Downtown Phoenix is the hub of the Valley art scene. First Friday attracts thousands of people every month to walk the streets of Roosevelt Row. Modified Arts gallery is one of the most popular destinations. Opening this Friday, Modified proudly presents new works by Saskia Jordá and Christ Oatey.

On August 17, from 6-9.m. marks the opening reception of  ”Random Interference.” Phoenix-based Jordá uses an interdisciplinary form and works with yarn, felt, and fabric to produce amazing sculptures, wall works, and installations. Oatey, who hails from Los Angeles, constructs site-specific installations that address architecture and spacial issues. Through the use of texture, materials, contrasting opposing elements, he art becomes detailed studies of objects and their construction.

The exhibit will be showing from August 17 to September 14.

Modified Arts | 407 East Roosevelt Street | Phoenix, AZ 85004

The Arizona Science Center and Chipotle Mexican Grill are cooking up something green: sustainability, that is. An upcoming film and lecture series called Chew On This! will teach guests about food and the broader impact that food has on our health, the environment and society as a whole.

Taking place at the Arizona Science Center, the series will answer important questions like, “What foods are showing up on your dinner plate, and how did they get there? What’s the difference between organic and conventionally produced fruits and veggies? How does eating “out-of-season” increase our carbon footprint? What do bees really do for the food industry?”

THe series will begin on August 18, with a showing of the documentary FRESH, and will include appearances by guest lecturers Carole De Cosmo from Arizona Farm and Ranch Experience and Avondale Farmers Market, and Derek Slife and Christopher Wharton from Chow Locally.

Perfect for all ages, these events are designed to be fun and creative while teaching valuable and important lessons. For a complete schedule of the series, click here.

Just when we thought the Musical Instrument Museum couldn’t get any better, they bring Elvis back to life. While a hologram concert performance might be one possibility, we’re simply referring to the museum’s exhibit that showcases The King of Rock and Roll’s time in Arizona.

In celebration of Elvis Week, August 10 through 16, the MIM has everything from The King’s jumpsuits while on tour here in the 1970s to his sheet music and guitar on display.

Another connection Elvis had to Arizona was the time he spent in Apache Junction while filming “Charro!” prior to its 1969 release. The film’s plot revolves around Elvis’s character, Jess Wade, who has been falsely accused of stealing a war cannon from Mexican revolutionaries.

According to azcentral.com, “Elvis’s bound copy of the movie’s screen play, originally called ‘Come Sundown, Come Hell,’” will also be on display for the duration of Elvis week.” The MIM will also feature screenings of “Charro!”

»READ MORE

Our favorite gallery, downtown Phoenix’s Modified Arts, will be hosting its latest opening reception this Friday, July 20 called “Practically Everything.”

The gallery will feature the work of six emerging artists, “who explore the paradoxical nature of photography.” In a nutshell, how the camera can simultaneously describe and transform its subject. Curated by Bucky Miller, other participating artists include Christian Widmer, Cory Fitzgerald, Dana Buhl, Michael Lundgren, Michael Max McLeod, and Bucky Miller.

Going from 6 to 9 p.m. this Friday, this showing will be open through August 11.

Country music plays a huge role in Arizonan culture. If you have ever been to the Country Thunder music festival in Florence, AZ, then you know exactly what we’re talking about. On Saturday, June 30, the Musical Instrument Museum will be paying homage to the sounds of the southwest with its first ever Country Music Day. Yee-haw.

Arizona’s own country band, Chevellon, will be performing hit songs from the 1950s live at 11:30 a.m. MIM curator Cullen Strawn will be leading a gallery talk on MIM exhibits devoted to country music greats such as Marty Robbins, Buck Owens, Waylon Jennings, Toby Keith, and others at 1 p.m.

At 2 p.m., Pick & Holler is playing music from America’s past and keeping alive the sounds that have brought people together for centuries.

If you think this just an adult affair, think again. Kids and adults can enjoy the bolo tie drop-in craft activity from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. In this class devoted to Arizona’s official state tie, guests will learn about the history of the shoestring necktie and will make their own…..with a musical theme, of course.

To top it all off, the MIM Café will cook some southwest inspired dishes like sweet potato soup, pork ribs with grits, greens, and cornbread, and pecan pie.

All events are free with normal admission to the museum.

MIM | 4725 East Mayo Boulevard | Phoenix, Arizona 85050  

Photo by Kara Philp

Call it romantic, call it family fun, but whatever you do save yourself the sunburn by taking advantage of these local attractions once the sun has set thanks to their evening events and summer hours.

