Naturally, you're a total expert when it comes to modern art -- but is George Morrison on your radar? If yes, cool! If no, that's okay, too. Because either way you can become well-acquainted through "Modern Spirit," the first-ever comprehensive retrospective that looks back on the late Native American artist's abstract landscapes.
See also: George Morrison Retrospective "Modern Spirit" Takes the Long View at Phoenix's Heard Museum
The exhibition, featuring 80 works, is on view at Heard Museum, 2301 North Central Avenue, through Sunday, January 11, 2015. Hours on Sunday, November 23, are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $18 for adults. Visit www.heard.org or call 602-252-8840 for more information. Becky Bartkowski
If you've ever had the haunting feeling that a parallel universe was just outside of your reach, you might identify with Danny, the young protagonist of the new young adult sci-fi thriller Now That You're Here. Danny, a teen graf artist, is wise to the streets but suddenly awakens in a world where the familiar is rendered strange and everything he knows as true is topsy-turvy.
The book also just happens to be the debut novel from Valley author Amy Nichols, who discusses and signs her work on Tuesday, December 9, at Changing Hands Phoenix, 300 West Camelback Road. The 7 p.m. event is free with purchase of Now That You're Here ($16.99). Visit www.changinghands.com for more info. Jose Gonzalez
Warren Miller's No Turning Back
You don't so much watch a Warren Miller film as experience it. You feel the crunch of the powder, hear the swish of the skis. Your stomach drops as you descend thousands of feet across icy mountains in seconds, then take to the sky on parachutes moments later. No Turning Back, the 65th film produced under the Warren Miller name, is no different. For 98 minutes, you ski Greece, Japan, Alaska, the Alps and every edge of the winter world. You shiver, but whether from cold or excitement, you can't tell.
No Turning Back drops into the Herberger Theater Center, 222 East Monroe Street, at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, December 10. Tickets are $19. Call 602-254-7399 or visit www.herbergertheater.org. Zachary Fowle
Since Justin Timberlake completely stole our idea for bringing sexy back, like, eight years ago, New Times' culture blog Jackalope Ranch is doing everyone a favor by bringing bingo back. That's right. Jackalope Ranch bingo returns to the hallowed Crescent Ballroom for an evening of prizes, geekery, and laughs. Insuring that third thing will be benevolent hosts from improv mecca The Torch Theatre, who are, without getting hyperbolic, the most hilarious people in Phoenix and also the world. There is truly no telling what will happen. We, personally, are not ruling out a J-Tims appearance. Or impersonation. Or heartfelt apology.
Bingo's free to play and runs in 45-minute rounds followed by 15-minute breaks from 7 to 10 p.m. at 308 North Second Avenue.Visit www.crescentphx.com or call 602-716-2222. Becky Bartkowski
They grow up so fast. The Phoenix Center for the Arts is already bringing back the Phoenix Festival of the Arts for its third year. For one weekend, culture seekers of all ages can enjoy art exhibitions, food trucks, more than 75 vendors selling everything from ceramic works to visual art, plus live shows on two stages including poetry readings and slams, musical and dance performances, open mics, and film screenings. The creative shenanigans will set up at Margaret T. Hance Park, 1202 North Third Street. Festival hours of operation are noon to 8 p.m. on Friday, December 12, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, December 13, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, December 14. Admission is free. For details, visit phoenixfestivalofthearts.org. Katie Johnson
