From the moment guests arrive at the Hampton by Hilton Carefree they are welcomed with something no other Hampton Inn has, thanks to a new partnership with the nonprofit Sonoran Arts League. Throughout the expansive lobby, guests are surrounded by bright, bold acrylic and oil paintings, colored pencil drawings, and fine art photography depicting a variety of local scenes, ranging from serene desert landscapes, flowers and plants to local wildlife and starry, desert nighttime skies.

“For us, this partnership is not just about the décor; it’s about community and the chance to welcome each artist and bring our destination to life,” said Alec Madsen, general manager of Hampton by Hilton Carefree. 

A recent Grand View Research report revealed that art tourism is on the rise and “many tourists seek to connect with various regions’ history, traditions, and artistic expressions, recognizing art as a gateway to understanding a culture’s identity.” And, according to the 2023 State of the Art Report, which surveys professionals in the hospitality, design, and architecture industries, 76% of industry leaders believe a collection of original artwork is one of the best ways to generate buzz around a hotel project.

But Jo Gemmill, a Sonoran Arts League board member and owner of The English Rose Tea Room in Carefree, was not thinking about research reports when she approached Madsen about collaborating on a project. Her motive was to find a local community partner for the League’s new “Art in Public Places” initiative. 

“Alec and I originally met through the Carefree Restaurant Association, and at that time the hotel was fairly new in town, having opened in 2022,” Gemmill said. “Since joining the board of the Sonoran Arts League and specifically, the Art in Public Places committee, I just knew a collaboration with the hotel and our local artists would be the perfect partnership…the hotel’s walls were crying out for good art. We have such talent in our community and what better way to promote Carefree hospitality and local art than to partner together. And best of all, the hotel management agreed.” 

Gemmill enlisted the help of painter Beth Zink, a League board member who also serves on the Art in Public Places committee. Together, with the help of Sonoran Arts League board president David Court, they prepared a proposal and a slideshow of art for Madsen to review with Jeff and Amber Morrow, local residents and part-owners of the hotel, together with Lincoln Hotel Group and other investors. 

Seven artists were chosen to showcase their original art in the hotel lobby: painters Jeanne Bonine, Gail Haire, Meg Harper, and Beth Zink; fine art photographers Jules Gallatig and Carla Meeske; and pencil artist Dick Mueller. Guests viewing the art can scan a QR code that includes more details about the artist and takes them to their website.

During an artist reception in the hotel lobby, Carefree Mayor John Crane greeted guests and shared his excitement for the collaborative project. “I believe this is just the beginning of a strong and growing partnership between the Hampton Inn, the Town, the Sonoran Arts League and our local businesses and organizations,” Mayor Crane said. “Carefree is known for its unique character and welcoming community, and this innovative partnership enhances that.”

Gemmill said the Sonoran Arts League will work with The Hampton Inn to rotate the artwork every few months and possibly add more art into other areas of the property. 

Madsen said the partnership with the League aligns with The Hampton Inn’s mission of going the extra mile to provide guests with an exceptional stay.

“Thanks to the Sonoran Arts League, we have created a unique experience that is memorable for our guests. It has been rewarding to support our local community while watching our guests connect with the art. We’ve received many compliments about the art, and we’ve seen guests taking photos with the artwork,” he said. 

To learn more about the Hampton by Hilton Carefree, call 480-476-9200 or visit HamptonbyHilton.com. For more information on the Sonoran Arts League, visit sonoranartsleague.org or call 480-575-6624.