15 Free Art Shows on Third Friday, November 20, in Downtown Phoenix

This time of year, people tend to fall into two camps: those dying to get out and find the perfect holiday gifts, and those who can’t quite fathom the fact that holidays are fast approaching. This month’s Third Friday has plenty to offer either way. For holiday shoppers, it’s a way to find gifts made by local artists and artisans. For holiday deniers, it’s a way to escape for a few hours into the bustling arts and culture scene. Regardless of where you fall, here are some Third Friday exhibitions to help you get started on November 20.

“Anonymous Self-Portraits”
Phoenix Institute of Contemporary Art presents a solo exhibition of works by Kelsey Duff as part of its “Onloaded” series of exhibitions presented in shipping container galleries in Roosevelt Row. Duff’s photography is “idea-driven, experimental, and introspective in response to the natural world and her experiences in it.” Third Friday hours are 6 to 10 p.m. Find more information on the phICA website.

"Inquietude"
Eye Lounge presents a solo exhibition of works by Ellen Nemetz, whose humor-infused paintings set animals within improbable situations that prompt reflection on human challenges and emotions. Her creatures are meant to inspire consideration of the ways people deal with “stress, social anxiety, and insecurity.” Third Friday’s opening reception takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. Find more information on the Eye Lounge website.

“Delusional Insight”
Modified Arts presents a solo exhibition of works by painter and sketch artist Jonathan Howard, whose layered works are created with oil, acrylic, found objects, and more. Works featured in this exhibition explore human interactions and their contexts. Third Friday’s opening reception takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. Find more information on the Modified Arts website.

“Visiones”
Xico Arte y Cultura presents a group exhibition featuring works by Martin Moreno, Zarco Guerrero, and Emily Costello. Paintings, prints, and sculptures included in this show reflect the artists’ “whimsical, cultural, historical, and political expression of being Chicano/a Latina/o from coast to coast.” Third Friday’s opening reception takes place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Find more information on the Xico website.

"Your Thoughts Are Not Your Own”
Treeo presents a solo exhibition of new works by Bill Dambrova, whose paintings are infused with organic imagery and historic references. Third Friday’s opening reception with the artist takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. Find more information on the Treeo website.

"Not Yet Rated 3.0"
1Spot Gallery presents a group exhibition featuring works by Loren Aragon, Marlena Robbins, Craig Cleveland, Michelle Ponce, and Damian Jim which “showcase original versions of iconic movie posters created by Indigenous artists.” Third Friday hours are 6 to 10 p.m. Find more information on the 1Spot Gallery website.

“Displaced Four Times”
Phoenix Institute of Contemporary Art presents a solo exhibition of works by Túlio Pinto, whose sketches and works created with found objects reference his explorations throughout the city of Phoenix. Works by this Brazil-based artist explore known territories while remapping borders and addressing issues related to displacement. The exhibition is part of phICA’s “Onloaded” exhibition series being presented in shipping container galleries in Roosevelt Row. Third Friday’s opening reception takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. Find more information on the phICA website.

"Cutting Edge"
The Funk Lab presents a solo exhibition of works by Benjamin Goens, whose mixed media works incorporate vinyl records, aerosol paint, and more. Third Friday hours 6 to 9 p.m. Find more information on the event Facebook page.

"Then Was Now"
{9} The Gallery presents a retrospective exhibition highlighting three decades or work by Larry Willis, whose art explores various aspects of popular culture in contemporary times and past decades while addressing “the transient nature of things.” Third Friday’s opening reception takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. Find more information on the {9} The Gallery Facebook page.

“Reimagine”
Five15 Gallery presents new works by Joan Thompson, which were inspired by her travels and other experiences during the past year. These works were created with a variety of media and techniques, including dry point etching, collage, spray painting, and cardboard carving. Third Friday hours at 6 to 10 p.m. Find more information on the Five15 Gallery website. 

"Time don't mean nothin’ to a hog”
The Hive presents new works by Jenny Odom which “explore the concept of time – what it means, how it changes us, heals us, and gives us perspective.” Third Friday hours are 7 to 10 p.m. Find more information on the artist's Facebook page.

"Growing Up"
Drive-Thru Gallery presents an exhibition of works by Bruce Charles. Featured photographs are part of an ongoing series documenting "the transitions of both childhood and parenthood in a modern American family." Third Friday hours are 6 to 10 p.m. Find more information on the Drive-Thru Gallery Facebook page. 

Turner G. Davis
Eye Lounge presents new drawings by Turner G. Davis in its Project Room. These new works on paper continue his “narrative investigations” using pen and ink on distressed surfaces. Third Friday hours are 6 to 10 p.m. Find more information on the Eye Lounge website.

“Fault Lines”
Phoenix Institute of Contemporary Art presents a solo exhibition of works by Heather Couch. Curated by Brittany Corrales, the exhibition “explores the aesthetics of failure and the moments of stillness that hover just before destruction.” The exhibition is being shown in a shipping container gallery in Roosevelt Row. Third Friday hours are 6 to 10 p.m. Find more information on the phiCA website.

"Wandering"
Chartreuse presents a solo exhibition featuring works by Shauna Thibault, including large-scale ink wash pieces that signal a departure from her prior body of work. Third Friday’s artist reception takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. Find more information on the Chartreuse Facebook page.

Editor's note: This post has been updated from its original version.