ArtBook of the new west: Bringing Art to the Forefront in Arizona

ArtBook of the new west is a distinctive editorial magazine as well as a useful guide dedicated to profiling many local artists and fine art galleries throughout the state. It provides insightful information concerning the incessant realm of art that exists all around us, hoping to preserve the history of art that has always been a vital influence upon every aspect of growth throughout Arizona and will maintain such vital importance in the future.

Artist's respect and embrace what ArtBook possesses; an evident visual artistic expression and a certain unique quality full of vibrant imagery and color. There is a pure diversity one can see from page to page, which is why anyone with a creative spirit can understand and appreciate what this specific publication is working to support: the enterprise of bringing art to the forefront in Arizona.

Publisher Jon Linton explains that his original intent was, "An effort to really breathe some life into the scene here." He also believes that, "Art is important in so many ways, integrated into our daily lives. It tells the story of who we are, where we've been and where we're going."

Ten years ago, when ArtBook first began, there wasn't a high end magazine dedicated exclusively to the arts. Jon saw this as a void in the market and quickly took it upon himself to seize a life changing opportunity. Researching such a vast endeavor and attempting to gain the trust of so many renowned artists and galleries, Jon soon began advertising the entire array of art in the west, predominately in Arizona, helping to give it the recognition it deserves.

However, with so much talk about Phoenix being a rising art scene in the valley, ArtBook still primarily highlights the more obvious and thriving well established art districts such as Scottsdale, Sedona and Tucson, which leaves much to be desired regarding the promotion of Phoenix artists.

Jon acknowledges this issue and shows his enthusiasm concerning the subject by saying, "Phoenix has just begun to evolve and find its identity. I like the raw, urban aspect that's going on there. It's becoming important and is something I'll definitely look at in the future."

From old to new, ArtBook has had to evolve with change of perspectives and has encouraged the market to meet the needs of new corners. Along Main Street in Scottsdale and other areas like Sedona, Tubac and even Jerome, it wasn't long ago these locations were entirely embedded with southwestern art. It has been a task of ArtBook to follow where the spectrum is leading so it can continue being a reflection of what's going on in that market place. Now, when you walk these streets and look around, there is a combination of styles and genres mixed together, offering something different for everyone.

Speaking with a few galleries in Scottsdale on a Thursday night art walk, they view ArtBook as being a major advertisement vehicle and a dependable source that spreads awareness among buyers or anyone with an attraction to art.

Realizing the success he has had creating ArtBook from the ground up, Jon feels it is only because of the people bringing their passions together. "I can't take ownership," he admits. "My success is due to their success."

Jon says there are challenges no matter where you're at or what you're doing and that he has endured many of them throughout this process. "In the essence of it all...What's made this successful are the folks inside this art community."

A great inspiration for ArtBook has been the words and legacy of artist Fritz Scholder, an unforgettable friend and mentor of Jon's who suggested that he pull down the fences and push back the barriers. Jon reflects back, proudly stating, "He encouraged me to dream because he was a dreamer. ArtBook has been and continues to be that dream."

to learn more about ArtBook, go to http://artbookthemagazine.com