Posts Tagged ‘Conspire’

Concentration (Matching Murals Downtown)

Tuesday, September 21st, 2010

Now that I’m becoming an “old pro” at mural-hunting, it’s a little like the old Concentration game. I keep coming across muralists whose work I’ve seen before and recognize either by the style or by their signature. Where was the other one(s) by this person?

This one, in the heart of the Roosevelt Row arts district (at Pravus Gallery, 501 E. Roosevelt Street), was done by “Elmac Kofie.” See the signature on the upper left above. I know I’ve seen that name before (actually this mural is a collaboration by Elmac and his friend, Kofie). Elmac is very prolific and has painted murals all over the world. You can see more of his work on his blog.

Oh, yeah, I saw it a mile or two away a couple of weeks ago in another section of the arts district at 1105 Grand Avenue. And now that I look at both of them, they look very similar to one I saw at Zao Gallery/Universal Hair Salon (925 Grand Avenue) recently.

Yes, down there on the left side, amidst her hair, is “Elmac.” The signature is a little different but the style is the same. This was a couple blocks away from the one above it. And back to the one above it:

Next to the Elmac mural is one by Lalo Cota, who I wrote about in my Calaveras post, including this one by him above. Murals at three different locations were shown in that post and now here is another one by Lalo, distinct in its style:

This van is outside Conspire, a coffeehouse/artist-run shop, at 901 N. 5th Street. The walls of Conspire have more murals by Lalo.

It’s pretty fun getting accustomed to their styles and coming across them all over downtown Phoenix. Every time I go out to photograph a mural, I seem to see or hear about some other ones. This project could go on for a long time. Hopefully, you will go out and see them in person and let me know of others that you have seen Downtown in the Comments section.

Downtown Food Diaries

Thursday, April 8th, 2010

Who builds your favorite Downtown sandwich? Where can you get a mean glass of passion fruit iced tea? When you’re feeling blue, what Downtown comfort food turns your frown upside down?

Those are the questions we posed to our Facebook Fans on Tuesday and here’s what they had to say about…

SANDWICHES

hero_factoryDuck and Decanter has the best sandwiches!” - Joshua S.

Fair Trade has a great turkey sandwich and the best tea!” – Nathalie C.

Jacquee’s Espresso makes the best sandwiches!” – Cheryl R.

“It’s The Hero Factory and it’s not even close.” – Matt K.

“I love Ladybug House of Sandwiches (11th St. & McDowell). Always great service, small, and deliver.” – Meg E.

“I love Fair Trade Cafe! They have lots of food options, fair trade coffee and the employees really love the customers.” – Heather

Hero Factory!” – Glenn D.

Coach & Willie’s.” - Jessica M.

“Long live The Duck. Still my favorite.” – Cristen P.

“Is My Florist still around (editor’s note: YES)? I am in Minnesota. I LOVED their turkey and brie sandwich. YUM!” – Jennifer S.

ICED TEA

royal“Strawberry iced tea at Royal at the Market and tuna sliders at Tammie Coe.” – Rachel Richards-M.

Royal at the Market has fantastic iced teas. Try the Cactus Flower or Jasmine Green. De-lish!” – Sasha H.

 ”Iced Chai tea at Conspire also makes my day.” – Jefferson C.

COMFORT  FOOD

“The 5 Spot from Matt’s Big Breakfast is pretty stellar. With extra jalepenos please!” – Jefferson C.

Thai Elephant will turn that frown upside down.” – Chris V.

“Penne a la Vodka at Focaccia Fiorentina is my fave comfort food!” – Nichelle C.

 ”Fair Trade Cafe has great vegan brownies and tea.” – Jana S.

 

Hope you enjoyed the tips. Stay tuned for more installments of Downtown Food Diaries and make your entry into the Diary here or at our Facebook page.

The Downtown Phoenix Coffeebar Potluck

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

Did you know there are close to a dozen super cool coffeebars in the heart of Phoenix?

Cartel Coffee Lab
Conspire
Copper Star Coffee
Fair Trade
Lola Coffee

Lux Coffeebar
Royal Coffee Bar
Urban Beans

royalCome see what they have to offer on Saturday, Feb. 27 at Portland Park (next to the Roosevelt light rail station).

Each coffeebar is donating samples of their signature pastry or dessert for the event. 

In return they ask that you:

* Bring a bike or ride the light rail to the event

* Bring a friend – preferably one who is unfamiliar with Downtown

During the event, be sure to Tweet about which dessert you liked the best. (Earn more Good Karma Points by posting a picture!)

Special thanks to all the coffeebars for taking part in the event!  Please be sure to RSVP on the Facebook evite so we can get a good head count for the event. Information on how to ride the light rail can be found here.  Hope to see everyone there!