Arizona’s largest and longest-running artist studio tour, Hidden in the Hills, takes place during the last two weekends of November: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 22, 23 & 24 and Nov. 29, 30 & Dec. 1. Coordinated by the nonprofit Sonoran Arts League, the free, self-guided tour attracts thousands of patrons who appreciate fine art and seek a variety of mediums, styles and price ranges
Peoria sculptor Scott Olson is one of 179 artists participating in the 28th annual event, which features 44 studios throughout Cave Creek, Carefree and North Scottsdale. A new artist to the studio tour, Olson will exhibit large, bold, colorful steel and glass sculptures, functional artwork and glass sconce lighting, and other modern metalwork and fused glass sculptures at mixed media collage artist Cindy Kovack’s “Black Mountain Studio” No. 36 in Cave Creek. Other guest artists at her studio include landscape photographer Dave Hatton, abstract oil painter Scott Rispin, and silk painter, Christy Lynn Greene.
Olson grew up in Phoenix and moved to Louisiana when he was 12 years old. During his sophomore year at Louisiana State University, he began taking jewelry and metalsmithing courses which led him to acquire a minor in the discipline. Following graduation, he moved to Portland, Oregon where he continued to work as a studio jeweler. When money was tight, he began to work in industrial sales, a career that spanned more than two decades.
He returned to Arizona in 2019 and with the onset of the pandemic, he invested his time in building out his studio with processing equipment. He also decided to move up in scale to wall sculptures, lighting and functional glass work and launched his business, Strollin Cat.
“Sculptural work allows me to be free and create things that are whimsical,” Olson said. “I like to create art that makes you think a bit but also smile…that’s always been my approach to art.”
He fabricates in gauge steel and aluminum to create volume, and he uses acrylic paint with lots of texture. He also includes luscious, fused glass elements in his work to reflect and transmit light.
Olson finds inspiration everywhere, stating that “negative space is around everything.” Much of his work is influenced by Modern Expressionism and Cubism, and he also has a deep appreciation for Primitive Art.
He begins by sketching an idea using special software which transfers to his production equipment in his studio. Once the initial sheet of metal is cut, he may heat, bend, and weld it before painting it and adding colorful fused glass elements.
“I’ve always liked to make art because it is based on solving problems and it is project-oriented,” Olson said. “I can’t shut my brain off — I’m always thinking about shape, form and color.”
Artist studios are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during both weekends of the tour. To download a map or get Google directions, visit www.HiddenInTheHills.org.
