, 15960 N Bullard Ave in Surprise, Arizona. The festival is open 10am to 5pm all three days. Admission is $3 for adults and parking is free all weekend. Join Thunderbird Artists, Ben Kinne and other exceptional artists for the Surprise Fine Art & Wine Festival!
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