Art is said to be the ultimate form of expression and creativity. There are literally no boundaries, no limits, and no wrong answers.

So come and appreciate some the work of esteemed artist Janine Antoni as she speaks in honor of this year’s Elaine Horwitch Memorial Lecture on Contemporary Art and Visual Culture.

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Ahh, the teenage years. Chances are when you look back on this time of your life, your best friend is in most of your memories. The time you ditched class, the time you dyed your hair purple, the time you hated your parents, all of these quintessential teenage milestones would be really hard to get through without the Robin to your Batman. This is why we are excited to share with you the opportunity to hear a lecture from photographer Andrea Modica at the Phoenix Art Museum’s Meet the Artist series October 22 at 2:00 p.m.

The contemporary photographer will be talking about her recent series of teenage portraits entitled “Best Friends.” The photographs are real, raw and manage to successfully convey the essence of the teenage spirit. In an interview with Dark Cloth Diaries, Modica talked about the year and a half project and its conception at a high school in Connecticut.

“I initially attempted to make single portraits. However, the student’s best friend was often nearby. This resulted in a small collection of photographs of pairs of high school students,” Modica said. Afterward, she was given a grant to do a six month residency in Modena, Italy where the majority of the series was taken. You can see more of the amazing photographs here and be sure to head on down to the Phoenix Art Museum to hear the full scoop on this talented artists’ work.

Opening tonight, check out “Cereal Killers” by Brian Kappel at After Hours Gallery from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  The installation of cereal box-inspired art running tonight through November 2nd, takes a darker look at your breakfast in a bowl. Kappel is inspired by the “…warnings and scare tactics that invade our daily lives.” And has said, “I like to think my work is akin to watching one of those old TV shows where all the doctors are smoking.”

After Hours Gallery | 116 W. McDowell Road | Phoenix, AZ 85003 | 602-710-2398

Downtown Phoenix will be getting a temporary touch of art with the Phoenix Design Museum‘s limited-engagement exhibitions, opening at the historic Phoenix Seed & Feed Capitol Warehouse.

The museum’s pop-up exhibitions, which have a focus on design excellence with curated collections from around the world, will be on display starting October 1 and will run for a month. Inaugural exhibitions include AIGA 365, a design effectiveness competition; Creativity 40, an international awards show; Design For Good, socially beneficial design solutions; and work from the Ken White collection in the museum’s permanent archives. There will also be an opening reception at the Phoenix Design Museum Thursday, Oct. 13 at 8 p.m. as part of Phoenix Design Week. Showings are held Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Phoenix Design Museum | 411 S. 2^nd St. | Phoenix, AZ 85004 | www.phxdm.com

Read more about the historic See & Feed building after the jump.

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Love. Amour. Liefde. Sayang. Meil. A kiss. A hug. A smile. A note… So many ways to “love.” But nothing says love like locking up your loved one at Fascinations this week with the “Lock Your Love” campaign to benefit Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Arizona.

This unique expression of love, stems from the world-wide phenomenon of lovers from France to China confessing their love with a padlock on gates, fences and bridges since early 2000. For $5 at all nine valley-wide Fascinations locations, purchase a “Love Lock” padlock, decorate and lock it to the special in store metal display as tribute to your beloved. Beginning the end of the week, the Love Locks will join the “Love” statue near the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.

Click here for “Love Your Love” locations.

Congratulations to the Phoenix Zoo on the arrival of 8 bundles of Komodo Dragon joy to their Bush House exhibit. The baby dragons are on loan from the Los Angeles Zoo beginning Saturday, September 24 through the Spring, joining the Zoo’s resident adult dragons, Gaia and Ivan.

The baby Komodo Dragon exhibit is included with your Phoenix Zoo general admission.

Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, Ariz. 85008

“The Power of Music: Photographic Portraits of Americans and Their Musical Instruments, 1860–1915,” opens tomorrow September 24th, running through November 27th at the Musical Instrument Museum in Scottsdale. The traveling exhibition features sixty 24″ x 36″ photographs, images and more, taking museumgoers into the lives of the people of the times. With video footage of musicians performing in the places they played, and a rare display of musical instruments from MIM’s own American collection, the exhibit is an multi-faceted portrayal of the musical influences of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix, AZ  85050, 480.478.6000

Have you dreamed of penning your own comic masterpiece (like DLT-fav Batman) but have never made it past the rough-draft phase of your career? If so, help is finally here. Grab your favorite writing tools and head to the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art this Sunday for a self-publishing workshop for hopeful comic artists and writers. The interactive workshop will be led by artist Davin Yant of Chop Shop Comics from 1 – 4 p.m. and costs $15. Call 480.874.4641 to register.

Comic fans will also want to attend the SMoCA’s lecture with comic critic Dan Nadel and artist Jon Haddock on Thursday Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. as they “discuss the intersection and divergence of commercial and underground comics, and the place of comics in a museum setting.” The lecture is $5 for the public, free for SMoCA members and also free for those who attend the workshop on Sept. 18. Call 480.499.TKTS

Both events are in conjunction with the museum’s tandem exhibitions IDIOS KOSMOS : KOINOS KOSMOS “Us Versus Them and Masters of Collective Reality,” running through October 2.

Visit the museum’s website for more info.

Image Jon Haddock Writes His Name with Fire

Entomophobics (insect scaredy cats) need not apply.

Starting today and running through New Year’s Day, the Desert Botanical Garden will be swarmed with giant insects no can of Raid stands a chance against. But that’s a good thing since the epic insects are actually delightful sculptures scattered about the park.

David Rogers’ Big Bugs exhibit features 11 ginormous insects – such as a praying mantis, spider and ants – sculpted from fallen or found wood, cut saplings, twigs, raw branches, twine, bark and other natural materials. The big bugs in Mr. Rogers’ neighborhood weigh up to 1,200 pounds and range from seven feet to 25 feet long.

The Garden’s fall activities coincide with the exhibit and feature movie showings – including A Bug’s Life, Charlotte’s Web and DLT-fav Beetlejuice - and insect-focused lectures and classes.

Visit the exhibit here for further information or call 480.481.8188, Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. for more info or to make reservations for the movie screenings.

Rock with the Mesa Arts Center as they kick off their 2011 season with free admission to Guitars & Handlebars tonight beginning at 7:00 p.m., featuring live rock music, a custom car and motorcycle show and theater performances.

Get a first look at five new exhibits for this season including the new installation by LEGO master Nathan Sawaya “An American LEGOcy” featuring…you guessed it…large-scale LEGO brick art.

Also be sure to check out the charitable art exhibition Six-String Masterpieces, featuring guitars hand-painted by some of the biggest names in rock like Ozzy Osbourne, Billy Corgan, Bret Michaels and Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top.

Check out MAC’s website for more details on the weekend and this season’s exhibits and events.

Mesa Arts Center, One East Main Street Mesa, AZ 85201, 480.644.6500

It’s safe to say that high fashion has a home in Phoenix. And no, we aren’t just talking about the world class shopping and those who regularly indulge in retail therapy at Barneys. We are mostly referring to the Phoenix Art Museum’s extensive costume collection and the consistently impressive exhibitions curated by costume curator extraordinare, Dennita Sewell. From the recent display of Ann Bonfoey Taylor’s amazing wardrobe to the upcoming exhibition highlighting pieces from world-renowned designer, Giorgio di Sant’Angelo, we can hardly keep up with the couture.

