The Mountain Artists Guild 61st Annual Summer Festival of Fine Art & Crafts took over the Downtown Courthouse Square August 13th and 14th, with nearly 140 juried artists presenting their original work. There was something for everyone who appreciates art: painting, mixed media, photography, drawing, ceramics, fiber art, glass, paper, gourds, bronze and metal sculpture, jewelry, wood, baskets, batiks, and stone.

Thousands of Phoenix residents escaped the Valley heat to mingle with locals and tourists and enjoy a day under the shady elms on the square. Throughout the day, Musicians in the Plaza gazebo provided entertainment and vendors offered a variety of tasty food and snacks.

Proceeds from the annual arts festival benefit the Mountain Artists Guild, a 501(c) non-profit organization. In turn, the Guild presents art-based programs for the community such as art workshops for children, Big Brother & Big Sister art activities, adult art workshops, gallery shows, the annual art festivals and "The MAG Art Scholarship Fund" which awards scholarships to high-school and college art students.