Arts Alliance of the White Mountains highlights classes, markets and community events in Show Low

The Arts Alliance of the White Mountains, a volunteer-focused community organization founded in 1999, runs a community arts space in Show Low that hosts classes, a gift shop and regular events, a presenter said.

The group moved into a county-owned vacant building in 2013 to establish a permanent home for local artists, and the presenter said the organization recently celebrated 25 years of volunteer-led activity. "We have over 60 artists that come here regularly to display their art," the presenter said, noting the site also operates a gift shop for visitors.

The Alliance offers a range of classes and workshops for all ages, from painting and stained glass to dance and tai chi. A participant who described attending a recent craft session said the Alliance teaches hands-on classes such as making "thunder gourds," a decorated gourd with a drum head that makes a thunder-like sound when shaken.

Organizers also promote recurring social and community events: a weekly "Art with Friends" open studio where people can work on projects together, a monthly "cork and canvas" evening with hors d'oeuvres and wine on the last Friday of the month, and a planned summer "cowboy up" event with horses and sack races followed by an evening program hosted by the International Western Music Association.

The Alliance described contemporary offerings as well: one presenter said they are working with augmented reality to animate digital images so visitors can see images move when viewed through devices.

On Sundays the venue hosts a handmade market distinct from a nearby Merry Mountain Market; the presenter said about 80 percent of items at the Alliance market are made by the artists selling them and emphasized an open, nonjudgmental policy: "If somebody wants to show their art, we don't judge on quality."

Organizers encouraged visits and gave practical details for planning a trip. The presenter and a participant said the Alliance is located at 251 North Penrod in Show Low. Current public hours are Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; beginning in May the space will add Wednesday hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Alliance framed its mission as community enrichment and arts education: presenters emphasized welcoming families and introducing children to creative practice as a pathway that can last a lifetime.

For visitors, the group recommends checking the Alliance's event schedule for exact dates for market days, classes and the summer concert series.