The High-Country Art Association was founded in 1974 by a small group of artists who wanted to share their love of art. At present we have over 50 members.

Membership consists of many artists working in a variety of mediums as well as individuals with an appreciation of the arts but no art experience. Our membership is open to the general public.

The goal of the High-Country Art Association is to encourage and promote the artistic growth of the visual arts in the communities of the White Mountains. Our goal is accomplished through a variety of activities. High-Country Art Gallery, High-Country Art Association's members operate the High Country Art Gallery and Gift Shop, showcasing original works of art by local artists. Our gallery contains just a sampling of the original works produced by White Mountain artists. Fine arts and crafts include paintings, handcrafted jewelry, pottery, fused glass, gourds, weaving, woodworking and ceramics.

We do not currently sell gallery work online, but feel free to contact the gallery if you are interested in a specific artist’s work. See the “Events” website page for hours of operation.

July 4th Fine Arts and Crafts Festival and Labor Day Festival Our volunteer members present the annual July 4th Fine Arts and Crafts Festival and now the Labor Day Festival, both held at the Orchard at Charlie Clark’s, bringing artists together from all over Arizona and the Southwest. Our commitment to art education is demonstrated by our active scholarship programs and workshops funded during the festival via our Silent Auction booth.

Dates for 2026 are:

July 4th Festival, July 3-5, 2026.

Labor Day Festival, September 4-6, 2026.

Education & Workshops: The High Country Art Association offers workshops by nationally known artists. These workshops are open to the public and help participating artists improve their skills.

Gallery Hours Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Our mailing address is P.O. Box 802, Pinetop, AZ 85935. Phone: 928-367-3916.

The High-Country Art Association is a 501 c (4) organization.

The High Country Art Gallery is open and welcoming visitors. Over the years, High Country Art Association has provided over $23,000 in scholarship monies to local high school and community college students interested in pursuing art or a career in art education. One of the most satisfying donations helped a young student complete an internship at the Smithsonian in Washington D.C. Another Scholarship recipient went on to complete her Masters of Fine Art and has returned to the area to teach. Funds have been used to provide art supplies to local teachers via the Treasures for Teachers program. One year High Country Art Association helped a local school purchase a kiln for ceramics classes. An Application for Scholarship is available for download by clicking on the bold and underlined.

HCAA MEMBERS In the beginning of the High-Country Art Association, our founding members included Lavonne Cox.  Lavonne was an art teacher, earning her degree in Art Education at Montevallo College in Alabama. She was a very accomplished artist and musician in her own right.  She taught in St. Johns, the Navajo Reservation, McNary and Pinetop-Lakeside for many years.  After her retirement she became more active in the HCAA organization.  After the passing of her husband, Billy, in 2002, she moved to Colorado to be closer to her family where she continued to paint and teach. Lavonne was not only a teacher, but continued to take classes and study with other artists, always improving her art.  She was a firm believer that art should be taught to every child, and continued throughout school.  Upon her passing in June of 2007, her family made a donation in her honor.  She wanted a fund set up for the education of our members, to be able to take advanced classes to further their art education.  This is why the Lavonne Cox Fund is separate from the rest of our organization funds in order to comply with our 501(c) 4.

HCAA also continues to contribute to the fund through donations from our members, through the sales of their donated art, or profit from classes held by the HCAA.  This money is for members only education.  To apply for funds from the Cox Fund, an application is available.  The fund must be used for education (classes, seminars, etc.) to improve one’s art or skills, to learn new techniques and methods.  It does not cover expenses, such as materials, travel or lodging. It is meant to cover the tuition or fee for the class. It is not a large fund, but it has been a worthwhile fund for the members of HCAA.  So if you are interested in a class or program to improve your skills, but the cost of the class is holding you back, consider applying.  The application will be assessed by members of the Board for approval. The applicant will be notified of their decision. Lavonne Cox Fund Application form is available by going to the tab called Scholarships.