This past weekend, Grand Avenue’s PHiX Gallery had a samurai, a down-on-her-luck standup comedienne, a disembodied head and a sexual extremist all within its walls. Across the street at Soul Invictus, a man was struggling to come to grips with a life sans genitals.
Introducing the Phoenix:Fringe Festival, which will transform Roosevelt Row and Grand Ave into an experimental performing arts hub March 27 through April 5. PHX:Fringe showcases local, national and international artists in provocative, edgy performances in favorite downtown arts spots.
ASU and other public and private sector partners are exploring the possibility of creating vital urban hubs where canals meet major streets throughout metro Phoenix. These hubs could range in size and character, depending on community requests. ASU students are conducting a public survey and would like your feedback.
For proof that art lovers are about more than schmoozing and sipping cheap wine from plastic glasses, one need look no further than Art Detour, the free, self-guided tour of downtown artist studios, galleries, and art-friendly businesses. Now in its 21st year, the Phoenix tradition, which typically draws upwards of 10,000 patrons, has bridged the wide gap between artists and suburb dwellers who think art should match their throw pillows. This year, both art fans and the artless will find the Detour even more accessible, thanks to light rail and a new, improved shuttle system.
Simply titled, “3,” this year during Artlink’s Art Detour Jordre Studio will be hosting a show of three diverse artists, Jennie Ignaszewski, Tyson Crosbie and Kyle Jordre (owner of Jordre Studio). The opening reception is being held on March 6, 2009 during First Friday, 6PM-10PM. The studio will also be open during regular Detour hours, Saturday, March 7, 10AM – 6PM; Sunday, March 8, noon – 6PM.
Downtown Phoenix during First Fridays can be a little overwhelming, with hordes of people trying to get their monthly art fix in the span of four hours. So for people who want to enjoy their art and culture in a slightly more relaxed setting, there is Art Detour. The once-a-year, all-weekend event lets visitors take a self-guided tour through the art galleries and studios in central Phoenix.
If you’ve been to the Downtown Phoenix Public Market anytime in the last three years or so, chances are, you’ve encountered Anna Kletkke and her long-running food stand, Sapna Chill Out Cafe. Her tasty soups and salads have been a huge hit, especially since she’s big on vegetarian options.
Now you can enjoy Kletkke’s cooking every day of the week, at her brand-new restaurant, Sapna’s Cafe, which just opened yesterday. It’s located on Grand Avenue (1301 NW Grand, 602-254-6726), in the circa-1947 Bragg’s Pie Building, one of Phoenix’s last examples of “streamline moderne” architecture.
Every weekend during the month of March, arts events will be hosted in downtown Phoenix and surrounding neighborhoods, along with events, exhibitions, and performances on other days throughout the month. In recognition of the local arts community and these public festivals, Mayor Phil Gordon has proclaimed March as “Phoenix Arts Month” and invites everyone to attend and celebrate.
Just a few weeks ago, Arizona captured the international sports spotlight with the Cardinals Superbowl appearance and now this coming week we get to be in the spotlight again, this time by hosting the NBA All-Star Game and associated events.