What to know about Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale has more than 100 art galleries and its leading employment provider is tourism. Scottsdale also hosts the Waste Management Phoenix Open and is the spring training home of the San Francisco Giants.
The Republic
- Art One Gallery in Scottsdale is closing permanently on Aug. 30.
- Owner Kraig Foote cited financial challenges and health issues.
- Art One Gallery showcased local students and emerging artists.
- The Art One Foundation is expected to continue its mission of supporting young artists.
Old Town Scottsdale’s arts district is about to lose a longtime gallery.
Art One Gallery, which has been on Marshall Way since 1993, is closing its doors for good on Aug. 30, 2025.
When owner Kraig Foote opened Art One, his goal was to create a space to showcase the work of local art students and emerging Arizona artists. And Foote didn’t stop there.
In 2018, he established the Art One Foundation nonprofit with a mission to give underprivileged high school and college students art supplies, tuition assistance and support for other art-related expenses.
The Art One team are hopeful that the Art One Foundation will remain active after the gallery closes.
Why is Art One Gallery in Scottsdale closing?
In a post on the Art One Gallery Facebook page, the team announced the closure of the gallery due to financial challenges.
“We have explored every possible option, but as a business that has always operated month to month, the financial challenges have simply become too great to overcome,” the post read.
According to the post, Foote has been navigating health challenges over the last few years while fighting to keep Art One open.
“Despite this, he (Foote) remained fully committed to keeping Art One alive, making significant personal sacrifices to support the gallery and the community it serves,” the post read. “Unfortunately, those resources have now been exhausted, and the financial demands of keeping the doors open are no longer sustainable.”
The post also revealed that Foote will be moving to Utah at the end of July to be closer to his family.
Art One Gallery says goodbye to its community
The Facebook post also had a heartfelt goodbye to the community it has served for 32 years.
“While we are saddened by this decision, we can’t thank you enough for your support! Because of you, we’ve had the privilege of giving hundreds of aspiring artists a starting place for their careers and helping thousands of beautiful pieces find their perfect homes,” the post read.
“Thank you for all the hugs, the wonderful memories and for truly believing in the work we do. And, of course, thank you for letting us fill your homes and offices with incredible artwork — it has meant the world to us!”
The post said that the Art One Foundation will continue and the team will share more information about that later.
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you,” the post read. “Thank you for showing up, believing in our artists and helping us create something truly special here in Old Town. We are endlessly proud of what we’ve accomplished together!”
Maxwell Smith, president of the Art One Foundation, also shared heartfelt thoughts.
“For over 18 years, it has been the privilege of my life to work alongside Kraig and be part of the Art One family,” Smith told The Arizona Republic.
“I began as a 14-year-old intern and everything I know about art, community and connection stems from my time at the gallery. Art One has shown me the transformative power of the arts, how it can uplift, inspire and change lives. I’ve witnessed firsthand the spark in a young artist’s eye when they see their work on our walls and the confidence that blooms when their creativity is celebrated.”
Smith doesn’t plan to go anywhere anytime soon.
“As we turn the page on this incredible chapter, I remain deeply committed to carrying on our mission through the Art One Foundation, continuing to support student artists with resources, exposure and encouragement,” Smith said.
“Thank you to every artist, collector, team member and supporter who has made the past 32 years possible.”
Scottsdale arts community mourns the loss of Art One Gallery
The Scottsdale arts community shared its love, gratitude and sadness with Art One.
In the comments on the gallery’s Facebook post, Bryan Tubbs wrote, “Art One has been representing me since its inception. Kraig gave me my first opportunity to start a lifelong career doing what I love for a living. To my friends at Art One thank you for all you have done. You’re amazing people and your passion and love is what has kept that dream alive for so long. To my friend Kraig, I love you brother, and I wish nothing but the best for you moving forward. You have done so much for this world. Big hugs and love. I pray that Utah and family help you heal, and your new journey is amazing.”
Brett McClain wrote, “Such a big part of our lives for 30 years. The artist stories and energy are such an inspiration to us and all who see our crazy fun collection… Kraig you’ve been an inspiration to us and appreciate all you have done to introduce these immensely talented artists to the world. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts — we will miss you all.”
Brian Boner wrote, “So grateful for everything you have done, not only for me, but for so many other artists over the past three decades! Your contribution has been incalculable. Wishing you love and peace in your next chapter.”
Lori Kurtz-Larkin wrote, “My heart is breaking… when we first moved to AZ in 1993 we wandered into Art One and thought ‘wow, great, affordable art.’ We met Kraig and he was just so full of enthusiasm for all of the artists. Years later, our son, Logan, became a working artist in high school because of Kraig and company’s support. We can’t thank you enough for all you have done over the years to support so many student artists!!”
How to visit Art One Gallery before it closes
The last day to visit Art One Gallery is Saturday, Aug. 30. It’s open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays at 4130 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale.
Meredith G. White covers entertainment, art and culture for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. She writes the latest news about video games, television and best things to do in metro Phoenix.
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