Podcast Content


Creating an International Art Fair: Scottsdale Art Week 2026

In this podcast episode Mark is joined by two of the founders of Scottsdale Art Week Trey Brennen, owner of T.H. Brennen Fine Art in Old Town Scottsdale and Amy Gause, Director of the Fair. The four day international art fair took place at WestWorld in Scottsdale and showcased art from more than 110 galleries, daily fashion shows, cultural performances, sculptural installations and other innovative programming. It also included collaborations with institutions, galleries, artists and prominent collectors, as well as off-site after-hours VIP events.

More than 21,000 guests made their way through the gates of WestWorld of Scottsdale to view 112 galleries across 123 booths. Ticket sales climbed 133% over its inaugural run, and a Justin BUA painting sold for $1.2 million within the first two hours, setting the tone for an unforgettable four days to follow.

The Fair brought together galleries from all over the world, representing 19 countries, with thousands of blue-chip, contemporary, modern, Indigenous, Western, European and LatinX works along with works by Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Salvador Dalí, Marc Chagall, David Hockney, Alex Katz and Maynard Dixon for sale. In addition to art, there were five Ferraris on display, 32 monumental sculptures, an area to listen to daily speaker panels, a concessions dining area and a VIP Lounge.

Join us next year - mark your calendars for March 18-21, 2027  https://scottsdaleartweek.com/

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First-Ever Scottsdale Ferrari Art Week with Trey Brennen & Mark Candelaria

 
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Our joint podcast episode with Renee Dee's Iconic Hour features Scottsdale Art Week founder and owner of Brennen Fine Art ,Trey Brennen and strategic partner, Architect Mark Candelaria. These two share why you don’t want to miss this first-ever Scottsdale Ferrari Art Week, a four-day art fair showcasing over 100 national and global art galleries and cultural displays. 

A Fair of Art and Design curated for sophisticated contemporary lifestyles, this event brings together a dynamic combination of Contemporary Art and Design, the work of living Indigenous artists, and historical American art that speaks to the area’s heritage as the western outpost of America’s preeminent architect, Frank Lloyd Wright and the home to the wealth of the west.

The event runs from Thursday March 20 - Sunday March 23 at WestWorld of Scottsdale. Thursday night is the Opening Vernissage from 5:00 - 8:00 PM. Mark Candelaria will be the Emcee of this special kickoff evening and entry will include champagne, light bites, musical entertainment by Award Winning Opera Singer James Valenti, an indigenous-themed fashion show by Phoenix Fashion Week and a spectacular collection of art. 

Our firm is a proud sponsor of this first ever arts event, and Mark is a founding member of the planning committee and board. We personally invite you to purchase a ticket to join us at this exciting new international art fair right in our backyard!  https://scottsdaleartweek.com/ 

Exploring the Scottsdale Art Scene with Artists Priscilla Nelson and Ryan Schmidt

I am always fascinated by art and in particular, the artists behind the art. In today’s podcast we feature two very talented and prolific Scottsdale artists, first modern figurative  artist, Priscilla Nelson, and modern sculptor Ryan Schmidt. And to add even another perspective we also had Ryan Schmidt’s wife, Janice,  join us and she gave us her take on living with an artist! 

We had a wonderful discussion about each of their respective work and passions and how they both deal with the stress of their work and craft and what continues to motivate and inspire them. We also talk about the Scottsdale art scene and everything that’s happening to make Scottsdale one of the top art spots in the country! 

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Inspiring Scottsdale Arts with Gerd Wuestemann

Rendering of the new Civic Center Performing Arts Center in downtown Scottsdale

Episode 41 of Season 2 features Dr. Gerd Wuestemann, President & CEO of Scottsdale Arts. I joined the Board for Scottsdale Arts about 6 months ago and that's when I first met Gerd and experienced his passion and vision for the arts firsthand.

After getting to know him better through prepping for this podcast, I cannot wait to learn more about his fascinating life story, starting in Germany as a Classical guitarist touring the world at an early age. In his mid/late 30’s tragedy forced him on another path where he built an academic career as professor of guitar studies at the U of Louisiana. After that he launched two successful companies before starting a career in arts administration and eventually becoming the President & CEO of Scottsdale Arts as we know him today.

Gerd also tells us all about Scottsdale Arts and its various branches, the importance of the organization in the community, the challenges of the past pandemic years, the improvements and visions for the future of Scottsdale Arts and all the exciting performances, events, etc. coming up this year!

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