6 Art Exhibitions to See in Metro Phoenix This Summer

It’s easy to feel sluggish during the Phoenix summers, but that’s no excuse for becoming a total shut-in. You know what museums and galleries have (in addition to really great art)? Air conditioning. And if that’s not enough to get you excited, the artwork will be. To help you out,…

Phoenix’s Exposed Studio & Gallery Is Closing

When local art broker Gregg Edelman announced earlier this month that he was closing his space Exposed Studio & Gallery, it wasn’t so much a goodbye as it was a “see you later” sort of thing. That’s only because the local art enterprise will still exist in virtual form and…

Why Do Women Heroes Have to Be Extra Super?

It seems like the onslaught of summer blockbuster super hero flicks always brings a new female hero into the spotlight. This summer’s likely will be Zoe Saldana as Gamora in Guardians of the Galaxy, who plays opposite Chris Pratt’s Peter Quill. If you’ve seen the trailers, you’ll see an ass-kicking…

5 Must-See First Friday Shows in Phoenix on July 4

First Friday heats up tomorrow with creative works going up all over the city. This month, Phoenix’s favorite art-filled evening falls on the Fourth of July. Artlink’s First Friday Trolley Tour will be taking a brief hiatus for the holiday weekend, but don’t let that deter you. Most galleries and…

Comics Artist and Mesa Native Mike Mayhew on The Star Wars

As big as the Star Wars expanded universe is, few people can say that they have actually had the opportunity to work on a project related to the beloved sci-fi franchise. Even fewer still can say that they got to work on bringing George Lucas’ original vision to life. Comics…

Peter Held to Retire as ASU Art Museum Ceramics Curator

UPDATE: ASU Art Museum has named Garth Johnson as Peter Held’s successor. ASU Art Museum announced on Wednesday, June 18, that longtime ceramics curator Peter Held will retire. Held has been with the museum for 11 years and has curated more than 100 exhibitions through the Ceramics Research Center, which…

10 Graphic Novels to Read This Summer

Marvel Studios, Fox, and Sony are all delivering to fans more blockbuster movies based on comic books this summer, not to mention the numerous TV shows that are either running or in development. Mainstream audiences love these movies and shows, with Marvel’s films consistently dominating at the box office and…

Phoenix Design Week Returns October 2014; Tickets on Sale Now

Make a note next to your drawing board: Phoenix Design Week returns Friday, October 17, through Saturday, October 24. This grassroots gathering of local and out-of-state creatives will feature everything from practical discussion to hands-on training to networking opportunities with fellow industry members…

New Lisa Sette Gallery in Phoenix Is a Step Above the Rest

The entrance to the new Lisa Sette Gallery requires a small descent. It’s exciting approaching the semi-subterranean Al Beadle building on Catalina Drive just west of Third Street. Excuse the rather obvious metaphor, but coming into the space really does feel a bit like discovering a treasure buried just below…

Remembering Scottsdale Designer Janis Leonard

This week the Valley arts community is mourning the loss of Janis Leonard. The accomplished designer, former board member of the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, and Phoenix arts scene pioneer passed away on Sunday, June 8. She was 55. An environmental design graduate of the Parsons School of Design,…

Lisa Sette Gallery to Re-Open in Midtown Phoenix June 14

Earlier this year, we got the news that Lisa Sette Gallery would leave Scottsdale and relocate to a beautiful space in midtown Phoenix. This month, we will finally have the chance to take a look at the new digs, while enjoying the gallery’s inaugural group exhibition “Hello Midtown!”…

10 Metro Phoenix Photographers to Follow on Instagram

A photo-based app deserves some photography-specific love. We’ve already featured 10 Phoenix artists to follow on Instagram, and we’ve also talked to local experts about the intersection of photography and technology. Today, we’re continuing down this path to bring you some of our favorite Phoenix area photographers to follow on…

5 Must-See First Friday Shows in Phoenix on June 6

First Friday heats up tonight with creative works going up all over the city. Here are our picks for shows not to miss this evening. Bassim Al-Shaker Bassim Al-Shaker garnered international recognition last summer when the New York Times ran a profile on the Iraqi artist, who came to Arizona…