Lynn Trimble
Grand Avenue Changes
Changes could be coming to a Phoenix-owned property at 723 West Polk located near a section of Grand Avenue known for arts and historic preservation. The city is in negotiations with a developer that plans to purchase the property, then build new housing (with a preference for veterans) while preserving some elements of the existing American Legion post. The city is currently making presentations at various meetings, and several small business owners and creatives based on Grand Avenue are hoping to meet with the developer and city to provide additional input about changes on the site and their potential impact for the area.
This week you can see classic cars, snag vinyl records, hear sonic sculptures, or watch hot air balloons in flight. Here’s a look at the best things to do around the Valley, whether you’re into books, sports, films, or tiny houses.
Local Bookstore Love
Hopefully you had a chance to shop local on Saturday’s Independent Bookstore Day. Now, there s a new reason to swing by the Phoenix location for Changing Hands Bookstore. More than two dozen new works by Laura Spalding Best, who paints offbeat urban and desert landscapes on everything from decommissioned traffic signs to vintage ironing boards, were recently installed inside the First Draft Book Bar.
Maine Arts Commission director resigns to take job in Arizona
Julie Richard, who has led the organization since 2012, will direct the Sedona Arts Center.
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Julie Richard, who has directed the Maine Arts Commission since 2012, will leave her post in Augusta next month to return to Arizona, where she will direct the Sedona Art Center.
“This has not been an easy decision for me,” Richard wrote in her letter of resignation. “I care deeply about the arts and culture sector in Maine and I am very proud of what has been accomplished during my tenure.”
David Greenham, the commission’s chairman, thanked Richard for her service and wished her well. “I am very happy for Julie and also very grateful for the work she has done in Maine to bring the arts commission forward in so many areas,” he said in a phone interview. An interim director likely will be named in a few weeks, while the commission begins looking for a replacement, he said.