Take a sensory adventure and see, hear and feel the desert night. The Desert Botanical Gardens host summer flashlight tours from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays through September 1. This self-paced stroll along the main trail and 10 discovery stations is perfect for dates, families and children of all ages. Please bring your own flashlight. Member and nonmember garden admission rates apply. For more information call (480) 941-1225

Photo courtesy of artists.

With summer vacation season in full swing, it may prove difficult to find fun things to do with the family while you’re still here. The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art has just the event for some other-wordly entertainment, even if you can’t escape the city.

On June 21, from 5:15 – 7:30 PM, SMoCA will host its Annual Summer Family Night at the Museum. The night will take kids to outer space for stargazing and identifying UFOs, brought to you by an artist group that goes by the name “New Catalogue”

The theme is inspired by SMoCA’s summer exhibition, This is a Present From a Small Distant World, which takes its title from a recording called the Golden Record that was launched into outer space in 1977 on the NASA Voyager spacecraft. The Golden Record’s goal was to communicate Earth and the human experience to unknown life that may or may not be dwelling in confides of space.

Throughout the evening, families will be able to explore the constellations in a portable planetarium and Make an outer-space discovery in the exhibition This is a Present from a Small Distant World; and enjoy child-friendly tours of SMoCA’s other new summer exhibitions.

The cost is $20 per family of four with $4 extra for each additional person. Pre-registration is required and you can do so by calling (480) 874-4642.

SMoCA | 7380 E. 2nd Street | Scottsdale, Arizona 85251

Shopping and dining are among the attractions of Bisbee's historic main street. Courtesy photo.

‘Tis the season for family vacations, amusements parks and long hours in the car where the proverbial “are we there yet?” can be heard if not by children, then by the voice in your own head. If you’re thinking of keeping it local and enjoying the low-fuss adventure of a (shorter) road trip getaway, here are some Arizona destinations for your consideration.

Bisbee – Just 200 miles southeast, the combination of Bisbee’s mining past and modern attractions make this town unique. While it’s Ideal for the history lover, Bisbee is not a bad choice for the foodie or the shopper either. Visit the historic main street; choose from a variety of tours and museums, or catch a Copper Kings game at Warren Ballpark.

Jerome – 115 miles north. In a town once known for mining, prostitution, gambling and – unofficially – ghosts, you’ll now find bed and breakfasts and more than 30 galleries and studios. During your visit, don’t miss the Jerome Historical Society Mine Museum for the history buffs, the Jerome State Historic Park for the outdoorsy types, the First Saturday Art Walk for the art lovers and The Jerome Winery for the … (well, you get the idea).

Sedona – 100 miles north. Whether it’s hiking or mountain biking trails, yoga and the healing effect of the vortexes or booking a relaxing resort experience, Sedona’s stunning Red Rocks provide a perfect back drop. Catch the The 17th Annual Sedona Taste or the The 4th Annual Sedona Dine & Wine Fest this summer, but while you’re there, you gotta visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross and Slide Rock State Park.

Other noteworthy landmarks (think Chevy Chase in National Lampoon’s Vacation): The Titan Missile Museum, The Meteor Crater and The Four Corners Monument. Pack up the car and escape the heat of the Valley some weekend soon. It’s cheap, educational and good for the local economy.

When science and art collide, beauty occurs. When relaxation joins the crew, the sensory experience is miraculous. If you’re like us and spring break was just another week behind a desk, such an experience is well-deserved, and thankfully, it’s not too far down the street. Beginning March 29, SuTRA Midtown will partner with the Arizona Science Center for Flow with Van Gogh from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. select Thursday evenings through June. Allow the colors and sounds of Van Gogh’s beautiful, ethereal works to embrace your vinyasa with a member of SuTRA’s Midtown Mafia and absorb the sights of sounds of the Science Center’s world-renowned, interactive Van Gogh Alive exhibition.

The lineup for the event will be the following:
March 29: Danielle Campagna
April 12: Angie Hall
April 26: Mari Carli
May 10: Steven Sorr
May 24: Wendy Neville
June 14: Meagan Marcotte

Cost is $20 for those who pre-register, $25 for drop-ins and $17 for SuTRA Members and Science Center Members. Admission includes an all-levels vinyasa flow class and time to view the exhibition. To reserve a spot, call 602.716.2028.

