by Nicole Royse, Staff Writer
It’s that time of year when you are frantically searching for air conditioned things to do… unless you are by the pool. Well thanks to Scottsdale Public Art and Scottsdale Civic Center Library you have an exciting option perfect for the entire family! Scottsdale Public Art has done it again with an amazing family friendly interactive public art installation titled “Camp Dreamtree”. Many may know the dynamic married duo of local artists, Roy Wasson Valle and Visual Arts Instructor Koryn Woodard Wasson, who are based out of Phoenix. Valle is known for his Fuzzy Balls Apparel merchandise and Wasson is an instructor at the Metropolitan Arts Institute. Through their art collaborations they “seek to create artwork that appeals to children and adults alike” thus we have Camp Dreamtree which Valle originally conceived back in 2006, creating the characters and continuing to build upon them until now.
Camp Dreamtree can be described simply as a fantastical camp experience where the walls of the gallery have been boldly painted and transformed into an otherworldly place or alternate universe. Enjoy the complete experience as you explore several giant wooden houses reminiscent of teepees, witness beautiful giant fabric trees, and read books about camping by the fire next to a fabric camp fire complete with log seating.
Camp Dreamtree truly is a magical place with the camp being set deep within the Fireweather Forest within Crystal Burn. Campers known as “Dream Scouts are invited to go on an achievement quest, collecting achievements at each Dreamhouse, exploring the Fire Weather Forest, and finding surprises in the sky, amongst hanging clouds, flowers, and fantastic creatures.“
Visitors are greeted by an enormous bright yellow structure with one eye at the center known as Dreamhouse. A mirror adorned with the scout pledge for Camp DreamTree camper’s states “on my honor I pledge to be kind, present, and to hold high respect for wonder. I will remember that I am small, but part of the whole.” There are three additional Dreamhouses each containing a book with its own story. Campers are encouraged to read the camping books while they sit by the fire, perhaps cook a pretend meal, or draw and display pictures at one of the dreamhouses.
Make sure you head over to The Gallery at 
Scottsdale Civic Center Library to experience “Camp Dreamtree”. It is easy to get lost in this incredible and enchanting world, use your imagination and go camping, over a truly interactive and striking piece of public art that is enjoyable for all ages!
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This engaging exhibition is on view until July 31st during regular library hours Monday through Thursday from 9am to 9pm, Friday and Saturday from 10am to 6pm and Sunday from 1pm to 5pm. There will also be special events taking place over the next two months including “Campfire Stories with Dreamtree Camp Founder, Even Stevens on June 20th from 6-8:30pm, and “Camp Dreamtree Bird Watching” on July 26th from 10:30-11:30 am.
The Scottsdale Civic Center Library is located at 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale.
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