Artist

http://tempe.utrechtblog.com

this blog has tons of links to local art groups, galleries and artists (scroll down, it's on the left hand column)

* Arizona Art Alliance
* Arizona Artists Guild
* Arizona Pastel Artists Association
* Arizona Watercolor Association
* Art League West
* Critique Encounters
* East Valley Art Guild
* Lake Havasu Art Guild
* Mesa Art League
* Phoenix Artists Guild
* Scottsdale Artists Leauge
* Tempe Artists Guild
* Utrecht Tempe
* Westbrook Village Fine Arts Association
* Wickenburg Art Club

Go to an art supply place and see if there are groups that meet.

Place an ad on craigslist.

Schedule at Meet up at Meetup.com

Start going to First Friday (art openings on the first Friday of each month are common everywhere) as well as any local art festivals.

It may be a bit weird at first if you are going alone, but you can figure out which galleries you like and you'll start seeing the same people over and over. Eventually, you'll find your group.

Every State, has an artists' "guild" type organization.
Try doing a Google search for it in your area....
there are typically "membership" dues or fees..... sometimes.
The Guilds.... are also sometimes per the type of artist/medium... ie: fiber artists, pottery, painters, glass work etc.

And yes as Laurie A. said... go to an art supply store... and they typically have/know the organizations in your area... and also events.

all the best,
Susan

Josie
One of my best friends moved there years ago and has had trouble making friends. She is very talented and teaches at one of the high school. I will check with her and see if she wants me to give you her contact info and get back to you.
Victoria

in my town the local coffee house has live music on Fridays the artwork is displayed from local artists who come to the live music nights.