Art One Gallery manager Max Smith said owner Kraig Foote has some health issues, and business has been slow.<\/p>\n
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. \u2014 After 32 years of giving Arizona artists a platform in Old Town Scottsdale, Art One Gallery says it\u2019s closing its doors.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Aug. 30 is their last day in business. The gallery made the announcement online and outside their door.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Until their last day, they\u2019re helping Arizona artists sell their work. Everything is 20% off at Art One Gallery.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“That’s really just kind of as a thank you to our customers, and the community that supported us,” Manager Max Smith said. “[It’s] also to kind of help some of the artists thin out some of their inventory, as they move to the next stage of their career.\u201d<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, when the sale ends, so does the business’s 32-year run in the Old Town Scottsdale Arts District.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“This has been one of the most difficult decisions to make, probably in my life and probably in the lives of the employees that work here, especially Kraig, the owner.\u201d<\/p>\n
Smith said owner Kraig Foote did a lot to keep his business around since 1993, like selling his art collection and taking out business loans.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“At this point, it’s almost as if the wells run dry, you know? He’s really given a lot of his resources to keep the place open,” he added. “He made so many personal sacrifices as a business owner, for those local and student artists. He’s definitely an awesome person, great figure to be associated with.”<\/p>\n
Those personal sacrifices ultimately weren\u2019t enough for Art One Gallery in 2025, as it faced one of its slowest years for sales in a decade.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“Art is maybe not on people’s top of the list of priorities at the moment,\u201d Smith stated.<\/p>\n
Foote is also dealing with some health issues. Smith said he moved to Utah to be closer to family.<\/p>\n
“It’s been very challenging and sad,” he said. “He’s had to kind of move on, and move forward with the next step in his life, too.\u201d<\/p>\n
Smith added that it may be a difficult new chapter for up-and-coming Arizona artists, who were given exposure at the gallery for years.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“The main goal of this gallery is to be here for students, and local Arizona artists. We have students in high school, college and then a really large community of local Arizona artists here. I fear [they] aren’t going to really know where to go,” he stated. “There isn’t a lot of places like this. I think this has really filled a community’s need to really support the up-and-coming arts, and give these amazing artists a platform to get going.”<\/p>\n
While the gallery\u2019s last day of business is coming soon, Smith said he\u2019s going to continue working with the Art One Foundation<\/a>. The nonprofit raises money for student artists in high school and college.<\/p>\n “I am going to do my absolute best to keep that foundation going, in whatever capacity that looks like. We’ve been talking with different businesses here in Scottsdale who are willing to help us support that endeavor, by doing displays, auctions or fundraisers,” he said. “That’s one thing we really hope to do, and really hope to push into the next generation. This nonprofit will solely be dedicated to helping those students.”<\/p>\n Smith shared a message for people who supported the gallery for 32 years.<\/p>\n \u201cContinue to support the arts in whatever way you can. If that’s our Foundation, amazing. If that’s another gallery that supports local and student artists, great,” Smith echoed. “Working here for so long, I’ve seen firsthand the benefit it has for the artists, and for the community. That’s what makes this all so difficult: seeing what that’s going to look like on the other side.\u201d<\/p>\n If you\u2019d like to donate to the Art One Foundation, click here<\/a>. According to Smith, funds go towards scholarships, grants and supplies for students.\u00a0<\/p>\n >> Download the\u00a012News app<\/a> for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.<\/strong><\/p>\n
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