For the first time in nearly two decades, internationally acclaimed artist Michael Carson is trading his signature panels for canvas—and he’s bringing the results home to Scottsdale.
Starting December 1, Bonner David Galleries in Old Town Scottsdale will debut Carson’s latest exhibition, Canvassing, a new collection of works that explores the texture, scale, and expressive potential of canvas, a surface he hasn’t featured in nearly 20 years.
Carson, known for his emotionally rich figurative paintings and abstract backgrounds, is one of Bonner David Galleries’ longest-represented artists. His return to Scottsdale with this latest show marks the first time in two years that locals will get to see new work from the Minneapolis-based painter.
The exhibition will run December 1 through December 30, with an opening reception on Friday, December 1 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the gallery, located at 7040 E Main Street.
Carson’s decision to return to canvas stems from its long history and its fresh potential. Unlike wood panels, canvas offers scale, texture, and movement flexibility. This has led him to experiment with larger, multi-figure compositions that push his signature style in bold new directions.
In addition to preparing for the Scottsdale show, Carson was recently named the in-house artist for the highly anticipated Global Ambassador Hotel opening in Phoenix this December, further cementing his growing influence on the national art scene.
Founded in 2002 by Christi Bonner Manuelito and Clark David Olson, Bonner David Galleries has long championed traditional and contemporary art. The Scottsdale gallery celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2022 and continues to serve as a vital part of the local arts community, now with a second location in New York’s Upper East Side.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to his work, Canvassing offers a unique opportunity to see Michael Carson’s evolving style on a timeless surface.
