The Heat is ON 2026 Virtual Exhibition

A Virtual Exhibition Presented by the Arizona Art Alliance

As summer settles over Arizona and temperatures climb, The Heat Is On 2026 celebrates the creative energy rising alongside it.

This annual virtual exhibition brings together a curated selection of artwork created by artists from Arizona Art Alliance Member Organizations, showcasing the depth, diversity, and vitality of our statewide arts community. Though open in theme, the exhibition reveals a rich range of artistic voices, perspectives, and approaches—offering viewers an inspiring cross-section of contemporary creative practice.

Featuring original 2D and 3D artwork, photography, digital media, jewelry, and mixed-media works, The Heat Is On highlights both emerging and established artists working across a wide spectrum of styles and disciplines. From bold visual statements to quiet moments of reflection, each piece contributes to a vibrant collective experience.

The virtual format allows this exhibition to extend beyond physical boundaries, making the artwork accessible to viewers wherever they are and inviting broader engagement with the artists and their work.

We invite you to explore this year’s exhibition, celebrate the award recipients, and discover the remarkable talent within the Arizona Art Alliance community.

The show runs from July 11 through August 15, 2026  and will also be posted on social media.  Be sure to like and follow AzArtAlliance on Facebook and Instagram.

Reception and awards ceremony July 11, 2026 at Noon | via zoom
click here for the zoom link.

One-hundred works of art were entered into the show.  Juror Mary Beth Buesgen had the daunting task of selecting the work for the exhibition.  Sixty-three pieces were ultimately selected for the show.

Meet the Juror….

Mary-Beth Buesgen is an American art curator and artist based in Arizona, currently serving as the Lead Curator at the Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum within the Mesa Arts Center. Recognized as an influential figure in the region’s cultural landscape, she was named one of the “15 Women Curators to Know in Arizona” by the Phoenix New Times.

Personal Art: Beyond her curatorial roles, she is an active ceramic artist and metalworker. Her personal artwork frequently takes inspiration from micro-landscapes, desert flora, and regional wildlife.Education: She holds a Master of Science (MS) in Graphic Information Technology and a certificate in Museum Studies.

Education: She holds a Master of Science (MS) in Graphic Information Technology and a certificate in Museum Studies.

Enjoy the show!