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Posts Tagged ‘First Fridays’

Be Our Valentine

Thursday, February 11th, 2010

If you’re looking for anti-Valentine’s Day sentiment–you know, like those hater parties where lonely, angry people sit in a circle and drink heavily while pretending they’re totally at peace with being single and loveless–Downtown Phoenix isn’t the place for you. Try Old Town.

Downtown Phoenix is all about embracing Valentine’s Day and here’s what we’re doing as Cupid’s Accomplices. Seriously, if you don’t have a Valentine just hang out with us for awhile and you’re bound to find one.

Design a Date Contest: Visit the blog post or our Facebook page and submit your idea of a perfect Valentine’s Day date Downtown. We want to know where you’d go, what you’d eat, and what you’d see. The greater the detail, the better. Two winners will receive a $25 gift card to Kincaid’s.

candy_heartsFestive Friday: From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, the Ambassadors will be stationed outside the Information Center [US Bank Building, 101 N. First Ave., Ste. 190] sharing sweet treats courtesy of Downtown businesses. You can also pick up coupons for FREE food items from participating restaurants to be used throughout the month. Plus, music by FATIGO!

Heart Grab & Dash Contest: Approach five (5) different Ambassadors Friday morning before 1 p.m. and ask each one for his or her heart. The first five people to collect five hearts and deliver the lot of them to the Information Center will receive an awe-tacular Valentine’s Day gift bag filled with gift cards and goodies from generous Downtown businesses. We won’t tell you exactly what’s in the gift bags but suffice it to say the street value is well over $40. Now go get those hearts!

 

14 Downtown Loves

We polled our thousands upon thousands of Facebook and Twitter followers and concocted this essential list of things you love about Downtown Phoenix.

Phoenix Public Market – When you care enough to send the best, make sure it’s grown locally.

The Ambassadors  — Your significant other might leave you, but the Ambassadors never will.

The Herberger Theater — Some of you got more specific and referenced the “naked dudes” out front. Go check out “13″ playing now and “[title of show]“ coming soon!

The Phoenix Suns — Steve Nash, in particular, got mad love.

Majerle’s — You said if you couldn’t watch the Suns play at US Airways Center in person, then the next-best option was cheering the team on from Thunder Dan’s joint. Beer might also be involved.

The Light Rail — Can you believe we’ve had light rail for a year? For more light rail love, check out ace Light Rail Blogger and Downtown Phoenix contributor Tony Arranaga.

First Fridays — If you ever need a good first date idea, take him or her to First Fridays.

Chase Field — Roof open when possible, please.

Coffee — Conspire, Daily Grind, Cartel, Lola and Fair Trade all received votes.

Matt’s Big Breakfast — You heart Matt’s pancakes. Proof that good things come to those who wait.

Dodge Theatre — Three of you mentioned the recent comedy acts to hit Dodge–Joel McHale, Gabriel Iglesias and, soon, Chelsea Handler.

The District – Their music and drinks tested very high in this market.

Civic Space Park — From acoustic lunches to yoga, Civic Space Park offers a little something for everyone.

The People — Yes, you’re what really make Downtown Phoenix a special place to work, live, and play.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Showcasing Creativity: New First Fridays Event

Thursday, February 4th, 2010

More and more, youthful energy and ideas are reshaping Downtown Phoenix. Sean Deckert, an ASU student and artist, is the latest proof that our city is ripe for creative input and change.

Just one year ago, Sean moved Downtown and was juggling his studies with a bartending gig at The Rose and Crown. Today, he’s co-curator of First Fridays in Heritage Square, a juried exhibit that features up-and-coming young artists. Recently, we talked with him about his journey from student to arts entrepreneur.

Sean_DeckertQ: How did you get involved in promoting the arts?

“In the beginning, I was just looking for a space to display my own art. Since I was working at The Rose and Crown, I realized that Heritage Square was a cool spot that no one was utilizing. Then, I thought: maybe I can get more artists involved, and it grew from there.”

Q: What’s different about your First Fridays event?

“It’s not a street fest. There are no vendors, just artists, so it’s a less crowded space and the atmosphere is amazing. The artists set up, hang out and talk to the public about their work and their methods. In fact, we encourage people to talk to the artists and learn about their work.”

Q: How do you choose the artists for each show?

“Initially, I sent a call out to artists all over the Valley. Our first show was in September of ‘09, and we now have certain artists who continually exhibit, like Jacki Orr, a video artist, Lee Davis, who does woodblock prints and acrylic painting, and Gabe Sandoval, an aerosol artist who paints portraits. Gabe is a highlight of each show: he places a four-foot square panel board on an easel and spray paints live. By the end of the event, he’ll have a finished piece.”

Q: Are you still looking for artists to exhibit?

“Absolutely. Anyone who’d like to show his or her work can contact me at seandinaz@gmail.com. We’re looking for work that makes a strong statement.”

Q: How is The Shizz involved? And what the heck is it?

“The Shizz is a music blogspot that promotes local bands. For this month’s First Fridays event, The Shizz will present two live bands, Whisperlights and Former Friends of Young Americans. If you’d like to find out more about local bands, visit theshizz.org.”

Sponsored by Artlink, the Rosson House Foundation and the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation, First Fridays at Heritage Square takes place this Friday, Feb. 5 from 6-10 p.m. If you’d like to see some of Sean’s work, check out his upcoming show at the Ice House, Feb. 27 and 28, which features his fine art photography and the paintings of Taylor Swick.

[Editor's Note: You can read the First Fridays in Heritage Square blog here.]

Hidden Gems at Artlink: First Friday

Thursday, December 3rd, 2009

PuppetGoing to Artlink: First Friday reminds me of a treasure hunt. So many wonderful little shops and galleries are dotted along the route – which is pretty darned big – that it’s easy to miss the lesser-known gems.

For most First Friday goers, myself included, the Roosevelt area is a regular stop. Who could resist the gooey Tammie Coe cupcakes, the ongoing Block Party or the abundance of small galleries and quirky, all-ages-included crowd?

After you’ve been to First Friday a few times, though, you’re ready to venture out some more. If you’re not big on long walks, you might take the shuttle. Hop on at any of the stops; the shuttle is free and goes to all participating galleries. Another option, if you live downtown, is to burn off some of those Tammie Coe calories with a bike ride.

So, now that you’ve got some transportation options, get yourself a First Friday map at Phoenix Art Museum and check out some of these hidden gems:

Space 55

This small performance venue and gallery hosts improv groups, musical acts and new plays, from the outrageous to the serious. Lots of homegrown talents get started here. 636 E. Pierce Street.

Great Arizona Puppet Theater

As many times as I’ve been to First Friday, I’ve managed to miss this spot. As a certifiably goofy adult who sees every Pixar film and has a thing for stop-motion, animation and puppets, that’s a mistake I have to correct. Adult puppet shows are shown most First Fridays and there’s an ongoing puppet exhibit and store with books, puppets and stages for sale. 302 W. Latham Street.

Artlink Gallery

Who knew? The sponsors of First Friday have their own gallery, featuring local artists. Go and support these folks, who’ve really done great things to help foster downtown’s creative movement. The gallery is located in Heritage Square.

Arizona Club

For a big-city experience, hop on the elevator at the Chase Tower and visit the Arizona Club’s sophisticated penthouse digs. Since its inception in 1896, the Arizona Club’s membership has included our state’s alpha dogs in fields like politics and business. On First Friday, you can order a drink at one of their bars, enjoy the panoramic city view and check out the work of local artists. 201 N. Central, Suite #3700.