With so many activations around the valley for the holidays, it can be difficult to decide where to spend your time. To make it a little easier for December’s First Friday, here are a few exhibits I think you will enjoy as you journey through the holiday season. As always, visit Artlink’s website for more details and trolley schedule so you can make the most of your evening.
Courtesy of Bokeh Gallery.
A Show of Hands
A clever title from a clever artist. From the time Van Gogh painted the hands of the peasants to modern day, hands have captivated artists and their audience. Constance McBride, whose talents have grown before our very eyes and plunged us deep into self-reflective thought, brings us another intriguing series of sculpture about the imperfections of the physical form and what effect time plays, “… a brilliant examination of the human body,” states the MonOrchid. Join Constance from 6-10 p.m. inside Bokeh Gallery, located at 213 E. Roosevelt St. More info here.
Courtesy of Eric Cox.
COLLISION
“A collision is an event in which Arizona artists Eric Cox, Eddie Sparr and Joe Holdren exert forces on the art world for a relatively short time,” states Cox. This group exhibit will feature a variety of works from larger scale metal sculptures to delicately crafted fine art portraits and much more. So, come prepared for a night of conversation and contemplation at the Icehouse, located at 429 W. Jackson st. from 6-10 p.m.
The Big Robot Show
Live music, refreshments, ornament making, awesome robots…. Yes please! Join Jordan Alexander Thomas this year at Practical Art’s Holiday Extravaganza for the opening of his “Big Robot Show” and so much more! Also known as Space Boy Robot, Thomas’s decorative robots are colorful, friendly and iconic. So, swing by, geek out and go home with something cool for the holidays. P.S. Crafeteria is right around the corner at Frances! Join the festivities from 6-10 p.m. at 5070 N. Central Ave. More info here.
Courtesy of Marilyn Szabo.
Szabo Life & Death Portraits
Captured over the past 25 years, Marilyn Szabo’s exhibit of, “… technically exquisite portraits” are not only iconic, they are breathtaking. Photographing prominent figures in her life, from her mother to Muhammad Ali, Szabo did more than stand behind a lens and snap a picture; she collaborated with her subjects to reveal a unique moment in the truth of their individuality. This and so much more can be viewed through the fine B&W grain of Szabo’s intimate images. Take a closer look from 6-10 p.m., located inside the monOrchid at Shade Gallery, 213 E. Roosevelt.
Courtesy of Bill Dambrova.
Resilient Bodies
Inspired by biological systems, mainly internal systems, local artist Bill Dambrova playfully explores the complexity, susceptibility and delicate balances of the inner working of living things. Using his contemporary style and whimsical color theory, Dambrova captures imaginative scenes of what goes on inside plants, animals and the human body. Come explore at Chartreuse Gallery from 6-10 p.m., located at 1301 NW Grand Ave. For more information visit Bill Dambrova’s website.
