And on the 8th day…

Mural located across the street from 8th Day Coffee & Culture in Phoenix

Ever wonder what might have been created on the eighth day? Seems it was coffee and culture, which you can enjoy by hitting “8th Day Coffee & Culture” during tonight’s “First Fridays” shindig in Phoenix.

Lovely entrance to 8th Day Coffee & Culture in Phoenix

I spied the lovely art and coffeehouse while lollygagging around central Phoenix last weekend in between theater gigs. It’s easy to spot just across the street from a mural that caught my eye that day.

Those heading to downtown Phoenix today, or this weekend, can join local artists working on a community mural as part of “Phoenix Festival of the Arts,” a first time affair that Phoenix Center for the Arts plans to turn into a yearly gathering.

Detail of artwork created on a door you’ll spot when entering 8th Day Coffee & Culture

I enjoyed a lovely tour while taking in 8th Day offerings last weekend — learning about all sorts of art created by veterans, students, addicts and others. There’s a work near the coffee bar painted in chocolate — plus paintings, drawings and multimedia works throughout the venue’s open and tucked away spaces.

Entrance to the 8th Day Coffee & Culture performance space

Tonight there’ll be several performers in the house, including Eric Bischoff and Amber Hunter. Also Sean Malakowsky in spoken word mode. I came home with Hunter’s “Freedom Steps” CD, which features 13 original songs sharing the 8th Day ‘hope with a hippie twist’ vibe.

Art meets recycled technology in this work at 8th Day Coffee & Culture

Works by Alexa Gibson are featured at 8th Day Coffee & Culture, where you’ll also find art by Matt Seymour, Katie Barth, Che’rie Deneen, Rick Gonzales and Hope thru Art. You’ll find all this happiness at 828 N. 2nd St. in Phoenix.

Tonight’s “First Friday” runs from 6-10pm, though hours vary by venue. Those seeking holiday gifts will find plenty of galleries offering locally crafted works. Hazel & Violet will be printing holiday cards and coasters to order and MADE  will have works by local artists for sale in their courtyard.

Works spied in one of several 8th Day Coffee & Culture hallways

An opening reception for Patrick Fisher’s first solo exhibition takes place tonight at the A.E. England Gallery right along the light rail’s path on Central Ave., and Mon Orchid is featuring works by Valley artists Dino Paul and Laura Spalding Best. Deus Ex Machina on Grand Ave. opens “Signs and Wonders” during First Friday festivities.

If images of religious iconology are your thing, head to {9} for a little something called “Saints & Sinners” meant to “reflect centuries of accumulated traditional icons by most major religions.” I’m guessing coffee didn’t make the cut.

Learn more about chocolate as an art medium at 8th Day Coffee & Culture

Hit 1205 Space to experience works by Moisés, and Willo North to explore the “Youth” exhibition featuring works by Bob Adams. Fand of mural, aerosol and graffiti are gathering at First Studio, and folks eager to shop with a purpose are heading to New City Studio for “Shopping With Purpose” (look for Chicks Who Give a Hoot while you’re there).

Eye Lounge features works by Israeli artists from Agripas 12 cooperative gallery in Jerusalem, plus two additional exhibits — while greenHAUS presents “The Art of Poor” featuring new works by Isse Maloi. Dave Loves Nancy has artist-made gifts for the first 25 people through the door during First Friday this month.

One of several cheerful sorts doing barista duty at 8th Day Coffee & Culture

6th Avenue Gallery promises a photo exhibit of silly (and sometimes naughty) elves, while the Latino Arts & Culture Center adjacent to Symphony Hall is presenting its 3rd annual “Honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe” program complete with art and altar exhibitions — plus live music, dance and the traditional “Las Posadas.”

More art tucked away in cozy hallways throughout 8th Day Coffee & Culture

Folks who start their First Friday adventures at the Phoenix Art Museum can snag free shuttle rides to various venues, though $5 donations are appreciated to help keep these babies running. If good coffee and conversation is your thing, click here to find and print your own Artlink map of First Friday venues — then take it along to 8th Day Coffee & Culture, where you can sit and sip while planning the night’s next adventure.