Since its opening in January Late Nite Catechism and Late Nite Catechism III: ‘Till Death Do Us Part has been a huge hit. Each show plays weekly and the popular series will extend through April 14. Dubbed the “best habit in town,” these comedies have brought people from all over the Valley to the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.

The shows stars Patti Hannon as the outrageously funny and strict nun, Sister. The interactive Catechism show is about a nun who is ruling a her class with an iron fist. The audience participates as her class and she will them “everything she knows about sins and saints while doling out rewards and reprimands with lightning speed.”

The other show, ‘Till Death Do Us Part is a hilarious rendition of the “newlywed” game. Each performance guarantees a unique performance and appeals to all ages.

The show originally openend in 2000 and was an overnight sensation. This weekend marks the end of a chapter of a brilliantly executed live comedy. For information on the last show click here.

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts | 7380 East Second Street | Scottsdale, Arizona 85251 

It’s officially spring and what a wonderful time of year it is. Fling, training, break, all of these words just roll of the tongue after just saying the word while the weather and general cheery disposition of all the people we can only assume are tourists is just too darn hard to ignore. What does one do with all this excess joy? Get out and experience all this city has to offer. We sift through the blogs and you can use all that extra free time for skipping, smiling and listening to music with the windows down. You’re welcome.  And now, we present to you this week’s hometown low down…

Have you every been to The Duce in downtown Phoenix? The place is the perfect mix of boxing arena, boutique and bar. Everything you would want in an abandoned warehouse and yet nothing you’d expect. They serve their classic cocktails in mason jars which you can currently enjoy while sitting on bleachers and watching Spring Training games on big screen televisions. It’s like being at the game, but without the annoying sun wrinkling your baby-smooth complexion. CenPho has the dirt on the old warehouse revamped for you nightlife needs so check it out.

We recently did a post about the Art Deco jewelry making a comeback in fashion and how it represents a much discussed era in history. Nothing, however, is more closely tied to our perceptions of the 1920s than The Great Gatsby. The F. Scott Fitzgerald novel has been making high school children groan for nearly half a century, but we all know it’s a classic worth revisiting. If reading isn’t your thing, have no fear as the Arizona Theatre Company is performing the “Great American Novel”  from now until April 8th and the Herberger Theatre Center in Downtown Phoenix. Read a wonderful introduction on Frontdoors News Network here and gear up for a night of jazz, booze and not-so-subtle nuances alluding to the major flaws and impending collapse of American society.

Being a teenage girl sucks. Speaking strictly from experience it is a very difficult time especially when your interests differ from what one would call “normal”.  While many people assume that girls and Science go together like toothpaste and orange juice, the ladies of Xavier College Prep and The Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering at Arizona State University would beg to differ. According to Downtown Phoenix Journal, last Friday, the school hosted the fourth annual “Girls Have IT Day” which aims to promote women’s involvement in math and the sciences. More than 500 middle school girls from around the valley attended the event pushing us one step closer to having more kick ass female techies tearing up the IT world.

It’s that time again where the Musical Instrument Museum invites everyone to “Experience Brazil” by getting into the Samba spirit. On March 24, the MIM will hold live music performances, drum workshops, Brazilian cuisine, multimedia presentations, and tours of the Brazil exhibit. It’s only happening one day, so be sure to check it out.

Saturday, March 24 will be a day filled with vibrant costumes, energetic drumming, and our favorite, capoeira demonstrations. For those of who don’t know, capoeira is a form of Brazilian dance-fightings that involves acrobatics and break dancing-style techniques. The live music will begin at 11:00 a.m. in the main courtyard and will continue until 12:30 p.m. Performances will include Grupo Liberdade, a dance group that will perform with the SambAZ dancers.

It will be a whole day filled with Brazillian culture, so if you’re looking to step out of the norm this weekend, make your way to the MIM on Saturday. For tickets, click here.

The MIM | 4725 East Mayo Boulevard | Phoenix, Arizona 85050

Grab your bike to check out Scottsdale’s newest sculpture at Cycle for the Arts on Saturday, April 1st.

The Scottsdale Arts Blog reports, This year’s 6-7 mile ride highlights the new sculpture and Scottsdale. This FREE event is fun for the entire family to share. Learn more about public art works from artists and knowledgeable speakers including Arizona artists Mary Lucking and Erin Sotak, as well as international artist Ilan Averbuch.

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. near the entrance to SMoCA, and each small group departs with a ride leader around 9:00 a.m. The ride includes 4 art stops with water and one facilities stop along the way.

