Scottsdale’s cultural corners

There’s more to Scottsdale, Ariz., than golf courses, tourism officials want you to know. Working with the Scottsdale Cultural Council, they’ve devised an ambitious series of tours and events to prove it.

For prices ranging from $35 to $200, visitors can explore nearby homes and public buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, including his Taliesin West; meet artists in their studios; have lunch with architect John Kane; take a photo workshop in the Sonoran Desert; attend a demonstration of Southwest cooking; and learn to play Navajo flutes, among other options.

The program, dubbed Culture Quest, provides activities nearly every weekend and on many weekdays too. In March alone, there are two dozen events and tours. On March 14, for instance, guests can view works of more than 100 artists on a private tour of the annual Celebration of Fine Art and attend the annual Scottsdale Arts Festival.

The program, begun last month, is expected to run through June. After a summer break, it may be renewed, said Michelle Streeter, a spokeswoman for the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. The city has provided about $800,000 for the unusual outreach, she said.

Schedules of activities are posted at www.culturequestscottsdale.com. Most recently, events through March were listed. Reservations are recommended; the activities have been popular with locals too, Streeter said.

You can book online at the Culture Quest site (click on “Tour Dates” under tour titles to link to the booking page) or call (866) 456-2390.