With the close of the semester also comes the end of this blog. I started writing this as a way to challenge my readers and myself to understand and integrate the cultural opportunities that the Phoenix metropolitan area provides. As learned from experience and observation, stagnant thought creates repetitive action, but having had the opportunity to write about interesting local features has motivated me to look for the value in individuals’ and collectives’ passion and interests.
My original intention was to track the local cultural currents and trends in the area by paying attention to art, dance, film, music and thought. I hope you were just as much entertained reading this as much as I was writing it. Sometimes 500 words wasn’t enough to describe what I learned, but hopefully the posts sparked your interest in trying something new, such as attending Shabbat , starting Argentine tango or frequenting the museum more often.
From meeting an anaconda at the art museum to learning escape techniques from Brazilian fight-dancers , this has been a memorable semester. Who knew that communism and Soviet propaganda could be so aesthetically influencing and enticing? Or that crafting and attaching miniature fans onto clothing can be a way to ward off heat exhaustion? When I eat dessert I remember that sculpting chocolate with teeth has been considered a unique and successful artistic endeavor.
Thank you for being supportive readers and for offering ideas about what I should learn more about next. Every week, I’ve had a dance lesson, exhibit, interview, concert, or event to look forward to, and I’ve been surprised and delighted by all that I’ve encountered.
If you have any suggestions for what I should try, email me at Mary.G.Richardson@asu.edu or follow me on Twitter at @MG_Richardson.