The FREE event also includes FREE admission to SMoCA and a coupon for Cool Gelato. Also, mark your calendars for a film screening on artist Ai Wei Wei in the SMoCA Lounge on April 5 at 7:00 p.m.

Photo of bike sculpture by Ai Wei Wei via SMoCA

Modified Arts gallery in downtown Phoenix is one of the most popular art galleries in the area. It has always held it self apart and has been a staple of the Phoenix art scene for many years now. Over the years, Modified has been home to many different types of exhibits and shows. Phoenix+ is in a category all its own.

Phoenix+ is an experiment in social-curation, meaning anyone could be the curator. The exhibit called for artists, curators, and any art supporter to recommend someone else’s work. The experiment led to a wide range of contemporary works from local and regional artists, like Andrew Fallat, Eduardo L. Rivera, Jennifer Campbell, and Elysia Michaelsen, to name a few.

The exhibit opens March 16 and go until April 14. For more information click here.

Modified Arts | 407 East Roosevelt Street | Phoenix, Arizona 85004

Artlink, the creative force behind downtown Phoenix’s monthly First Friday events, presents Art Detour 24. Artlink, the self-guided downtown Phoenix art tour, invites all Valley artists to submit their hangable works for presentation in a Public Hanging event at the A.E. England Gallery, March 16 – 18.

Art Detour 24 is a free, two-day, self-guided tour of artist galleries, studios, and other art venues in downtown Phoenix organized by Artlink in cooperation with participating venues. Art Detour draws thousands of enthusiastic arts supporters each year and expects to draw the same to this year’s event March 17-18. Download the official flyer by clicking here.

The Public Hanging, part of Art Detour one of the Valley’s largest art events, allows artists to show off their work in an established gallery and exposed to the public. Any artist can submit their work and submissions must be no larger than 36″W X 36″H X 12″D. There is a $25 hanging fee, which goes to support First Fridays, gallery openings and more.

The Public Hanging, the first in 20 years, will be on display from March 16 to the 18th. Art Detour 24 celebrates Artlink’s 24th year of serving Arizonans with great local art. For more information or to submit your work click here.

A.E. England Gallery | 424 North Central Avenue | Phoenix, Arizona 85004

Ahoy, fashionistas! Don your most dapper nautical-inspired ensemble and celebrate the opening of the Phoenix Art Museum’s newest fashion exhibition, The Sea, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. March 2. The collection, which will officially begin March 3 and continue through July 15, will navigate the high waters of the sea in its strong influence on fashion and design for many decades. Featuring items from Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Christian Lacroix for Patou and Zandra Rhodes – among many others! – this is one expedition we will want to experience over and over again.

To RSVP for the opening, call 602.307.2011 or email [email protected]

Phoenix Art Museum | 1625 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ| 85004

Opening almost two years ago, The Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix has brought music from all of the world to the Valley. The goal of the MIM is to collect and display musical instruments from every country, culture, and respected musicians. The museum wants to share the love, it preserves, protects, and shares beautiful music so that future generations can enjoy it too.

Opening this weekend, the MIM is celebrating the rich history of Arizona music with its newest exhibition, “I AM AZ Music.” With musicians from Canyon Records to Alice Cooper to Wallace & Ladmo, the exhibition open now until January 2013 is an interactive celebration of Arizona’s vast musical culture. Check the gallery of I AM AZ Music after the jump:

MIM | 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard | Phoenix, Arizona 85050 »READ MORE

Gallo Blanco Cafe and Bar, in the Hotel Calarendon, is hosting Food + Art – Paintings by Fred Tieken. Fred’s paintings will be on display for the month of February. Come and check out his new paintings as well as a group of his favorites personally curated for the show. Using abstract contemporary and pop art themes, his work comes from the heart as it tells his life story.

Check out Artlink Third Friday, February 17 to see the gallery from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m.

Gallo Blanco | 401 West Clarendon Avenue | Phoenix, Arizona 85013

The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, or as it’s more affectionately known, SMoCA is unveiling three new exhibits this spring, with an opening celebration this Friday, February 10 from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The free event tonight features DJ P-Body, cocktails and more in the SMoCA lounge.

About SMoCA’s Spring 2012 Exhibitions:

Just in time for Arizona’s centennial celebration, the Phoenix Art Museum is hosting Frank Lloyd Wright: Organic Architecture for the 21st Century.

Taking place from now to the end of April, this exhibit commemorates the famous Arizonan architect and explores his tenets of organic architecture. Though Wright did most of his work primarily in the mid-century, his style and method resonates with today and holds a major part in Arizonan history.

