As our Centennial year winds down (Arizona turns 101 on February 14, 2013), I thought it would be timely to indulge my fascination with George Elbert Burr, an early-20th century chronicler of the Southwest through his delicate etchings and drypoints. I say “delicate” because of the soft and deft way his landscapes are rendered but, … Continue reading In appreciation of George Elbert Burr
Editor’s note: This question-and-answer session was originally conducted for a spring 2012 article in Art + Culture North Texas magazine, out of Dallas. — DR When she paints, Forrest Solis likes to split the canvas: two seemingly divergent ideas play off each other on either side of the composition. In her new series of 12 … Continue reading Arizona artist profile: Forrest Solis
OK, I got the wordplay out of the way in the blog title. But seriously, “Art Quilts Year XVII: Integrating a Paradox,” a juried show of more than 60 textile art pieces, invites some rather deep contemplation. As the Chandler Center for the Arts explains, a paradox consists of two concepts, both true yet in … Continue reading A common thread is elusive in Chandler quilt show
Here’s hoping that MicroDwell, a gathering of ideas on sustainable housing embracing a minimal footprint, continues to be an annual outdoor exhibit at Shemer Art Center in Arcadia. It’s good for the neighborhood and good for the integration of art, design, architecture and environmental concerns. Patrick McCue, one of the organizers, estimates that 1,500 people … Continue reading Highlights from MicroDwell at Shemer
I like the sound of the hybrid word “microdwell” so well that I might start using it every day, as in, “I have a bunch of crap to do today, but I am not going to microdwell on the small stuff,” or, “Yes, I know I need a haircut, but let’s not microdwell on it, … Continue reading When building houses, less can be more: MicroDwell 2012 at Shemer
With this autumnal Phoenix weekend approaching, I thought it might be fun to preview Halloween-themed art exhibits around town. I could only come up with a few, listed below. Dear readers, what have I missed? — “Things That Go Bump in the Night,” at Vision Gallery in downtown Chandler through November 3. This family-friendly exhibit … Continue reading Scaring up some art
It’s just so pleasant to get back into art-strolling nights, and Old Town Scottsdale knows how to put on an art show. Last night, October 18, launched the 38th year of the city’s Thursday-evening art walk, which is hard for even an old-timer like me to believe. To celebrate, the gallery community kicked it up … Continue reading Old Town Scottsdale was a-glitter
Last night was Third Friday, the toned-down version of First Friday, during which there is usually more emphasis on the galleries versus the street carnival. My best art-walking stop was at Willo North, a small but pleasant gallery on Seventh Avenue, a couple miles north of downtown. The reason? The exhibit refreshed my memory regarding … Continue reading No lack of talent in Phoenix
Although I am not too familiar with the initiative called “Performance in the Borderlands” through the ASU Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, I can tell you that it’s been going on for a number of years and that its focus appears to be fostering diversity and community among a broad range of local … Continue reading Bridging differences
Taking in an exhibit like “Collecting Arizona,” currently at the ASU Art Museum, is like watching an all-star game, although in this case the baseball heroes are art heroes — painters, ceramists, photographers and others with strong ties to the Grand Canyon State. Arizona State University curated the show to coincide with our state’s Centennial, … Continue reading Arizona has rightful claim to inspiring, nurturing famous artists
Explore Art: Phoenix 