Photos Courtesy of Scottsdale Public Art

Scottsdale Public Art’s free annual public art event, Canal Convergence Water + Art + Light is lighting up the Scottsdale Waterfront from Nov. 4 to Nov. 13.

Large-scale public artworks created by artists from around the world and locally will illuminate the Scottsdale Waterfront each evening along the Scottsdale Waterfront, in and above the Arizona Canal and along the pedestrian pathways, and bridges, between Scottsdale Road and Goldwater Boulevard.
Every year, Canal Convergence selects a featured theme to be highlighted alongside the perennial focus on Water + Art + Light, interactivity, and sustainability. This year’s featured theme is “Celebrating 10 Years of Water + Art + Light.”

This year’s event is a celebration of the 10th anniversary of Canal Convergence and will include live music, dance performances, creative workshops, educational tours, augmented reality experiences, food, and drink, and more.

Since Canal Convergence officially began in 2012, it has embodied an ever-evolving conversation about site-specific public art, light art, community engagement, and more, all within the context of an outdoor, nighttime-focused event. For Canal Convergence 2022, each artist was directed to present an artwork that celebrates Water + Art + Light, interactivity, and sustainability, but also draws from any of the past featured themes like “Reconnect,” “The Story of Water,” and “Art and Technology.”

In addition to commemorating the anniversary through the artwork themes, this year’s event also looks to celebrate the vibrant global artist community that has made Canal Convergence so memorable over the years. Scottsdale Public Art selected artists who have exhibited work at Canal Convergence throughout the 10-year span alongside artists who are new to the event. With this collection of past and present artists, the event highlights not only the evolution as an event but also the artists’ growth.

With these aspects in mind, the return of some favorite artists from the past, including B!G ART (three separate artworks!), Hector Esrawe and Ignacio Cadena, HYBYCOZO, Immerge Interactive, Walter Productions, and Jeff Zischke. Joining them are these new artists: Alex P., Angela Fraleigh, Josh Miller, Pneuhaus, and Bike Powered Events.

In addition to the physical artworks selected this year, Canal Convergence will also commission three original augmented reality artworks from Arizona artists, as well as AR experiences that correspond to the physical artworks via the Hoverlay App. Make sure to download the Hoverlay app so you can participate in the captivating AR artwork and experiences.

For more information, visit canalconvergence.com/canal-convergence-2022.