The image an art gallery often conjures up is a crowd of stuffy, old people eating cheap wine and cheese -- the kind of people who could probably buy the whole gallery if they so desired.
But all it takes to truly appreciate art is a thirsty and open mind and knowledge of the best, lesser-known galleries in the area.
In this week's "Triple shot," SPM takes you to three local art galleries where the crowd is anything but stuffy and the art is everything but boring.
Alwun House
1204 E. Roosevelt Street, Phoenix (602) 253-7887
Hours: Noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday
Best for: Someone with an open mind willing to step outside the box
Every year, the Alwun House shakes up the Valley with its exotic art show, which might be more appropriately termed an "erotic art show."
Currently on display, the show consists of erotic sculptures, paintings and collages by more than 60 Arizona and California artists who incorporate spicy items including naughty nuns and models in bondage outfits into their art.
Soft music courses through the Alwun House, creating a sense of spiritual calm. Art covers every wall from corner to corner, and each piece deserves a proper amount of time for consideration and interpretation.
Built in 1912, the Alwun House was purchased in 1971 by Kim Moody and Dana Johnson. The two transformed the first floor and basement into an art gallery, which was the first contemporary art gallery in downtown Phoenix.
In 1993, the Phoenix City Council added the Alwun House to Arizona's inventory of historic properties, which Moody says is something for which the pair had to fight and of which he is very proud.
On the weekends, the house comes alive with interactive live performances, DJs and poetry readings. Beautiful gardens brighten the backyard, and three decorated stages accompany a small bar.
In the past, the house has featured many multimedia events, including an annual reggae show called "Caribbean Carnival" and a poetry reading series called "Heartsong."
The 22nd annual exotic exhibit runs until March 11, when a finale dance show will be performed.
The Paper Heart Gallery
750 NW Grand Ave., Phoenix (602) 262-2020
Hours: Closed Sunday and Monday; other hours vary depending on events
Best for: Those who love unique galleries
The graffiti-laden white brick wall outside of the Paper Heart might send some people running, but be assured -- the gallery is chock-full of artistic delights, and the downtown Phoenix neighborhood in which it resides is not nearly as dangerous as it used to be.
Heart-themed pieces, which are a tribute to the gallery name, range from painted portraits of the king and queen of hearts to a giant chicken-wire heart stuffed with newspaper. A few non-heart pieces add variety to the mix.
The actual art space is limited, but the pieces on display are thought-provoking and eye-catching.
In addition, the gallery offers weekly poetry readings, comedy improv, tango lessons, concerts and even an occasional wine tasting.
A slightly upscale, yet mellow crowd usually hangs out here, ranging from hardcore art lovers to those just wanting a place to meet their friends. A full bar and a few booths line the walls for a chill place to drink or soak up live music. Red velvet couches and shiny red ceilings also accent the heart theme.
On the way out, you can't miss the giant concrete heart stationed in the middle of the parking lot.
It is always hard to predict when the night will wind down at the gallery, but the action sometimes goes on until the wee hours of the morning.
Wet Paint Art Supply and Gallery
203 E. Seventh Street, Tempe (480) 967-2002
Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays
Best for: True artists and their fans
Wet Paint is the epitome of a multitasking gallery.
This small Tempe art supply shop houses local artists' work in the upper level along with a variety of hip-hop, reggae and old-school records and 45s.
A table of fliers for all the hottest local shows greets customers as they enter the shop.
The small, upstairs walkway winds around large, abstract canvases of funky, high-quality mixed media and oil paintings by students and Tempe natives. Graffiti tags accent the bottom corners of many of the canvases in place of artist signatures.
A card hangs under each piece stating the artist's name and how to get in touch with him or her about the art.
Artists can pick up their supplies at sale prices while looking around at the inspiring work of other local artists, and seasoned hip-hop lovers can scour the records upstairs while enjoying the cutting-edge grooves the shop always spins.
The shop has a laid-back vibe but steps it up a notch for Final Fridays, when pieces are showcased for free from 7 p.m. to midnight the last Friday of every month. Wet Paint also features live DJs and bands, poetry and photography on Final Fridays.
Reach the reporter at kate.kliner@asu.edu.