— Lynn

Coming up: A tale of two concerts

Art meets auction

Nifty paint cans where folks were putting their INFOCUS raffle tickets on Saturday

I headed over to the Phoenix Art Museum Saturday since I was already in that neck of the woods for a matinee of the musical “Spamalot,” which recently opened the 2012/13 season for Phoenix Theatre. Turns out there was a lot more going on than I’d anticipated.

Families were busy experiencing a new exhibit in the children’s area, while folks in various parts of the museum were undergoing Art Masterpiece training — touring museum works, making their own artwork and listening to experts share tips on teaching art appreciation in the classroom.

But I spent most of my time in the Norton Photography Gallery, admiring dozens of signed limited edition works included in the museum’s “2012 INFOCUS Photography Exhibition and Sale,” which features a silent auction the evening of Thurs., Oct. 4. I’m told those who can’t attend can preview auction items, place absentee bids and make purchases at www.infocus-phxart.org/auction.

Come this month’s “First Friday” on Oct. 5, the Phoenix Art Museum compliments their “Modern Spirit: Fashion of the 1920s” exhibition with jazz music from the ’20s. There’s plenty more going on too — click here to check it out.

— Lynn

Coming up: New digs for dancers

Friday night lights

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There’s a beautiful building on one corner of the intersection at Roosevelt and 1st St. in Phoenix. It’s the Roosevelt Community Church, home to an artist guild that participates periodically in the First Friday arts scene by hosting art shows, performances, artist salons, film screenings and such. This proud, prominent structure sits across from a series of unassuming spaces making equally important contributions to Arizona arts and culture.

I explored the block last Friday night while popping into Warehouse 1005 before opening night of “Spring Awakening,” a joint production of Phoenix Theatre and Nearly Naked Theatre that runs through July 1. Warehouse 1005 is one of many galleries operated by PSA Art Awakenings, which features artworks by individuals living with mental illness. The place was bustling with artists working in a large back room when I arrived, and I spent a lovely bit of time admiring sculture, paintings, jewelry and more.

Lured by a sidewalk laced with chark art, my next discovery was a funky little space called The Firehouse Gallery — home to vintage clothing, jewelry by local artists and all sorts of protest art. Think SB 1070, Occupy Phoenix and such. I was tickled to find a belt in my favorite color (brown), plus a glass flower that’ll look nifty hanging in necklace mode. Before leaving, I snapped photos of a mural gracing the side of the artist collective’s habitat.

Soon I was following the bright fushcia paint along a wall heading in the other direction — which led to the new home for Jazz in AZ, which they’ve dubbed “The Nash.” I’ll be venturing inside some other time when theater tickets aren’t beckoning my name. It was 7:45pm, and my show started at 8pm — so I had to scurry. A quick drive along the winding road behind Burton Barr Central Library got me there with plenty of time to enjoy pre-show festivities.

First, I entered the Phoenix Theatre courtyard through the recently remodeled passageway. It’s filled with mirrors awash with sapphire blue lights that conjure images of the Star of Bombay I once lingered over at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. Inside the theater lobby, I discovered a musician working both harmonica and guitar — plus paintings by several local artists. Rebecca Hollingsworth, a member of Phoenix Art Space, sat in the spot that’s usually home to a piano, painting away as theater patrons young and old took it all in.

Seems the lights of Phoenix shine brightest on Friday nights.

— Lynn

Note: Click here for information on upcoming First Fridays in Phoenix

Coming up: Phoenix mom rocks the theater vibe

Heroes of Hope

Folks who hit First Friday in Phoenix tonight can enjoy a “Heroes of Hope” exhibit being held in honor of National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day (May 9). “Heroes of Hope” exhibits in Arizona represent a collaboration between the Arizona Art Therapy Association, Art Awakenings and Marana Health — plus participating families and youth. The Phoenix exhibit will be open during May at the Art Awakenings gallery located at 1014 N. 2nd St. Gallery hours are 6-9pm during this month’s First Friday.

