An attractive building amid the Mesa Arts Center complex, the MCA Museum usually mounts four to five shows at a time in its relatively small galleries. There have been times I’ve visited when not all the shows appealed to me. Last visit, though, I feel like I hit the jackpot, and I recommend you see … Continue reading 5 reasons to visit Mesa Contemporary Arts
I’m enjoying my ascent up the learning curve as I get to know more about the downtown Phoenix art scene, and much of that enjoyment comes from matching particular galleries with particular people — and recognizing more and more names in our city’s stable of artists. A couple of hours were well spent at the … Continue reading Putting good art together with names in downtown Phoenix
I have heard Mayme Kratz described as one of the hardiest souls to be working as an artist in the desert. There is an obvious reason for that accolade once you understand how the process of creating her gorgeous resin panels begins. Kratz’s first step is donning her sun hat and hiking shoes and traversing … Continue reading Finding the ethereal in Mayme Kratz’s work
From my vantage point at the information booth at First Street and Roosevelt in downtown Phoenix, I could see that the Saturday, April 13, debut of Feast on the Street — combining community dining, food trucks, a beer garden, a “community salad toss,” gardening displays, live entertainment and kids activities — was an inspired idea. … Continue reading 13 reasons to bring back Feast on the Street in 2014
This is usually the time of year that visual arts events in the Phoenix area come to a crescendo just before the summer doldrums set in. Consequently, there’s lots going on at the museums and galleries and at outdoor events — a kind of full bloom of art, before heat withers the petals. I get … Continue reading Phoenix art shows: Get ’em while it’s not too hot
At first, I was doubtful that the Desert Botanical Garden needed anything more to delight the eye than its wondrous variety of desert flora and the occasional bird and reptile sightings. But then the sculptures scattered near the Desert Discovery Loop Trail began to grow on me, and I could see that art in the … Continue reading Adding art to the mix at Desert Botanical Garden
Amid the high-profile shows filling the Phoenix Art Museum’s impressively strong season this spring, there is a kind of sleeper exhibit in the quiet, second-floor Norton Gallery. It’s called “Shiprock and Mont St. Michel: Photographs by William Clift.” The exhibit is composed of black-and-white photographs that capture the mystery, quietude and sanctity of these two … Continue reading Seeing Mont St. Michel and Shiprock in a different light
Although I can’t exactly say that I did justice to our city’s annual Art Detour — a weekend-long central Phoenix art walk, kicked up a notch — I can say that my handful of “detours” into galleries were quite worthwhile. Unfortunately, I had to miss out on a ton of artful antics and diversions, including … Continue reading Phoenix’s Art Detour is 25 years strong
Our desert city’s underappreciated architectural landmarks take the spotlight in an informative photography exhibit inside The Gallery @ City Hall through March 29. It’s called “Phoenix Icons: The Art of Our Historic Landmarks,” and it will definitely leave you with new respect for places like the Carnegie Public Library near the Capitol, Luhrs Tower in … Continue reading Phoenix, strike a pose
If you’re OK with visual art that not only provokes thought, but also produces a little emotional discomfort, then I recommend following the work of Phoenix-based fiber artist Ann Morton. Here’s what you can see — and squirm about — in her current show at Modified Arts on Roosevelt Row, a four-part installation called “Unentitled: … Continue reading Arizona artist profile: Ann Morton
Explore Art: Phoenix 