The Phoenix Metropolitan area has gained a reputation for many things, but the art scene has never been one of them. In fact, like many other unaware Phoenicians, I have always thought of the Valley as an art-deprived black hole in the middle of the desert, save for the occasional international exhibition at the Phoenix Art Museum. We don't have a Guggenheim down the street.
Luckily, I found out that my previous assumptions were wrong, to say the least after I attended First Friday in central Phoenix last week.
First Fridays are nights when a group of art houses, galleries and art displays within a five mile radius of one another gets together and stays open for visitors through the late hours of the night. Although some of the locations are simply going about their regular Friday-night routine - serving drinks, hosting live music performances and entertaining the work-weary yuppies, many open their doors to families, underage scene kids and senior citizens on this one night a month.
A free shuttle service departs on the four possible routes from the Burton Barr Central Library.
The Art Walk is not only a great way to see what our local artists have produced, but an opportunity for a more cultured date than you might otherwise have had (in case you both have seen everything that's out in movie theaters by the end of the week). My personal favorite was the Paisley Violin, a combination of a coffee house and an art gallery. It hosts live music performances and has great atmosphere and good drinks. This stop along the walk is far more romantic than "Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith." Really.
But the development of the art scene in Phoenix is largely contingent on support from individuals, including we college students. The key to finding enjoyable art for our age group is steering clear of the cowboy-inspired shops in Scottsdale and find events that may not always be well- publicized, but promise some unique entertainment value.
Some of the cultural events that may capture your attention are the "No Festival Required" art film and video screenings that take place at a downtown gallery called Modified Arts. Check out www.nofestivalrequired.com for more details.
Modified Arts also hosts other various cultural events, ranging from underground punk rock shows to poetry readings. Or check out "Dream On: Surrealism and Beyond" at the Phoenix Art Museum. Granted, it's not Salvador Dali, but still features artists including Jean Cocteau and Max Ernst. Even if it's not exactly your style, I promise it is a great escape from summer school homework. For those more politically inclined, I recommend Anthony Pereira's exposition, "Ignorance is Strength" at the PHiX Gallery.
The admission to these events is similar to that of a movie ticket, but the benefits of opening up to new experiences are priceless. Especially now, when Phoenix's biggest claim to fame is, "But it's a dry heat!"
Lucia Bill is a journalism and political science junior. Reach her at lucia.bill@asu.edu.