Participating youth created works of art “representing heroes in their lives and how they have been helped in times of stress.” May’s First Friday event at the Art Awakenings gallery includes “a multimedia presentation with art imagery and facts about children’s mental health.”

A “Heroes of Hope” art fair taking place May 11 at the Marana Health Center ” will be formatted much like a science fair” and feature art created by K-12 students. Children who attend will be invited to create hand and footprints with paint for a “Wall of Heroes” being sent to service men and women deployed from Davis-Monathan Air Force Base. I’m told the event also features “interactive stations and information.”

Click here to learn more about National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day — a program of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. I’m one taxpayer who’s perfectly happy to support programs that help families living with depression and other devastating mental health disorders.

— Lynn

Note: Click here to explore “Facts for Families” from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Click here to explore explore a piece from The Guardian featuring artwork created by participants in London’s CoolTan Arts programs.

Coming up: Silver linings, Dance meets documentary

Celebrating “Day of the Dead”

When I stopped by the Arizona Latino Arts and Culture Center in downtown Phoenix last weekend, artist José Andrés Girón eagerly told me about an exhibit of works by visual and performance artist Zarco Guerrero opening this week — just in time for “First Friday” on Oct 8.

Guerrero’s one-man, multi-media exhibit titled “Calacas y Mas” runs through Nov 30. It features photos, masks, large puppets, ofrendas and a special Dia de los Muertos art installation. ALAC credits Guerrero with making the celebration of Dia de los Muertos as popular in Arizona as the celebration of Cinco de Mayo.

This work in the ALAC gift shop got me thinking about The Day of the Dead

The Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix is celebrating Dia de los Muertos with “ongoing festivities, classes and exhibits” — plus entertainment to include song, dance and storytelling. The garden will present an interactive altar and a display honoring Dia de los Muertos.

Viewing of an “Ofrenda Offering” featuring installations by ten “local and renowned” artists is included with garden admission Oct 21-Nov 2. An event titled “Cuisine and Culture of Dia de los Muertos” takes place Thurs, Oct 27. And a traditional La Procesión blending symbolism and pageantry with music and dance begins at 5pm on Sat, Oct 30.

A work by Juan Chawuck of Chiapas Mexico exhibited at ALAC in Phoenix

Xico presents its 32nd annual “Dia de los Muertos: A Celebration of Life Festival” in Chandler Sat, Nov 5. The event features traditional music and dance by local performers, storytelling from the South Mountain Community College Storyteling Institute and children’s activities. Also folk arts and crafts and ethnic foods.

The Xico event also includes a community altar, a candlelight procession and their first ever “El Katrin/La Katrina Contest.” Their “El Dia de los Muertos” art exhibit featuring the works of more than 20 artists recently opened at their Chandler gallery. It’s part of their overall mission to “promote indigenous heritage and culture through the Arts.”

Works by Ruben Galicia on exhibit at ALAC in downtown Phoenix

The Mesa Arts Center presents a “Dia le los Muertos Celebration” Oct 31-Nov 1. The event features a community altar, live music and performances, and food. Also a mercado complete with Day of the Dead merchandise, arts and crafts, children’s activities and more.

On Saturday, more than 150 students from various Mesa public schools will play mariachi-style music from 11am to noon. Altars created by local children and families will be on display, and one of several workshops (from noon-3pm) offers participants the opportunity to create an altar for a loved one, pet or event they wish to remember. Sunday events include a traditional procession starting at 4:30pm.

Detail of an Oliverio Balcells work titled Ometeotl exhibited at ALAC

The Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix presents “Dia de los Muertos at MIM: A Celebration of Life through Music” Nov 5 & 6. The event features a community altar, a music-inspired activity for all ages, a display of student-made altars and live performance by various solo artists and bands.

The MIM celebration also features a traditional mercado filled with unique crafts and art, Mexican-inspired food and drinks, and a “cemetary” honoring famous American and Mexican musicians.

