Prismatic-themed gala is the ‘Arts & Culture Party of the Year’ showcasing the diverse array of Arizona’s arts and culture community, and kickoff to annual Art Detour
PHOENIX – (February 4, 2026) – Artlink Inc., the nonprofit that champions artists, businesses and communities throughout Arizona, today announced the return of its 13th annual Art d’Core gala, taking place 6-10 p.m., Saturday, February 28 at the iconic Biltmore Fashion Park.
The evening also unveils the new PRISM exhibition, an extraordinary showcase of artistic talent which ushers in Artlink’s Art Detour, a month-long celebration of the state’s vibrant creative culture.
Revered as the ‘The Arts & Culture Party of the Year,’ the PRISM-themed gala will transform indoor and outdoor spaces into a dynamic canvas celebrating Arizona’s diverse and innovative artistry, with tickets now available online. This gala is the signature kickoff to Art Detour, a dazzling fusion of art, culture and connection honoring the creative catalysts of our community, celebrated through the month of March.
At the center of the Art d’Core gala is the debut of the PRISM Exhibition, an experience of arts and culture in its most radiant, flavorful, fashionable and multifaceted forms. The evening supports Artlink’s innovative programs that bridge artists, businesses and the community.
“Artlink is grateful for Arizona’s incredible support of Art d’Core and honored to host the gala and launch of our month-long celebration alongside dedicated and supportive community leaders at the Biltmore Fashion Park,” said Catrina Kahler, Artlink president and CEO. “By showcasing Arizona’s extraordinary leadership and artistic talent, our gala and exhibition highlight how the arts drive innovation, strengthen community connection, spark economic growth and tell the story of who is part of this wonderful place we call home.”
The PRISM Exhibition will present the works of talented artists, members of the Artlink Artist Council and those selected through an open call to Arizona artists including: Kenaim Al-Shatti, AnthroArts, Laura Spalding Best, Antoinette Cauley, Jacey Coca, Chris Cwierz, Chamile Diaz, Nick A. Erickson, Mikey Estes, David FeBland, Shaunte Glover, Galina Mihaleva, Valerie Navarette, Patricia Sannit, May-Ling Tang, Claire A. Warden, and Halley Willcox. The exhibition also will feature the debut of the 2025 recipient of The Artist Forward Fund (“TAFF”), Myja Lark. This extraordinary showcase of artistic talent will remain open to the public and offer artworks for sale at Biltmore Fashion Park through March 31 during Art Detour.
Exceptional culinary artistry will be featured during the gala on plates and in glasses as Artlink partners with the culinary arts community. A tasting menu of culinary delights will be provided by Adam Allison of Brightside Catering, Bernie Kantak of The Gladly, Jeff Kraus of Crepe Bar, Stephen Jones of The Larder & The Delta, Brent Kille of Sonoran Pasta Company, Gio Osso of Virtu Honest Craft, Dom Ruggiero of Hush Public House, Digby Stridiron of Latha Restaurant, and more to be announced. Tastes of award-winning wines from the 2026 azcentral Arizona Wine Competition also will be featured, with the winner of the competition’s Governor’s Cup, awarded to the best overall wine, to be announced at the event.
Additionally, the gala will recognize three distinguished leaders for their contributions to Arizona’s creative community:
● Letitia Frye, America’s foremost “Auctiontainer,” a classically trained actor and auctioneer, celebrating 20 years and more than $1 billion dollars raised in the fundraising industry benefiting nonprofits including many leading arts and culture organizations,
● Jeremy Mikolajczak, the Sybil Harrington Director and CEO of Phoenix Art Museum, a visionary leader who has amplified the Museum’s role and impact as a vital cultural and community resource and the largest visual arts institution in the Southwest, and
● Ron Price, President and CEO of Visit Phoenix, the lead promoter of greater Phoenix tourism and culture who champions the region’s appeal to global audiences, driving economic growth and enhancing the visitor experience.
Martha Abbott, principal/managing director of Gensler, and Ryan Abbott, president, southwest region at Clayco, serve as Honorary Co-Chairs of the opening night celebration.
“Our region has grown into a nexus of innovation, creativity and new discovery,” said the Abbotts in a joint statement. “It’s a place where multiple cultures have co-mingled and are thriving. This is a unique locale where food, art, architecture and experiences are being created by people who have a meaningful connection to the state and have chosen to make it their home. We are honored to co-chair the Art d’Core Gala and invite everyone to join us in supporting and celebrating the creative community that has definedour cultural landscape.”
Art d’Core Gala Tickets & Sponsorships
Tickets start at $150, with special pricing offered for registered Artlink Articipants. VIP tickets are $350 and include an exclusive preview and hosted bar. Sponsorships include VIP tables for parties of 6 and 12 are available for $5,000 and $10,000, respectively. Details on tickets, VIP packages and sponsorships can be found at artlinkphx.org/2026prism. Proceeds will support Artlink’s initiatives to amplify and sustain Arizona’s creative community.
In addition to the gala, the ArtDetour event schedule offers art patrons, collectors and art lovers a broad range of ways in which to engage with artists and destinations throughout the state, in partnership with the Arizona Commission on the Arts, City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture, Visit Phoenix, Valley Metro, Park Central, FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel, Phoenix Art Museum, Phoenix Forge Makerspace, Portland on the Park, PROEM, SRP, Scottsdale Ferrari Art Week, Summit at Copper Square, The Bower Willo, Arizona Wine Growers Association, R Entertainment and more. For more information, visit artlinkphx.org.
About Artlink
Artlink keeps the arts integral to our development by connecting artists, businesses and the community. Founded as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization by artists in 1989, the Artlink name is a guiding principle for the organization, as it supports stakeholders of Arizona’s arts and culture community, amplifying its collective strength. For more information about Artlink, please visit artlinkphx.org. Connect socially with
Artlink on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Media Contact:
Joseph Valdez, 480-620-9452 or joseph@valdezcompanies.com
Catrina Kahler, catrina@artlinkphx.org
