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.
Black Valley artist featured in Scottsdale exhibit celebrating artists of color
Joe Willie Smith is one of 16 local artists to have their work displayed at the West Arizona Artists of Color exhibition at the Scottsdale Civic Center. Author: Vanessa Ramirez Updated: 10:18 AM MST February 15, 2021
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.
Joe Willie Smith has been a professional artist for more than 40 years and in that time, he faced many challenges getting his work on display as a Black artist, but he never stopped creating.
Smith joined more than a dozen artists of color with work displayed in Scottsdale during the month of February.
He said his love for art started with a little help from his mother.
How to celebrate Black History Month 2021 across Phoenix: 8 virtual and in-person events KiMi Robinson, Arizona Republic
In honor of Black History Month, organizations, activists and businesses in metro Phoenix are hosting virtual and in-person events throughout the month that recognize works in arts and music, historical figures and contemporary issues.
This year’s theme, chosen by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, is “The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity.” ASALH will offer virtual programming throughout the month “in observance and celebration of the strengths, struggles, resistance and the sheer perseverance of the Black family.”
WEST Exhibition Highlights Local Artists of Color
The exhibit takes place at the Scottsdale Civic Center Library.by BWW News Desk
Scottsdale Public Art recently opened WEST-Arizona Artists of Color, a new exhibition featuring local artists at the Scottsdale Civic Center Library. WEST-Arizona Artists of Color aims to show the West as the featured artists know it: with a rich cultural history. Their work in Arizona shows the universal need to belong, to be accepted and to be seen, as well as shedding light on the struggle to make social connections and understand one another. The artists in this exhibition express their solidarity with the human condition and the need to be free of prejudice and injustice.
New West Valley Arts Council show featuring Black artists hopes to encourage conversations Elizabeth Montgomery, Arizona Republic
In celebration of Black History Month, West Valley Arts Council will host an art exhibition showcasing the work of metro Phoenix African American artists.
“Imprint: African Americans in the Arts” opens Jan. 22 and includes the artwork of sculptors Joe Willie Smith and Gedion Nyanhongo, photographer Alvin Galloway, painters Phalen Booker, Wanda King and John Neville and owner of Onyx Art Gallery Kathi Williams.
“We felt this was important because, throughout history, the most impressionable and long-lasting things in the arts have been started, implemented and supported by African Americans, West Valley Arts Council president and CEO Sandra Bassett said. We also know that a lot of that has expanded to be more culturally inclusive, and not just reserved for those of color, but inclusive to all Americans to participate in.”