A new art venue has opened up in Solana Beach with Oolong Gallery, hoping to infuse a bit of culture and sophistication in between two surf shops on Highway 101.
Amid their own isolation and economic challenges, Phoenix-area artists continued to create works that inspired thoughtful consideration of the shifting cultural, social, and political landscape. A lot of it just happened outside or online this year. Here’s a look at 11 of our favorites.
Social Justice Murals
Phoenix artists have a long history of creating art exploring social justice themes, from immigration to indigenous rights. This year, several artists created work reflecting the struggle against police brutality and racial injustice. Six artists collaborated on a Black Lives Matter mural in Roosevelt Row, and Antoinette Cauley’s portrait of James Baldwin was installed on the Ten-O-One building. Murals featured portraits of George Floyd, Dion Johnson, Breonna Taylor, and others killed by law enforcement officers were painted as well, highlighting the ways art and activism are often intertwined during times of social upheaval.
It s tough to choose gifts for people who’ve decided to spend most of their time at home. Odds are, they’re not looking for statement jewelry for fancy events, and they’ve probably stocked up on loungewear already. So we’ve put together some other options you can find at local shops around town, assuming you tackle your list before the good stuff is all gone.
Bar Basics
Whether they’re into cocktails or alcohol-free fare, friends always appreciate gifts that make drinking feel a bit more fun. We love the cocktail and rocks glasses at Frances, and the chrome bottle openers and corkscrews at the museum store for Phoenix Art Museum. For the bartending novice, the store at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts has a set of four glasses printed with tips for mixing four popular cocktails, from Bloody Marys to Mojitos.
The creatives in our midst have been busier than ever, making work they re sharing in both live and virtual formats. Here s a sampling of what s happening around metro Phoenix this week, including several events that won t cost you a thing.
Artists Breakfast Club
Some of Arizona s most accomplished artists have gathered during the past two decades as part of an informal group called the Artists Breakfast Club, which meets monthly to foster community, cooperation, and mutual support. Now works by dozens of these artists, including Christine Cassano and Joel Coplin, are part of a group exhibition inside an exhibition space at Scottsdale s Civic Center Library. The library is open select days this week, including Monday, December 14, when the hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. While you re in the area, leave time to enjoy public art around Old Town or nearby galleries and museums.