Joni Falk moved from Seattle to Phoenix in 1960 to manage a family bowling alley, and has lived here ever since, although she no longer bowls; she paints.
Falk is a realist painter of still life and landscapes, and has a passion for teaching art. She has been both locally and nationally recognized for her paintings, and her work has been featured in galleries and museums all over the country.
Falk began her career in the Arcadia district area, which is east of downtown Phoenix. She first opened “The Hobby Hut,” a hobby store in Arcadia. She then opened “The Falk Gallery,” a gallery in Scottsdale.
After she opened both galleries, she decided she wanted to open an art supply store. She wanted to sell art supplies and teach art classes.
Janie Horn, an acquaintance of the Falk, said she is pleased to have such a motivated artist in Phoenix. “She really is a gem right in our neighborhood,” Horn said.
Thirty-seven years later, Studio B Engraving is operated by Falk’s son, and Falk’s paintings have been featured in The National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson, Wyo; the Albuquerque Museum in Albuquerque, N.M.; and Cheyenne’s Old West Museum in Cheyenne Wyo., to name a few.
Falk has been teaching art for over 30 years. She teaches a floral still-life painting and a landscape-painting workshop at Scottsdale Artists’ School. Falk has been teaching at the school for over 20 years. Falk will be participating this year’s annual Beaux Arts on November 14, 2009 at Scottsdale Artists’ School.
Beaux Arts is a fundraiser to raise money that benefits Scottsdale Artists’ School’s various programs, scholarships and workshops.
This year’s Beaux Arts event will feature approximately 200 original paintings and sculptures by nationally recognized artists. Falk contributes a piece of art to the event every year because she said the school is really important to her.
“I strongly believe that the school offers something very unique,” she said. “The school has given so much back to me.”
Falk said she is excited about her paintings but even more excited about the others that will be on display.
“[They] are absolutely awesome and it’s just a great opportunity to get some pieces of art and give back to the school at the same time,” Falk said.
Falk plans on stretching her creativity by participating in some of the activities at the event.
“I will be participating in a Quick Draw along with two other artists,” she said. “We have to complete a painting in one hour.” She said painting anything in under an hour though, is always a challenge.
“Sometimes paintings just work and come together,” she said. “I certainly hope this one comes together.” The paintings will be available in a silent auction during the cocktail reception and silent auction.
Falk said she is happy to be participating in the art show, but not as happy as she is about her decision she made nearly 50 years ago to move to Phoenix. “I absolutely love Phoenix,” she said. “I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.”
