When Judi and Roger Combs approached Judi’s brother, Dennis Long and his wife, Judy, with the idea of starting Arizona Fine Art EXPO, no one could have imagined how the 10-week fine art show would grow. Arizona’s economy was booming when the family unveiled their first Arizona Fine Art EXPO show on January 13, 2005. Back then, artists had many options for showcasing their original pieces of fine art, but there was something magical about working daily under the “festive white tents” in the serene North Scottsdale desert. Participating artists liked the chance to interact with guests, they treasured the camaraderie with other artists, and most importantly, they felt like they were part of the EXPO family.

For two decades, Dennis, Judy, Judi and Roger were driven to maintain the superior standards of the Arizona Fine Art EXPO, and the show became a leading tourist attraction in the beautiful sunshine state of Arizona. They took their passion for fine art and created an event that combined the aspects of a juried fine art festival, the elements of a gallery, the inner workings of an artist’s studio, a Sonoran Desert sculpture garden, and a welcoming ambiance.

Building Upon Success – New Co-Owners Honor Their Family’s Legacy

In January 2024, Richard and Ji Long became the new co-owners of Arizona Fine Art EXPO. As Dennis and Judy’s son, Richard has fond memories of growing up around artists, and he always had a deep appreciation for their creativity and skills.

With an extensive business background, Richard is constantly seeking ways to improve the show and support participating artists in their careers. Ji is equally passionate about the arts and artists, and she has a keen eye for aesthetics and design. Together, they are working to build upon EXPO’s success while honoring their family’s legacy.

As Arizona Fine Art EXPO’s producers, Richard and Ji strive to provide immersive experiences to guests that celebrate the creativity, talent and hard work of artists from around the world. Whether you are a longtime art lover or a newcomer to the world of fine art, we invite you to discover why Arizona Fine Art EXPO is "The Art Destination of Arizona."

Thank you for your support for the arts and the artists!