One of many colorful displays at the ALAC gift shop in Phoenix

For complete event details, visit organization and venue websites. If you know of another “Day of the Dead” celebration in the Valley, please comment below to let our readers know.

— Lynn

Note: Art featured in this post was photographed during my recent visit to ALAC (prior to the installation of their “Day of the Dead” exhibit).

Coming up: More festivals with multicultural flair, A musical about second chances

Thoughts of Japan

After watching television coverage of the devastating consequences of recent natural disasters in Japan, I spent some time reflecting on challenges facing the people of Japan — and those of us around the globe who must do our part to help its people.

I headed to the Japanese Friendship Garden in central Phoenix, which features an authentic Japanese stroll garden perfect for quiet reflection. There I learned that Himeji, Japan — home of a castle hailed as a world treasure — is one of Phoenix’s “sister cities.”

During tough — and truly tragic — times, those who feel the strongest need to help are often the people who have a personal connection with those affected. Phoenix has such a connection to Japan, and our country’s strong political alliance with Japan is well known and highly regarded.

As you talk with your family, friends and fellow community members about ways to support the Japanese people in the days, months and years ahead — consider spending some time at Ro Ho En, the Japanese Friendship Garden located at Margaret T. Hance Park.

Here’s a bit of what you’ll see there — followed by news of upcoming events at the garden, and ways you can help the people of Japan rebuild their homes and their lives…

We first experienced the Japanese Friendship Garden during an elementary school field trip that included participating in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, which we began by taking off our shoes and settling into a spirit of quiet observation and profound respect.

I recalled that ceremony, with its beautiful order and tradition, as I watched footage filmed during and after Japan’s largest earthquake. A woman who struggled to replace cans in a supermarket as they fell around her amidst all the trembling. The people who remained calm and reverant rather than resorting to looting or other means of furthering the chaos wrought by nature upon them.

The Japanese Friendship Garden is a wonderful place to introduce your children to Japanese culture. In addition to the tea house and tea garden, it features more than fifty varieties of plants, flowing streams, stone footbridges and lanterns, a 12-foot waterfall and a Koi pond with more than 300 colorful fish.

During my most recent stroll through the garden, just a few other people were there — making it an especially serene and tranquil experience. I hope to return for the “Zen Garden Music & Art Festival” on April 16, when the garden will come alive with all sorts of visual and performance art.

During their season, the Japanese Friendship Garden participates in ArtLink’s “First Fridays” from 4pm to 7pm/dusk — when admission is free. Other times, the admission fee is modest — and school tours/group tours are available.

You’ll learn plenty about the Japanese Friendship Garden, and affiliates such as the Urasenke Foundation in Kyoto, by simply visiting their website — which features its own spectacular slide show with really interesting captions.

Still, a visit to the garden is the best way to get a feel here in Phoenix for all the beauty and wonder that is Japan.

— Lynn

Note: Visit the following websites to discover some of the ways you can support recovery efforts in Japan: www.doctorswithoutborders.org,  www.internationalmedicalcorps.org, www.peace-winds.org, www.redcross.org, www.salvationarmyusa.org

Coming up: Movie and theater reviews

Update: Donations for the Phoenix sister city of Himeji, Japan can be made March 18-20 at the Himeji, Japan booth in Sister Cities Village at WorldFEST. Click here to learn more about a fund drive being held by the Phoenix Sister Cities Commission to benefit disaster relief efforts — and to learn more about WorldFEST, which features family-friendly activities related to several of our sister cities throughout the world.

Arizona Latino Arts & Cultural Center

After dropping one of my kids off for a meeting in downtown Phoenix on Saturday, I had an hour or so of spare time on my hands. Recently armed with a new camera, I decided to go in search of art venues I could explore and maybe snap some photos.

The view as I walked east towards ALAC and Symphony Hall

I found a metered parking spot along Adams, and headed a block or so up the road to the Arizona Latino Arts & Cultural Center. I entered through the gift shop, lured by a vast array of colorful objects of art, attire, jewelry and more.