Sant’Angelo’s exhibition, opening September 17 and continuing through February 12, will feature pieces from his extensive and critically acclaimed design career including Gypsy (1969) and Natives of the Americas (1970s) which were innovative at the time and no doubt influential in the recent revival of these trends. Here is what Dennita has to say about the exhibition in a recent interview with Arizona Costume Institute:

“Sant’Angelo was an artist with the exceptional ability to see beyond the established fashion norms, creating designs that were revolutionary in every sense – from the fabric, to the cut, to his interpretation of cultural influences. His dynamic creativity defined him as a designer and his ingenious use of stretch fabrics went beyond high fashion to influence the look of mainstream clothing. This exhibition brings new light to the magnitude of Sant’Angelo’s influence and his continued impact on fashion designers and stylists working today.”

The countdown begins.

As chosen by you, here are the most popular stories OF ALL TIME (aka last week). Just in case you missed it.

Let’s face it, breakups suck. Uncoupling yourself from that special relationship can take weeks, sometimes months of tears, eating straight from the carton of cookie dough ice cream and recounting the tales of couple-doom to friend after friend. Then, there’s the collection of your ex-partner’s stuff, souvenirs and mementos of much happier times, lurking around to pierce your heart when least expected. We know. We’ve heard about being dumped from our friends plenty of times. Thankfully, the Musuem of Broken Relationships, an international traveling museum currently in London, offers to unburden “heartbreakers and the heartbroken” of the personal belongings of lovers’ past by collecting the remnants of failed relationships. The exhibition’s website also houses a “virtual collection,” where ex-lovers can immortalize their emails, pictures and texts anonymously as a form of self-help and closure to the loss.

Donate your old love notes, sexts, photos or check the site for your stuff here.

Let’s face it, breakups suck. Uncoupling yourself from that special relationship can take weeks, sometimes months of tears, eating straight from the carton of cookie dough ice cream and recounting the tales of couple-doom to friend after friend. Then, there’s the collection of your ex-partner’s stuff, souvenirs and mementos of much happier times, lurking around to pierce your heart when least expected. We know. We’ve heard about being dumped from our friends plenty of times. Thankfully, the Musuem of Broken Relationships, an international traveling museum currently in London, offers to unburden “heartbreakers and the heartbroken” of the personal belongings of lovers’ past by collecting the remnants of failed relationships. The exhibition’s website also houses a “virtual collection,” where ex-lovers can immortalize their emails, pictures and texts anonymously as a form of self-help and closure to the loss.

Donate your old love notes, sexts, photos or check the site for your stuff here.

The Artist Gallery at the Musical Instrument Museum will reopen August 6th with a brand new exhibit dedicated to the King. The new exhibit, Elvis Presley: Three Decades of the King, will give fans an up close look at an array of Elvis’ musical instruments, clothing, personal items, and other interesting artifacts. To celebrate the opening of the new exhibit, Las Vegas Elvis tribute artist Donny Edwards will be ‘in the building’ to entertain visitors with Elvis classics, along with Kevin Kern, the director of public relations from Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc., to answer questions about the exhibit.

Fans will have the chance to test their knowledge with a trivia session and even grab a peanut butter and banana sandwich from the MIM Cafe. After getting all shook up with Elvis, visitors can check out instruments from musical icons from around the world including John Lennon, Paul Simon, the Black Eyed Peas, Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana and many others. Doors open to the public on Saturday at 9am and general admission tickets must be purchased for entry into the celebration. For tickets and a complete schedule of events click here.

As chosen by you, here are the most popular stories OF ALL TIME (aka last week). Just in case you missed it.

Another day, another amazing exhibit coming to the Phoenix Art Museum. This time, architecture and art buffs can join together in celebration of on one of the world’s most famous architects, Frank Lloyd Wright. The exhibition, entitled Frank Lloyd Wright: Organic Architecture for the 21st Century, will open on December 18 in honor of the 75th Anniversary of Wright’s former residence and studio, Taliesin West and aims to offer “fresh perspective” on the celebrated architects seven-decade career. The exhibition will include never before seen drawings, scale models and photography in addition to videos of the man in action.

