www.phoenixfolkart.com

Folk art is alive and well around Phoenix, Arizona. Among many places to experience this genre of art is the Steele Gallery at the Phoenix Art Museum. Visitors will find over 400 Mexican folk art objects uniquely created by around 150 artists who are still living and working. Their works reflect a plethora of techniques using materials ranging from ceramics to paper. Many exhibits include traditional handwoven baskets, unique toys, jewelry and molded clay pieces.

Folk art takes on new meaning after a visit to Mystery Castle erected entirely of scrap materials collected from a dump site by a father who moved to Arizona in 1930 for health reasons. After spending 15 years creating this special place for his daughter, the father unfortunately died before seeing her living there.

A 3 acre site located in nearby Cornville, Eliphante, invites visitors to enjoy the works of Mike Kahn, some dating back to the 1930s. A cave style entry into the area leads to a stunning vaulted room complete with a piano built into the wall. Among many highlights experienced here are The Hippodrome which serves as the current living quarters for the artist and his companion featuring paintings and one-of-a-kind furniture.