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Art Detour, Phoenix’s signature celebration of arts and culture returns March 16-19, 2017, with a four-day slate of diverse activities created by local artists and art venues as a reflection of the growing, vibrant Phoenix arts scene.
Image: Artlink
The 29th year kicks off with the 5th annual Art d’Core Gala, followed by a special Third Friday Gallery Night of exhibitions and artist receptions, and a Saturday and Sunday schedule of demonstrations, workshops, installations and more. The event is produced by Artlink Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, in partnership with the City of Phoenix and Downtown Phoenix Inc.
Named as “one of the most important events in Phoenix’s calendar” by City of Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton, Art Detour invites visitors to witness the vital Phoenix arts community in many varied forms.
Visitors can meet with emerging and established artists, some in their own studios, some in the galleries; to experience demonstrations, engage in lively discussions; and find original works from a talented pool of Phoenix artists who are exporting their expressions to cities around the world.
Poster by Steve Helfrich.
A Weekend Schedule of Events
Nearly 90 artist studios, galleries, cultural institutions, pop-up spaces, retailers and dining and nightlife establishments who support Phoenix’s thriving creative culture will open their doors inviting visitors to enjoy a four-day arts and culture experience.
Valley residents and visitors accustomed to a typical First Friday experience will find a decidedly different offering during Detour weekend:
• Artists welcome visitors into their studios to learn about their process. Some collaborate with other artists to present a fresh relationship to their work.
• Galleries and art spaces host some of their finest shows of the year, highlighted by solo and group shows of abstraction, subculture, collaboration and no paint.
• The offbeat and colorful come alive with the 10th Annual Mutant Piñata Show, and an air stream gallery hosted by a trapeze artist, an interpretive performance artist in a sculpture garden.
• Hands-on demonstrations and workshops feature puppet making, Japanese taiko drumming, glass and neon, blindfold painting, a letterpress workshop, an Arduino meetup and plein air painting in the park.
• Shop for art! Most art on view is for sale – and purchases are strongly encouraged. Retailers also and artisan shops offer creative finds.
• Activities for early birds and night owls, include a silent morning walk, an interactive digital art projection, jazz concerts and an exotic art finale.
For a detailed event schedule including these and other events, visit artdetour.com.
Getting Around – Extended Shuttle Service
For the first time, Artlink will provide complimentary shuttle service on the Third Friday Gallery Night in addition to the Saturday and Sunday daytime hours. The shuttles enable the public to park the car or bike and hop on or off in downtown districts including Historic Grand Avenue, Roosevelt Row, Central Arts District and Phoenix Warehouse District. Knowledgeable volunteer docents staff the trolleys which will run 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, March 17, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, March 18-19. Get the trolley route map and more information here.
Image: Artlink.
A Party to Kick off the Weekend
The annual celebration begins Thursday, March 16, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the 5th annual Art d’Core Gala. Held at Warehouse 215 @ Bentley Projects, 215 E. Grant St. in the heart of the emerging and dynamic Warehouse District, the gala will feature a one-night-only exhibition of works in a variety of media, created by well-established Phoenix-area artists Christine Cassano, Bill Dambrova, Pete Deise, Jeff Falk, Fortoul Brothers, William LeGoullon, Annie Lopez, Ann Morton, Rembrandt Quiballo, Joe Ray, Randy Slack, and Marilyn Szabo. Don’t miss a “Toast to Downtown” by Mayor Greg Stanton to commence the event. Proceeds from the gala support Artlink, a portion of which will contribute to a new artist development fund designed to help provide direct financial support to local artists. Buy tickets here.
Art Detour 29 Schedule of Events, 2017
March 16, 6 to 9 p.m.
Art D’Core Gala. The arts party of the year! Buy your tickets here.
March 17, 6 to 10 p.m.
Third Friday. A special gallery night of exhibition openings and receptions.
March 18-19
Art Detour! Phoenix’s original art walk includes studio visits, art space tours, pop-ups, solo and group exhibitions, performances and installations. A map and shuttles will guide visitors throughout the weekend. FREE
Art Detour is hosted in partnership with the Office of the Mayor, City of Phoenix Office of Arts & Culture, and Downtown Phoenix Inc. and supported by Valley Metro, Phoenix Convention Center, Arizona Commission on the Arts, CityScape, Phoenix Art Museum, Arizona Center, Dunn Transportation, Warehouse215, Ivio Web Development, Urban Affair, Historic Grand Avenue, Roosevelt Row, Central Arts District and Phoenix Warehouse District.
Artists featured in “Artist Forward” collage above.
Top Row: Fushicho Daiko Dojo, Heather Meheut, Alex Banuelos, Megan Martis, Danielle Wood, Rick Naimark, Tracey Jenkins
Second Row: Sam Guevara, Andrew Lee, Travis Ivey, Barbara Cowlin, Constance McBride, Ellen Nemetz, Halldor Hjalmarson, Michelle Pugh (Smash Girl Studios)
Third Row: Carrie Beth McGarry (FunWow), Roisin McDermott, Laina McWhorter, April Howland, Bill Dambrova (Goat Heart Studio), Nikka Brooks-Cullum, Kristine Kollasch
Fourth Row: Mary Meyer Studio, Joan Waters, Rocco Menaguale, Ann Osgood, Jennifer B. Hoffman (44 Superfly Art Studio), Katharine Leigh Simpson, Jey Moore
Fifth Row: Lisa MacNamara, Stacey Gordon (Puppet Pie), Erik Karvonen, Idakatherine Graver, Jill Friedberg, Laura Cohen-Hogan, Ann Morton
Bottom Row: Patricia Sannit, Spillers, Tess Mosko, Marilyn Szabo, Matti Baine, Melissa Schleuger
#artdetour29
Ed note: DPJ publisher Catrina Kahler is President of Artlink Inc.