The look back on Wright’s expansive work will focus on his triumphs in the architecture world and will delve into the details of Living City. While the project never made it past the blueprint stage, fans of Wright will be able to see the beginning stages of a 1958 urban utopia which aimed to blend the natural environment with everyday life. Sounds like Wright was “going green” before anyone ever knew the meaning behind it. Mark your calendars for the release date, Wright’s Arizona legacy lives on.

There is something about spending a summer evening watching a movie that just feels right. A trip to the theater is enough of an outing to qualify as “doing something”, but the effort involved still makes it relaxing and stress free. But what to do when the films out there seem like a big ‘ol déjà vu? Two friends agreeing to have sex without complications? Harry Potter defeating Lord Voldemort? Comic book heroes saving the world from supernatural forces? Pretty sure we’ve been there, positive they’ve overdone that.

Well, thanks to the Phoenix Art Museum and their “More Than a Movie” exhibition starting July 31 through September 21, you can officially get out of the big studio movie rut. The museum will be offering free screenings of thought-provoking art films as well as films relevant to the museums collections with an opportunity for discussion with filmmakers and special guest speakers after the flick is through. Films like the Academy Award Winning Pan’s Labryinth or the critically acclaimed Werner Herzog film, Grizzly Man, are among the 10 films playing during this event. Grab a group or fly solo, this experience is one to enrich your summer evening and bring something more to the table than a predictable ending and a Hollywood sculpted derrière.

Another day, another amazing exhibit coming to the Phoenix Art Museum. This time, architecture and art buffs can join together in celebration of on one of the world’s most famous architects, Frank Lloyd Wright. The exhibition, entitled Frank Lloyd Wright: Organic Architecture for the 21st Century, will open on December 18 in honor of the 75th Anniversary of Wright’s former residence and studio, Taliesin West and aims to offer “fresh perspective” on the celebrated architects seven-decade career. The exhibition will include never before seen drawings, scale models and photography in addition to videos of the man in action.

The look back on Wright’s expansive work will focus on his triumphs in the architecture world and will delve into the details of Living City. While the project never made it past the blueprint stage, fans of Wright will be able to see the beginning stages of a 1958 urban utopia which aimed to blend the natural environment with everyday life. Sounds like Wright was “going green” before anyone ever knew the meaning behind it. Mark your calendars for the release date, Wright’s Arizona legacy lives on.

File this one under idea #1001 that we wish we’d thought of. CollegeArtOnline.com is a way-cool Scottsdale-based company that bridges the gap between emerging artists and that empty space on your living room wall. Co-founded by Vincent de Sarthe, a NY transplant and son of a prominent art dealer, CAO offers young artists the chance to showcase their work to the world without having to fight for space at a traditional art gallery. Which is important, de Sarthe said in an interview with Phoenix Magazine, because “There are so many young artists but not enough galleries who want to show them.”

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We couldn’t not share these hilarious photos from Terry Border’s new exhibit at After Hours Gallery. Bent Objects: The Photographs of Terry Border is a dark and twisty exhibit filled with gems like these. Remember when you were little and use to think everything had a personality? Well, now you can watch your fantasy come to life (sort of) right before your eyes.

Now you can meet the man himself this First Friday, July 1 from 6-9 pm at After Hours Gallery for a special reception and  book signings. Finally, all those burning questions you have will be answered.

As chosen by you, here are the most popular stories OF ALL TIME (aka last week). Just in case you missed it.

Starting July 1st, Mexican Modernism art will fill the galleries of the Phoenix Art Museum. Straight from the Blaisten Collection, the exhibit will include works from some of Mexico’s well-known artists between 1910 and 1950. Of the 80 paintings that will be up for viewing, 45 artists including Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco and Frida Kahlo will be showcased, as seven artistic themes will be addressed. Quite the show indeed, as it is sure to have a compelling variety of work, illustrating the cultural environment of Mexico during the first half of the 20th century.

