The Scottsdale Arts Festival has long been recognized for the high caliber of its participating artists and for its beautiful outdoor setting.

I think it's popular for a number of reasons. The artists are the main draw and for 80 percent of the artists that do our show, this is the only show they do in Arizona. This is the one chance for people to see these artists.

I think about 60 percent of the artists are new. I'm really excited about seeing a lot of new people.

People can spend the whole day in the beautiful park with its fountains and sculptures. It's like an oasis in downtown Scottsdale.

We're open rain or shine, as long as it's not a safety issue. It hasn't rained in more than 140 days, so we invite people to come out, bring an umbrella and raincoat and enjoy the arts, the artists and the rain.

All true artists, whether they know it or not, create from a place of no-mind, from inner stillness.