ALAC has a humble exterior but boasts great works of imagination within

There I met two cheerful gentleman who welcomed me to the Center, and assured me they’d be happy to answer any questions. I got permission to use my flash and off I went.

This bracelet with hearts might make a nice Valentine's Day gift

While going from room to room, I enjoyed works ranging from small metal sculptures to giant artworks drawn with colored pencils.

Sweet Dreams by David Romo sits at a nice height for younger viewers

I enjoyed artwork featuring cars, owls, desert animals, children, butterflies, the wide open sky and so much more. It’s a place you can explore in less than an hour, and I saw plenty of works that have strong kid-appeal.

Detail, Til the Road Ends by Ray Rivas

The Arizona Latino Arts & Cultural Center is in a great location for walking city streets and enjoying all sorts of shops, restaurants, galleries and performing arts venues.

Untitled by Carlos Navarrete is part of a Visions of Guadalupe exhibit

You could easily make a day of it by taking in a show at Valley Youth Theatre nearby or htting the Phoenix Burton Barr Central Library. (Both have small art exhibits on site.)

Like many musems, ALAC uses technology to enhance cultural exhibits

But back to my ALAC adventures — which included a lengthy and lively chat with one of the young men who’d greeted me when I arrived.

This metal and found objects sculpture (R) is Cicso's Ride by David Romo

I learned late in our conversation, after mentioning my fondness for the colored pencil works, that I was talking with artist Carlos Rivas.

Detail, Must Not Sleep by Carlos Rivas - Part of the "Off the Grid" exhibit

Rivas is a 33-year-old “self-taught” artist from El Paso, Texas who has been creating art since childhood, but only embraced his talent within the past few years. His passion for art and community are evident as he speaks.

Detail, Lord Ganesh by Carlos Rivas - My favorite work on exhibit at ALAC

I mentioned seeing yet another Arizona-related story on the front page of The New York Times — regarding recent changes to policies regarding ethnic-studies courses in high school.

We agreed that it would be nice to read good news about Arizona for a change, and Rivas shared his conviction that the Center serves the community by increasing knowledge, understanding and dialogue.

I hadn’t yet heard the tragic news of the shooting in Tucson, and it occured to me that the national media should visit the Center to find a bit of what’s beautiful here in Arizona.

You can enjoy the Arizona Latino Arts & Cultural Center free of charge during regular operating hours — but a glass jar welcomes donations by those who wish to support the Center’s work.

ALAC has a room/stage dedicated to performance and educational events

Or head to the Center for Phoenix “First Fridays” so you can enjoy several arts and cultural activities in one evening.

Remember ALAC next time you enjoy a symphony, opera or ballet downtown

If you’re a teacher taking students on a field trip to the Herberger Theater Center, Phoenix Symphony Hall or other nearby venue, leave some extra time to explore the Arizona Latino Arts & Cultural Center.

The Herberger Theater Center has a stunning new look both inside and out

The Center is also a nice pairing with an afternoon spent at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix. I left the Center with a wee bit of time left on my parking meter, so I scurried over to the Herberger Theater Center Art Gallery to enjoy their new “Sacred Places” exhibit.

This James Van Fossan work titled Sky IV is part of the Sacred Places exhibit

On my way back to get Lizabeth, I drove past the Phoenix Center Theater and noticed a long line of folks heading into the theater for a performance of “Grease” by youth in an afterschool program titled “Art & Sol.” The show runs through Sat, Jan 22.

Enjoy true community theater just off the Loop 202 at 3rd St. in Phoenix

I’ll share more of my Saturday afternoon adventures in another post. In the meantime, feel free to suggest other venues you’d like me to explore and share with our readers.

Watch for roving Phoenix Ambassadors eager to assist downtown visitors

Inspired by the work and words of Carlos Rivas, I expect to take not only my camera, but also a sketch pad and colored pencils, on future art adventures.

— Lynn

Note: Click here to learn more about arts and cultural attractions in the downtown Phoenix area.

Coming up: Art at the Herberger — inside and out

Photos (decent and lousy) by Lynn Trimble