Cave Creek artist headlines at Stagecoach Village show
MARC BUCKHOUT ~ MANAGING EDITOR ~ 10/20/2010

Cave Creek resident Beth Zink attended last year’s Stagecoach Village Fine Art and Wine Festival as an art aficionado and came away impressed.
“There were a lot of talented artists on display, but it’s also a beautiful venue,” she said. “It’s not one long straight street. It meanders and it’s more spread out so you can pause and give more time between artists. Plus, it is right in my own backyard so I decided right then that it was an event I’d like to be a part of.”
Fast forward a year later and Zink is excited about the opportunity to be the featured artist at the second annual event, which will take place from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Oct. 29-31.
Promoter Candy Vermillion said there will be something for everyone.
“The event will feature exquisite fine art ranging from fanciful glass and metal sculptures to world-class photography, original paintings in oils, watercolors and acrylics, and one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces,” she said. “You'll be amazed at the creativity and vibrancy of newly created works of art. Whether it's a painting or a print, you'll find art for your home in all price ranges.”
Beyond the art offerings the event also includes live music, artist demonstrations, food and wine tasting from many Arizona vineyards such as Arizona Stronghold Vineyards, Keeling Schaefer Vineyards, the award winning Page Spring Cellars and Vineyards and local favorite Kokopelli Winery and Bistro.
Zink, a Valley resident of 26 years, has made a name for herself as a painter of Arizona’s desert plants and flowers.
“I’m very conscious to maintain realism in the plants I paint,” she said. “I say I give people a bugs eye view. I’m very detailed. But cactus don’t come in purple or orange. What I do is transform some of the dramatic colors in Arizona sunsets of the sky or how the mountain looks. I look for the vibrant colors and apply them to the plants. Through a great deal of contrast and drama I try and get vibrant contemporary botanicals.”
After moving to Arizona in 1986, Zink said she became familiar with the fauna of Arizona by playing a lot of golf.
“I was surprised by the contrast of the velvety green fairways and the plants that grew in the desert,” she said.
That started a business venture that lasted eight years as Zink painted various golf courses around the country with the primary focus being in Arizona.
From there the art major in college changed from focusing primarily on water color to acrylic.
“I’ve developed my style more and more and I think I’ve gotten bolder in my colors as I’ve gotten more confident about the style that defines me,” she said.
When she isn’t painting or going to shows Zink is teaching out of her studio in her Cave Creek home.
“I have 50-60 adults that I work with, teaching the fundamentals, with regard to color mixing, color theory,” she said. “You can teach a lot of things that make a big difference. If you’ve got natural talent that’s a bonus, but I think with good instruction you can get good at anything. What I ask student is to have the desire to learn and then to let me take it from there. It really helps me keep sharp. I paint almost every day, but I’m also a social being.”
Zink said teaching was something her father encouraged her to get into.
“I minored in education in college, partly because my dad told me no one would be able to make a living as an artist,” she says with a laugh. “He would get a big kick out of seeing what I’ve been able to do.”
Zinc said the show provides attendees an opportunity to talk to artists about their craft. She adds that even if they are unable to purchase a portrait there are other less expensive items available from Giclees, to calendars, to pillows or coasters with prints, or event indoor-outdoor tables.
To view more of Zinc’s work go to bethzinkart.com. For information about the Fine Art and Wine Festival go to vermillionpromotions.com/festivals/2ndStageWine.php.
Stagecoach Village is located at 7100 E. Cave Creek Road in Cave Creek. Parking and admission to the event is free.