This is a small museum with interesting pieces - enjoyable.

Waste of a smart new building. Much of the art on display claims to challenge present narratives on race and immigration yet instead offers dull conformity to art-school Marxist ideology. Ironically, much better and more challenging art is on display in the nearby commercial galleries!

Came for Knight Rise, a James Turrell Skyspace, and had it all to myself on a warm late October afternoon. Ventured inside as well, where there were some fascinating pieces. The staff had very clear and well-articulated perspectives on all of it. Yes, it is a small space, but they made good use of it on the day I arrived, and I was glad for it. Also got some good tips for other design and art oriented side quests. Quite satisfied with my visit.

Summer is our museum expeditions time of the year. In Arizona, especially the Valley of the Sun, el sol gets pretty darn hot so one scampers towards activities that are mostly indoors and undercover, so Museums, Art Exhibits, Galleries and other indoor events are the natural solution to our annual dilemma. This week we decided on a museum, especially one we had not had the opportunity of previously visiting, the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (fondly known as SMoCa). I was fascinated with its mission to show design, modern works of art as well as architecture within the spacious confines of its four galleries. Although a relatively small museum is set up and layout is nicely created. We were glad we could experience the art and styles of Carolina Anibar-Fernadez: Oleaje and Dorothy Fratt’s: Color Mirage exciting and poignant exhibits during our visit. The Roelof Knol: the space in between and his paper shape optical and visual art was fanciful and intriguing. Before we left, we stopped off at their shop. Their gift shop, although not huge, has some very interesting and unique items to offer, we obviously purchased an artistic yet functional and decorative art set. SMoCa is not only a great place to come in and cool off, but it will enlighten the senses, open your curiosity and inspire you to seek more, more art, and spur the imagination. Kudos to the staff and volunteers.

If only we knew before planning our day around this visit. I made a point to review the website and vet what I wanted to see while there. What a disappointment! We came in to find two young people at the counter with nothing to do but chitchat with each other. They said the museum was under construction so only one exhibit was open. We were urged to pay what we wanted for admission and felt compelled to pay something. They could have given a better warning about what was in store. After paying $5/ea to see 3 completely boring large walls of light, we walked back out and told the counter attendants it wasn't worth it at all. They just gaped at us. Having nothing else to see, we left. One would think that the museum would have noted they were under construction and exhibits were not available to view during our trip. It would have saved us a huge chunk of our last day in Scottsdale.