http://www.papillon.com Arizona is home to a range of attractions and retreats that cater to artists. From workshops and Native Art exhibitions to historical museums to explore on the way to your next Grand Canyon helicopter tour, Arizona has something for everyone.

2. From primitive cave drawings
left behind by early
civilizations to the famous
landscape paintings of artist
Dale Nichols, the Southwest
has long been an inspiration
to mankind. Arizona is
especially appealing to
creatives, with many vibrant
artists’ colonies spread
across the state. Whether
you’re a sculptor looking for
a new muse, or simply
searching for pieces to add to
your collection, stop by these
popular attractions on your
next visit to Arizona.

3. Arcosanti is an incomparable
art compound located about
an hour outside of Phoenix.
The massive living museum
was originally started in 1970
by visionary Paolo Soleri, but
construction on the site
continues to this day. Soleri
designed Arcosanti to be a
self-sustaining city, complete
with mixed-use buildings for
living and working. After you
explore the bizarre city of
Arcosanti, don’t forget to pick
up a famous wind bell from
the gift shop.

4. Known as the home and photo studio of brothers Emery and
Ellsworth Kolb, today the site is a historic museum offering
resplendent views of the Grand Canyon. Located on the precipice
of the South Rim, Kolb Studio exhibits the brothers’ historic
photographs of life in the early twentieth century.
After your visit, explore a whole new perspective of the area with
a Grand Canyon tour from Papillon. South Rim airplane tours
depart at Grand Canyon National Park Airport, less than ten miles
south of Kolb Studio.

5. Once home to a thriving
copper-mining industry, the
town of Jerome fell on hard
times during the Great
Depression. It was
considered a veritable ghost
town until the 1960s brought
new life to the area. Jerome
is now known as a bohemian
settlement – and one of the
weirdest towns in the West.
On a walk through city
streets, visitors can view
ghost town relics, far-out
craft studios, and folk art
galleries.

6. Tubac, Arizona was also on the
brink of becoming a ghost town in
the late 1940s, until resident and
renowned landscape painter Dale
Nichols founded an art school in
town. The institute inspired other
artists to settle in the area, and
Tubac was born again as an arts
colony.
Art is still a major component of
life in Tubac, and the Tubac
Center for the Arts is a great place
to explore what local pros have to
offer. The center provides exhibits
for the whole family, including
work from area artists, film
screenings, and concerts.

7. Those who prefer the art of music will love the
Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix. The
massive space features instruments from all
over the world, with exhibits categorized by
region. Visitors can also view instruments
owned by their favorite musicians, including
galleries dedicated to Johnny Cash, Elvis
Presley, John Lennon, and more.

8. Sedona’s red sandstone
landscape is a vision to the
many artists and craftsmen
that call the town home.
Almost every street has several
galleries to discover, or you can
develop your own skills with a
workshop at the Sedona Arts
Center. Another must-see is the
Sedona Jazz on the Rocks
Festival held each September.

9. If a trip to the Southwest has
you feeling inspired, join the
annual Art Unraveled event in
Phoenix to learn valuable skills
while making new friends.
Running for a total of seven
days, Art Unraveled has over
125 classes to choose from.
Workshops include drawing,
painting, jewelry making,
collage, sculpture, and more.

10. Papillon is the world's oldest and largest aerial sightseeing
company. We offer over forty unique and affordable
excursions featuring spectacular views of the Grand Canyon,
the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Monument Valley, and beyond.
On your next trip to Arizona, experience Grand Canyon
sightseeing like never before by visiting Papillon at
www.papillon.com.

11. Slide 3
By CodyR from Phoenix, Arizona, USA (arcosanti apse on Flickr) [CC BY 2.0
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Slide 4
By Grand Canyon National Park [CC BY 2.0
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons