PRESCOTT, AZ—April 15, 2024—Prescott’s Arizona Philharmonic (AZ Phil) introduced its new season artwork choice Watson Lake Spillway, a watercolor painting by local artist Chris Sommerfelt, at their season announcement at the Mountain Artists Guild recently. “In keeping with AZ Phil tradition, we chose another local artist for this season, as a way of supporting Prescott’s arts scene. We loved the movement and colors in her rendition of Prescott’s iconic Granite Dells and chose Sommerfelt’s work to represent our 7^th season,” commented Abby Coffey, Executive Director of Arizona Philharmonic.

About Chris Sommerfelt

Chris Sommerfelt’s passion for art began in her childhood in Wisconsin. She graduated from college with a degree in commercial art, which she put to work as a graphic designer for over 35 years, retiring in 2017 to devote more time to watercolor painting. Having painted for over 30 years, Chris has taught watercolor classes and workshops in both Wisconsin and Northern Arizona and is a member of the Northern Arizona Watercolor Society. She and her husband Rick moved to Prescott Valley in 2019.

Chris currently teaches at Mountain Artist Guild where she is a member, and has had her work exhibited in solo shows, galleries and juried exhibitions across Wisconsin and Northern Arizona and won numerous awards. “I believe no medium works better than watercolor for expressing the beauty of the natural world. Its transparency and the way that pigment mixes and moves in the water gives the medium its own voice in addition to the intent of the artist,” Sommerfelt added. Arizona Philharmonic’s Founder and Artistic Director, Henry Flurry, summarizes the painting’s connection, “Chris Sommerfelt’s watercolor both highlights the beauty of our local landscapes and resonates with the dynamic and inspiring performances we have planned for Arizona Philharmonic’s seventh season.”

About Arizona Philharmonic

Founded in 2018, Arizona Philharmonic (AZ Phil) begins its seventh season in 2024-25 as Prescott’s professional orchestra, presenting large and small concerts that engage and inspire listeners. Based in Prescott, AZ Phil draws musicians from across Arizona and is committed to offering transformative music, while nurturing community participation and supporting the needs and growth of the Prescott area performing arts scene. Recognized in 2021 by the Prescott Chamber of Commerce for Excellence in Arts and Culture, Arizona Philharmonic is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Ticket information, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities can be found at AZPhil.org or on Facebook.