Julia Child once said that “people who love to eat are always the best people.” Food can be expressive and creative, and chefs are true culinary artists.

Just like good food, art speaks where words are unable to explain. Food feeds your body, and art feeds your soul.

“A Taste for Art” is a two-part event combining culinary wonders and remarkable art that will take place on May 10 and June 14, 2022. Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, and Scottsdale Artists’ School are partnering to offer patrons of the arts and gourmets two wonderful evenings featuring art lectures and remarkable, artist-inspired menus.

Tickets are $250 per event or $450 for the series

PART I

LON’s at The Hermosa Inn
Tuesday, May 10 at 6:00 P.M.

The restaurant at the Hermosa Inn bears the name of a Western Artist, Lon Megargee who was legendary for his artwork and lifestyle. What is now Hermosa Inn, was originally built as Megargee’s home and art studio in 1936. Within Lon’s private dining spaces, guests will enjoy wine, beer and hor d’oeuvres before sitting down to a three-course gourmet meal. Guests will experience the romantic grandeur of two beautifully designed rooms whose walls are adorned with paintings of Lon Megargee. Privately held works, on loan for this special evening, enhance the unparalleled event. Dr. Betsy Fahlman, a preeminent scholar on the work of Lon Megargee, will deliver an insightful talk with an opportunity for dialogue. Guests having their own copy of Betsy’s rare book can have it autographed at the evening’s end.

Speaker: Dr. Betsy Fahlman, art historian and author of The Cowboy’s Dream: The Mythic Life and Art of Lon Megargee

Location: LON’s at The Hermosa Inn
5532 N Palo Cristi Rd, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

Lon Megargee – courtesy of the True West magazine archives

PART II

Ray McGee by Scott Baxter

Scott Baxter

Cattle Track Arts Compound
Tuesday, June 14 at 6:00 P.M.

An exceptionally fun evening set within the 13-acre Cattle Track Arts Compound, this private dining experience will include creative cuisine catered by a valley favorite and showcase the famed photographer Scott Baxter. Delivering a talk with examples of his coveted work, guests will have the opportunity to purchase a signed limited-edition print of Baxter’s Hands & Honda as featured on the cover of his book, 100 Years, 100 Ranchers.

The often-overlooked Scottsdale arts compound is connected to a past and living artists of significance, including Philip C. Curtis, and Fritz Scholder, whose former studio once hosted Baxter.

“Hands & Honda” is quintessential Baxter, honoring ranching traditions, preserving cultural legacies, and capturing the spirit of Arizona’s roots. Disembodied from the landscape, and the subject, Hands & Honda personifies the lifestyle that lures people from around the globe to the North American West.”

Speaker/Artist: Scott Baxter

Location: Cattle Track Arts Compound
Cattle Track Arts, 6105 N Cattletrack Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85250