Celebrating the summer solstice in Scottsdale
The astronomical beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere is marked by the June solstice and, depending on the year, the start of summer lands on either June 20 or 21. This year, June 21 marks the official date of the changing season, but Scottsdale – and other cities who call the Mountain and Pacific time zones home – are kicking off the lazy days of summer a day earlier. States along the Western coast greet the season a day before the rest of the country because of their position on the earth – the same will ring true again in 2013.
So why not commemorate the start of summer in Scottsdale and gloat to your friends about enjoying the BBQ’s, extended daylight hours, and laidback afternoons by the pool a whole day longer than they will?
Turrell Skyspace Sunrise Viewing
Experience a rare sunrise viewing inside the awareness-enhancing experiential skyspace (titled Knight Rise) at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. Created by internationally acclaimed artist James Turrell, the work engenders an amazing sense of zen-like quietude and focus and is especially meant to be seen during the sky’s moments of dramatic flux, at sunrise and sunset. Doors open at 4:45 a.m. and sunrise is at 5:19 a.m.
Paolo Soleri’s 90th Birthday
Scottsdale Public Art is hosting a special celebration on the Marshall Way Bridge in downtown Scottsdale for renowned architect, artist and cultural icon Paolo Soleri. The event, which will celebrate Soleri’s 90th birthday, also will be a chance for the public to view renderings of the future Soleri Bridge and Plaza, the world’s first bridge designed and constructed by Soleri. The bridge and plaza will be a signature cultural destination for Scottsdale and one of the most important works ever created by Soleri. Final construction plans for the project will be complete this fall.
