Things that go bump

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Though “things that go bump” conjures images of misguided teachers infusing disco moves into mid-’70s P.E. classes, I actually had something else in mind as I headed to Chandler Friday night for an artist reception at the Vision Gallery — where a “Things That Go Bump in the Night” exhibit delivers “monsters and mayhem” of the most diverse and delightful sort.

Parents once worried about where their children could safely trick or treat, but malls and museums have heeded that call by providing special Halloween events where the little darlings can do candy and crafty things with an appropriately creepy theme. Still, sugar has a bad rap nowadays — and a few globs of caramel or nougot go a long way. This Halloween, I think eye candy is where it’s at.

Works by more that three dozen artists are featured in “Things That Go Bump in the Night,” which runs through Saturday, Nov. 3. Artist Christy Puetz encouraged me to check it out, but I ran into plenty of other artists (literally, sometimes) while I was there. I’m afraid I lingered too long over the nifty Art-O-Mat, a gallery hot spot that supports the Vision Kidz program.

I expected to see Puetz’s beaded myth-inspired creatures, but hadn’t realized before pouring over the gallery’s extensive jewelry collection, that she also crafts elaborate beaded necklaces. Atop one display case I found whimsical necklaces I’d have loved giving as teacher gifts when my children were young. Gallery offerings include fabric art handbags, scarves and more — making it a fun destination for folks in holiday shopping mode.

Children exploring the gallery will be struck by its smallest and largest pieces, which include a giant skeleton and a collection of four miniature scenes with a “Bathroom Terrors” theme. The latter was created by Elaine Pilbrow-Cash, a visual and theater artist in Sun Lakes, who shared that kids enjoy both the size of her piece and reading the poems she’s incorporated into it. It made me want to run right home and try something similar.

A work resembling a child’s bed sits in one corner of the gallery, covered with a quilt of sorts made from small pieces created by 2nd graders at Galveston Elementary. A doll and stuffed animal sit partially covered by the quilt, and a small version of Maurice Sendak’s “Where the Wild Things Are” lies nearby. It’s easy to imagine children gathered for a birthday party creating something similar together with whatever theme strikes their fancy.

There’s plenty of inspiration for Halloween celebrations, homemade arts experiences and more where things go bump in the night — at 10 E. Chicago St. in Chandler. The Vision Gallery is open Mondays-Fridays 10am-5pm and Saturdays 10am-4pm. Click here to learn more about upcoming events and programs for both children and adults.

— Lynn

Note: Click here to find Halloween activities featured in the Raising Arizona Kids calendar.

Coming up: The burden of proof

Broccoli, I hate you

Broccoli fans, be forewarned. There’s little love for cruciferous vegetables in an exhibit of student artwork running through July 31 at the Phoenix Art Museum. “Broccoli I Hate You” is one of several works by Monica McGrane featured in an exhibit of art created by Tesseract School students. Here’s a taste of her work…

A trio of works by Tessert School student Monica McGrane

Spread Your Wings by Tesseract School student Monica McGrane

You Only Live Once by Tesseract School student Monica McGrane

Works by Tesseract School students exhibited at the Phoenix Art Museum

Blue Abstract Monochromatic by Tesseract School student Monica McGrane

Tiger by Tesseract School student Monica McGrane

Goose by Tesseract School student Monica McGrane

Cezanne Inspired by Tesseract School student Monica McGrane

The art is exhibited in a student gallery housed inside the Dustin D. Wolfswinkel Education Center, located just off the museum’s lovely sculpture garden. Turns out the museum features artwork by a different group each month. To learn more, call 602-257-2122.

— Lynn

Note: Those of you inspired by snippets of “The Tempest” during Friday’s opening ceremony for the Olympics may want to revisit the Shakespeare tale with the Phoenix Art Museum this weekend — click here for details. Click here to learn more about Tesseract School.

Coming up: Bringing women’s history to life

We take care of our own

Work by 8th grade student Luis Velasquez exhibited by Young Arts Arizona

Springsteen’s “We Take Care of Our Own” topped the set list at last night’s Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band concert at the historic Apollo Theater in Harlem. I sat spellbound in Scottsdale as Springsteen and the band rocked their way through 19 tunes heavy laden with tales of upheaval and undying optimism.

Work by 6th grader Elias Galvin Rendon

The Apollo Theater concert was broadcast live by Sirius XM in celebration of its tenth anniversary, coinciding with the recent release of Springsteen’s “Wrecking Ball” album. Yes kids, that’s what some of us old timers call them. Without apology.

Critics have weighed in on both, and I find those from The New York Times most intriguing. But my own read on the concert has a different vibe. The Apollo Theater concert was simply Springsteen taking care of his own. Like all the best storytelllers, Springsteen listens. And he hears people hurting.

Work by 3rd grader Elizabeth Navarro

Hold tight to your anger. Don’t fall to your fear. Put old skills to new uses. Seize the break of blue in a long cloudy sky. Remember those dealt injustice, and help those suffering now. Be the change. Make the change. And enjoy the rock and roll ride — Springsteen’s vehicle for soothing the soul while calling heart and hands to action.

As Springsteen wove older works into newer “Wrecking Ball” fare, the continuity of his decades-long drive for social justice was clear. So too was his genuine gratitude for those who came before — including many an artist who’s graced the Apollo Theater stage. Springsteen is a soul man. And soul must be shared.

Some folks are especially gifted at simultaneously running with and passing the torch. Springsteen is among them. After longtime friend and fellow musician Clarence Clemons died last summer, the torch went to nephew Jake Clemons — now part of “the E Street horns.” The Apollo Theater concert was rich with brass, choral music and strings that make the band’s heart beat just a little louder.

Work by 3rd grader Gabriel Ramirez

Gospel. Soul. Rap. Rock and roll. Irish jigs and mariachi melodies. It’s not your mother’s Springsteen. Or perhaps it is. I remember taking our two daughters, then in high school, to Springsteen’s last concert in Phoenix. They were equally moved by the music and the food collection boxes scattered throughout the venue’s main hall. Music feeds the soul. But it takes more to feed the hungry.

Hence Springteen’s shout out, near the end of the Apollo Theater concert, to fans who support the work of WhyHunger — and to its executive director Bill Ayres, who co-founded the organization with singer/songwriter Harry Chapin (whose brother Tom Chapin recently performed here in the Valley).

Work by 5th grader Victoria Anchondo

Like plenty of Springsteen fans, we won’t be in the house for any “Wrecking Ball” concerts, but there’s much we can do to move our own communities past hard times. Learn more about WhyHunger. Support our local food banks. Advocate for just public policies. Promote the arts that sustain us. And rise up.

Wherever this flag’s flown, we take care of our own. — Bruce Springsteen

— Lynn

Note: Saint Mary’s Food Bank Alliance presents its 11th annual “Kids Cafe Open” on March 30 to raise funds for battling child hunger in Arizona — click here for details. Artwork featured in this post was part of the Young Arts Arizona “Living the Dream, Passing the Torch” exhibit celebrating MLK Day 2012 at the Arizona State Capitol.

Coming up: Rising Youth Theatre shares diverse youth perspectives