Bentley Gallery to Close After 41 Years of Championing Contemporary Art in the Southwest

After four remarkable decades of presenting leading-edge contemporary art in the heart of the Southwest, Bentley Gallery announces its official closure. This decision marks the end of an era for our gallery that has long been a vital force in Arizona’s cultural landscape.

Founded in 1984 by the eponymous Bentley Calverley, Bentley Gallery has served as a cornerstone for contemporary art, showcasing a diverse and rigorous program that elevated regional, national, and international voices. From its early days in Scottsdale and its expansive warehouse location in Phoenix’s historic warehouse district, to its final, light-filled, boutique space near Roosevelt Row, the gallery has evolved alongside the city’s growing art scene, acting as both incubator and beacon for artists and collectors alike. As the gallery prepares to close its doors, we extend our deepest gratitude to the countless artists, collectors, curators, critics, institutions, and community members who have journeyed with us. Your support, creativity, and trust allowed Bentley Gallery to thrive, innovate, and push boundaries for more than 40 extraordinary years.

To the artists—thank you for entrusting us with your work, your stories, and your visions.
Representing your practices has been the heart of everything we do. Your courage,
experimentation, and insight brought life to our walls and meaning to our mission.

To our collectors—thank you for your passion, your patronage, and your enduring belief in the power of art. Your support not only sustained the gallery but also helped build lasting collections and legacies that extend well beyond our walls.

To our partnering institutions, critics, and curators—thank you for championing our artists and contributing to the dialogue that makes art so vital. Your engagement ensured that our
exhibitions resonated far and wide.

To our dedicated staff—past and present—thank you for your professionalism, loyalty, and care. Your hard work behind the scenes made each show, opening, and interaction shine with purpose and integrity.

And to the broader Phoenix community—thank you for embracing contemporary art, showing up, speaking up, and helping shape a city that values creative expression. We are proud to have been part of your cultural fabric.

Founder Bentley Calverley looks forward to the next chapters. A myriad of travel destinations pique her interest: “Egypt’s terrain can be a bit more challenging, so I would like to make that trip sooner than later. Japan is also on the horizon. Though I’m retiring from the gallery world, I have spent my career cultivating an appreciation for art and culture and that will simply persist in new forms.” Gallery Director Craig Randich is embracing a shift of focus and change of pace, intending to lean more into his own creative practice. He reflects on his 18 years with the gallery, expressing gratitude for the people who made the place: “I would like to thank all the people who came out to support us and the talented artists we represent. Your presence at our exhibitions, events, and openings brought life and energy to this space. A very special thank you goes to those who acquired artwork through the gallery—you have not only supported individual artists but also helped further the Phoenix Arizona art community in a lasting way.”

While Bentley Gallery as a physical space is closing September 13, the relationships built, the artwork placed, and the conversations sparked will continue. Art lives on in the homes and institutions where it now resides and it is our sincere hope that the legacy of the gallery will continue to inspire those who believe in the transformative power of contemporary art. In the coming months, we will be sharing highlights from the gallery’s history and celebrating some of the more notable moments and milestones. We invite our community to join us during these last months and final opening events to honor this moment—and to look ahead to new and evolving ways of supporting art and artists in Arizona and beyond.

With Deep Appreciation,
Bentley Calverley & Craig Randich
Bentley Gallery