This Friday December 4th head to downtown Phoenix for an amazing First Friday and the kick off of the holiday season right!
Visitors have a chance to explore museums, artisan markets, art galleries, food trucks, live music and more spread throughout downtown as well as the two incredible art districts, Roosevelt Row and Grand Avenue who partner with local arts organization Artlink Phoenix.
The Phoenix Art Museum has serveral wonderful exhibitions but be sure to check out the highly raved Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads: Gold from renowned Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei. Inspired by “the twelve Chinese zodiac bronze sculptures from the Qing dynasty fountain”, seeing these works as a symbol of “cultural theft”.
The artist recreated these sculptures as a commentary and protest “In 2010 as a subversive commentary on the nature of looting and repatriation”. This exhibition will be on display through January 31st, 2016 in the Art of Asia Gallery. The Phoenix Art Museum is located at 1625 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix. For more about this exhibition visit: http://www.phxart.org/.
The IceHouse is featuring "Place Out of Time" exhibiting the recent abstract and figurative works by Jayme Blue and Constance McBride during First Friday, December 4, from 6 to 10 pm and is the last exhibition in these spaces. Blue will show works inspired by everyday objects seen in the city, created with found objects to “portray loss and urban decay.” While McBride will be show her iconic clay figures with fragmented parts inspired by her mother’s experience with Alzheimer’s disease. The Ice House is located at 429 W. Jackson Street with more information available here: http://www.theicehouseaz.com.
The monOrchid is hosting the Opening Reception for two exciting new exhibitions “CELEBRITY” and “Discovering Arizona”. "CELEBRITY” group invitational exhibition featuring six dynamic artists including Babe&Butter, DadSocks, Jeanna Delfin, Jesse Perry, Jon Wassom and Larry Willis offering a vibrant selection of drawings, paintings and mixed-media works depicting celebrities of both past and present examining what celebrity is to each artist. Bokeh Gallery is showcasing “Discovering Arizona" striking color photography series highlighting the beauty and wonder of Arizona by Jim Bochenek. The monOrchid is located at 214 E. Roosevelt St. and open 6-10pm, more details online at http://www.monorchid.com.
{9} Gallery and Artelshow will be hosting the juried exhibition "Tiny Works/Tiny Dances". Featuring small works (12” x 12” or less) created by more than 70 artists working in a vast variety of mediums and styles. The evening will also feature CONDER/dance presenting four Tiny Dances performed by Elisa Marie Cavallero, Liliana Gomez, Amber Robins, and Nicole L. Olson (on a 4’x4’ stage) at 7:30, 8:30, and 9:30 p.m. {9} The Gallery is located at 1229 Grand Avenue from 6-9pm, for more information can be found at www.9thegallery.com.
Alwun House presents its annual light-theme exhibition, "Lighthouse" that focuses on conceptual and functional works by more than 25 artists working with neon, LED lights, video, mixed media, and more with free exhibition hours on First Friday, December 4, are 12-6 pm. The opening reception will include a performance by the Phoenix Afrobeat Orchestra at 7 pm with tickets costing $13 ($9 in advance). Alwun house is located at 1204 E. Roosevelt Street, Phoenix and be sure to check out more their website for more details about the exhibition at http://alwunhouse.org.
