Quick PHX, our annual pocket guide to art, shopping, and partying in Phoenix, is on stands now -- just in time for Viva PHX on Friday, March 7, and Art Detour 26 on Saturday and Sunday, March 8 and 9. Illustrated by Sarah Hurwitz, the hand-held guide will keep you busy this weekend and beyond.
Here are our 13 favorite spots to see art in Phoenix.
See also: 23 Favorite Places to Party in Phoenix
Roosevelt Row Galleries Though Roosevelt's longest‑running galleries can't be described as old (the early 2000s don't qualify as vintage just yet), they most definitely are reliable when it comes to showing must‑see exhibitions. MonOrchid often offers large‑scale group shows to fill its sprawling space. The comparably teensy artist collective Five15 showcases smaller pieces from its members, including Mary Shindell and Deborah Hodder. For the eager and/or easily distracted, Eye Lounge typically features three exhibitions at a time in its partitioned space. Meanwhile, Modified Arts has hosted shows both traditional and experimental, including last year's "Roaming with Abandon," from mobile curating duo Halt Gallery.
1Spot Showcasing contemporary Native American art from creatives on the rise is what 1Spot's all about. In the small space between Fifth and Sixth streets, there's a good chance you'll see works by Jeff Slim, Michelle Ponce, or Damian Jim, all of whom have been featured there in the past. Jim and Ponce run the gallery, and the pair also collaborates on Native
Combine Studios Combine Studios is global art with a local spirit. The space, formerly Holgas, is owned by artists Carrie Marill and Mathew Moore, who work with ASU Art Museum to bring international creatives to live and work in Phoenix. The complex's gallery has displayed works from Clare Patey and Miguel Palma, among many others.
Grand Avenue Galleries When the RoRo revelry becomes too much, head west. Grand Avenue is home to art spaces (and murals) that are worth the trek -- though we won't fault you for taking the First Friday trolley instead of hoofing it. Beatrice Moore's Frontal Lobe Community Space and Gallery is located in Bragg's Pie Factory, and its annual springtime piñata show is a whimsical must‑see. With its rotating local art, classes, and a boutique, La Melgosa has a hangout vibe. Pop in at {9} The Gallery and you'll find a similarly varied venture, with an art space in the front and lounge area in the back.
Heard Museum Southwest Native American art and culture takes center stage at Heard. In addition to year‑round exhibitions -- from historic to contemporary -- in its 11 galleries, the museum hosts festivals and events throughout the year, including artisan fairs, lectures, and performances. Swing by the gift shop for authentic American Indian folk art and pottery.
Step Gallery ASU's Herberger Institute relocated a handful of its graduate art school programs to the Levine Machine building in Phoenix's warehouse district in early 2014. And the student art space Step Gallery went with them, too. It's open to the public daily and will rotate student exhibitions on a monthly basis.
Bentley Gallery In 2012, Bentley Calverley relocated her acclaimed Scottsdale gallery to Bentley Projects in the warehouse district. It's certainly off the beaten art path (and not open later than 5:30 on Fridays), but it has the space to showcase large works, and the brick building's consistently filled with first‑rate art.
Phoenix Art Museum With a diverse collection of more than 17,000 pieces of art spanning continents and centuries, Phoenix Art Museum is a veritable goldmine of awe‑inducing works. Swing by on Wednesdays after 3 p.m. or on First Fridays and you can experience (almost) all of it sans admission fee -- save special and ticketed exhibitions, which you'll have to pay to see.