Yes, we live in the desert and while it is a vastly diverse and unique desert it is currently way too hot to enjoy. However, thanks to Herberger Theater Center, we can all avoid heatstroke, heat induced delusions, and endless formidable cacti with a special summer exhibit, Living in Arizona.

Finally, our hot desert surroundings can be enjoyed in the comforts a nice air-conditioned building adorned with works from 79 local artists such as Leland Beaman, Diana Creighton, Kathleen Escobedo, A.E. Rieff and Beata Wehr. With over 500 pieces, this exhibit will be a great go to alternative for taking in all the local beauty around us. The desert depictions and how we crazy Arizonans deal with the heat, will kick off with a free opening reception Saturday, July 9 at 4:30-6:00 p.m. and will remain an art filled oasis until August 28th.

Starting July 1st, Mexican Modernism art will fill the galleries of the Phoenix Art Museum. Straight from the Blaisten Collection, the exhibit will include works from some of Mexico’s well-known artists between 1910 and 1950. Of the 80 paintings that will be up for viewing, 45 artists including Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco and Frida Kahlo will be showcased, as seven artistic themes will be addressed. Quite the show indeed, as it is sure to have a compelling variety of work, illustrating the cultural environment of Mexico during the first half of the 20th century.

Escape the daily grind and take a day trip to Clarkdale, Arizona for an End of the Summer Excursion aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad. Skip the messy camping trip and enjoy cocktails and appetizers as you take a four hour expedition through Arizona’s backcountry while relaxing in a chic refurbished vintage car instead.

During your journey you will pass by ancient Indian ruins, past a monocline fault, through a manmade 680-foot tunnel and takes a visit to the Perkinsville ghost ranch before returning back to the old mining town, Clarkdale. Each car has an open-air car attached to enhance your experience so you can almost touch the red sandstone canyons and taste the clean Arizona air.

If your planning to leave the kids at home and go on a romantic getaway, the Verde Canyon Railroad has extra special trips set up for the 21+ crowd. From August 13th to September 10th passengers can enjoy tequila and wine tasting on the Saturday night Starlight Tours. Ugh, bliss.

Verde Canyon Railroad runs daily (except Tuesdays) and is a short two hour drive from Phoenix. You can book online here or call 800-293-7245 for reservations.

We all know artists can be a bit…eccentric. They cut off their ears, they wear dresses made of prime rib and walk around in long capes while referring to themselves in the third person. While some artists are just “born this way”, others take awhile to grow into their eccentricities. Now, The Art Institute of Phoenix is allowing you to see them before they’re famous by having their Spring Graduate Portfoilio Show on Friday, June 17th from 11-1 pm. Young, green and hopefully sans cape, these wide-eyed visionaries are about to take the art world by storm and the institute is giving you the opportunity to walk around and critique all their hard work with your nose in the air before voting for a winner, American Idol style (because art is all about competition). Plus, you get lunch and a free cultural experience definitely worth your time. RSVP by sending an e-mail here.

If contemporary art is just what you’re craving this summer look no further then the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA). With SMoCA’s summer line-up you will gain access to architecture manifested into exhibit art, provocative comic fandom experiences, and art produced by local Arizona high school students.

Of the three exciting exhibits that will be on display, the  visit from Seattle duo, Annie Han and Daniel Mihalyo, of Lead Pencil Studio will perhaps be the most uniquely thrilling. The appropriately titled, Art + Architecture, exhibit will be a one of a kind display of structural typologies and visually stimulating three-dimensional art. The team will be creating an installation responding specifically to the gallery space. If their past works are any indication of what may be found inside SMoCA’s gallery walls, you can expect anything ranging from a monstrous jungle gym, brightly displayed interactive spaces, or mind boggling structural fantasies made possible. Sound interesting? Well start your countdown clocks, this one time exhibit will be up for view starting June 25th, 2011- October 16, 2011. »READ MORE