We know that the United States is a country of multicultural influences, cultures and behaviors. New Mexico, Mississippi, and Kansas have the highest number of cultural attractions, from museums and art galleries to landmarks, each providing insight into the native’s lives. Still, traditions from other nations are also popular.
However, competing with Arizona in terms of culture and artistic awareness is tough. The mix of Hispanic and Native American Indian customs left the state with some of the most valuable attestations of the past, especially in the form of natural preserves. At the same time, cities like Scottsdale, Tucson, and the Phoenix metropolitan area offer stunning landscapes and delicious meals, so they’re the perfect spots for a full tourist experience.
Still, these must-see art galleries are perfect if you’re more interested in culture.
The Adelante Gallery
Located in the Spanish Village, the Adelante Gallery includes paintings, sculptures, and jewelry made by local and international artists, showcasing more than just Spanish culture. The community building has extraordinary art pieces, but the area also includes a restaurant, a coffee shop, and many other accommodating spaces for tourists. If you love a certain artwork, you can purchase it to support the artist and show your appreciation for the site's cultural importance.
The state was once part of the Spanish occupation for a few decades, but the exploration period lengthened over centuries. Arizona was also the place of numerous battles between Native American peoples and the Spaniards, hence the rich culture.
Gallery Coronado
The Phoenix Art Gallery created a team of international artists who work to provide unique art inspired by Ukrainian or English culture, so they put their paintings for sale to anyone interested. But there’s more to it since the gallery also includes pro-prints, free events, and jewelry.
The gallery also organizes campaigns to win free art by submitting a drawing. The team chooses a winner. You can get inspiration from the artists working with the gallery and learn more about them on the gallery’s website.
Savvy Collector Art
Savvy Collector is specialized in Native American art, but also offers a varied array of art products for sale. A veteran art appraiser curates the artwork for the gallery so customers can get the best deals and unique offerings.
You can find weavings, jars, and designer glass, as well as paintings and sculptures, each with impressive designs and stories. More than 1,000 registered artists create new artwork quite often, so there’s something to buy for every taste.
Bahti Indian Arts
Indian culture is one of the oldest and most interesting in history, so the Bahti Indian Arts gallery takes you deep into these cultural roots through Navajo textiles, Hopi Katisnas, and Zuni-inspired pieces. The extensive inventory includes jewelry, small animal sculptures, and even non-Indian products.
The gallery is seventy-five years old, so it holds considerable collections of fine art galleries. Sand painting, for example, is a famous Native American technique of preserving history and communicating, so various similar paintings can be found here.
Other cultural spots in Arizona
Arizona has more than one art gallery, which is why the cultural imprint here is significant. For example, the Fort Apache Historical Park offers valuable insight into how Apache people lived, with exhibits including buildings from the 19th century. Photographs and documents will get you through the White Mountain Apache Tribe, and you can also purchase souvenirs like baskets and jewelry from a shop in the area.
Among the buildings, you’ll be able to discover military barracks, a historic Bureau of Indian Affairs, and a preserved structure from General Crook. You can also explore the area more by visiting the Kinishba Ruins, an ancient pueblo structure, Hawley Lake, or the Mogollon Rim.
Arizona’s natural wonders
What can be more telling of a nation’s history than what is left in nature? Plenty of famous natural spots make Arizona unique, such as the Grand Canyon, which is part of Grand Canyon National Park. The history of the settlements takes us back to Native Americans, whose settlements were part of the canyon or in caves.
Still, there are many other fascinating natural wonders here around, such as the following:
Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Area has some of the deepest red cliffs and impressive rock formations;
Lake Powell has some of the best landmarks of the Anasazi culture, such as the Rainbow Bridge or Castle Rock;
Antelope Canyon is part of the Navajo Nation and offers a unique visual spectacle due to the light shaping over its curves;
Weather precautions when visiting Arizona
Although Arizona is a rich cultural place, it’s best to book your visit somewhere around early spring or late fall. The summer climate can be unbearable at times! Phoenix, for example, has long risen above the regular temperatures of a hot desert climate, reaching 110F in 2022, and experts estimate temperatures will continue to increase as the years go by.
The city is currently taking serious measures to protect people in response to the heat and to make the city more comfortable by adding trees and greenery, but locals and visitors must also know how to withstand the weather themselves.
Therefore, make sure to be well-hydrated at all times and drink water even when not thirsty. Try limiting sugary or caffeinated drinks, as they contribute to dehydration. Applying sunblock frequently throughout the day and seeking shade will protect your skin from sunburn. That said, it’s best to stay indoors or get out early in the morning or late at night. Finally, make sure you know the signs of heat exhaustion or stroke, which usually include nausea, muscle cramps, and throbbing headaches.
Are you ready to discover Arizona’s cultural background?
Arizona is a state with one of the most impressive cultural hotspots, given the mixed history of Native Americans and Spaniards. The place celebrates ancient events and displays memorable paintings and art crafts in art galleries that anyone can visit. Don’t forget to check out well-preserved natural spots, such as the Grand Canyon.