The exhibition looks into many of Wright’s career accomplishments including Unity Temple in Illinois, Fallingwater in Pennsylvania, Johnson Wax Administration Building and Taliesin, both in Wisconsin and of course Taliesin West in Scottsdale. After the construction of the Taliesin West, Wright retired in the Valley and spent the remainder of his days designing dozens of residential and commercial structures.

Phx Art Museum | 1625 North Central Avenue | Phoenix, AZ 85004 

Image via Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation

Ballet Arizona and Desert Botanical Garden present the Arizona premiere of MOMIX: Botanica, January 27 and January 28 at the historic Orpheum Theater in downtown Phoenix.

Botanica, like other MOMIX creations, creates a magical and ethereal world that is appropriate for the whole family. MOMIX dancer-illusionists conjure a world of surrealistic images using light, shadow, props, humor and the human body. Beautiful and enthralling, Botanica features an eclectic score ranging from birdsongs to Vivaldi. It follows the rhythms of the seasons, the changing shape of life on Earth and the passing of a day. The performance is enhanced by spectacular costumes, projections and giant puppetry designed by Michael Curry, acclaimed production designer for Cirque du Soleil, Disney and the Metropolitan Opera.

Ticket info and more after the jump: »READ MORE

The Lux Art Institute in California will be showing resident Artist Lila Jang’s collection from Januar 12 – March 3. This young South Korean sculptor finds inspiration in the confines of a small living space.

Jang takes ordinary furniture and turns it into something unique and beautiful whilst keeping its practical nature. “My work represents who and where we are as human beings: in the midpoint of that constant struggle between reality and the ideal,” she said in her profile on the Lux Web site. Her pieces are often described as, fluid furniture, from the often whimsical, curvaceous designs.

Her art work has been shown across the world and if you find yourself in California you won’t want to miss this awesome exhibit.

Lux Art Institute | 1550 S. El Camino Real | Encinitas, CA 92024 »READ MORE

In its final weeks, see Juan Downey: The Invisible Architect at ASU Art Museum. “Juan Downey: The Invisible Architect is the first U.S. museum survey of the work of Chilean artist Juan Downey (1940-1993), an unsung video-art pioneer whose career Artforum magazine calls ‘brilliant and idiosyncratic.’” Using a variety of artistic mediums, Downey surveys our interest in modernism, post-colonial theory and contemporary art. The Chilean-born video artist has installations throughout the world including The Museum of Modern Art in New York, The Bronx Museum of the Arts, Centre Pompidou/ Musée national d’Art moderne in Paris, France and more. Now through December 31st. Closed holidays.

ASU Art Musuem | 10th Steet & Mill Avenue | Tempe, AZ | 480-965-2787

Image by Harry Shunk via ASU Art Museum.

Join Montage Art Studio tonight for their grand opening reception from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The Mill Avenue space showcases Arizona artists with a variety of works including abstract sculptures, watercolor portraits, glass work and jewelry. Currently, the studio hosts 10 member artists and additional local artists are encouraged to apply.

Montage Art Studio on Mill | 740 S Mill Avenue |  Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-355-6080

Fluffy white flakes fell from the sky this week and we were all filled with cozy holiday cheer at the sight of it. It sparked a desire to decorate, drink peppermint flavored drinks and drive around town looking for the best holiday light displays. Lucky for you we are willing to share these finds so you can get in the spirit, too.

Desert Botanical Garden’s Las Noches de las Luminarias is a more subtle event. 8,000 hand-lit lanterns line the walkways of the garden while food and live entertainment happens nightly. It’s just enough to get anyone in the mood. Holiday mood, that is.

The McCormick-Stillman Railroad park is a great place to take the kiddos this holiday season. With amazing light displays, a train ride around the park and high school volunteers dressed as your kids’ favorite television and movie characters (not speaking from experience, or anything), this is an event to remember. You can even wait in line to see Santa….if the evil dream shattering snow b**** didn’t already ruin the magic for your wee ones.

Glendale Glitters lights up 16 blocks of Downtown Glendale this year and it’s free, free, free to see! There are even shuttles running from 4:30 – 10:30 so you can take it all in.

Finally, if you don’t want to have to plan for such a night out, AZ Central has compiled this comprehensive map of all the great spots in Phoenix to see neighborhood lights. Just click on the lightbulb to see just what is in store for you… like a treasure hunt, but the prize is way easier to find. The best part? you don’t need to get out of your car.