Grim visions of the future often cast technology that gets out of humankind's hands as our ultimate conqueror. We will gladly welcome our new overlords if they are as charming as the clanky figures of Space Boy Robot's "Musée des Roboddities," which is on view through Sunday, November 30.
See also: Phoenix New Times Calendar of Events
Space Boy Robot is the retro-future alter-ego of Phoenix artist Jordan-Alexander Thomas, whose vision for seeing robotics in recycled materials is matched only by his loving and intricate handcrafting of them into their final form of mixed-media sculptures. Thomas' army of robots -- part 1950s sci-fi with a dash of steampunk and a sprinkle of Island of Misfit Toys -- pop with personality. This latest show spotlights robot assemblages with iconic touchstones such as P.I.E.R.R.E, who evokes the classic French artist archetype, and Bob Ross-bot, an homage to the beloved PBS instructional painter.
The artist reception for Jordan-Alexander Thomas's show "Space Boy Robot presents: Musée des Roboddities" is at Practical Art, 5070 North Central Avenue. Admission is free. Visit www.practical-art.com and www.spaceboyrobot.com for more details. Jose Gonzalez
If you're sick of watching your favorite space- and time- (and sometimes dimension-) traveling doctor all by your lonesome, Gotham City Comics and Coffee in Mesa is giving you the opportunity to hang out with like-minded Whovians every Tuesday and catch up on some episodes during Doctor Who's Day. The event usually screens one new Peter Capaldi episode along with an older episode from the series, so you can stay current and reminisce all in one night.
You can catch all the TARDIS-packed action at Gotham City Comics located at 46 West Main Street in downtown Mesa. Show starts at 6 and runs until 9 p.m. It's free to attend, but it is a BYOSS (bring your own sonic screwdriver) event. Heather Hoch
Unless you are of exceptional means and/or very particular taste, chances are the label inside your shirt doesn't read "Made in the USA." But more and more, American designers are contemplating a return to and celebrating stateside manufacturing. And thanks to advancing technology, increased creative control, and better oversight, it seems like a trend that'll catch on sooner than later.
"Fashioned in America" gets in on the localized action with domestically designed and manufactured garments from such stateside designers as Oscar de la Renta, J. Mendel, and Nanette Lepore. The fashion exhibition will remain open in the Ellman Gallery at Phoenix Art Museum through Sunday, March 15, 2015, at 1625 North Central Avenue. Admission is $15 for adults. In conjunction with the exhibit, James Belzer's documentary Make it in America: Empowering Global Fashion will screen on Friday, January 2. For details about the exhibition, film, and other associated programming, visit www.phxart.org or call 602-257-1880. Becky Bartkowski
See also: Ready to Wear: Can Phoenix Designers Put Arizona on the Fashion Map?
Look, we're not going to do the math. But come Thanksgiving dinner, let's just assume that we're going to consume more than our fair share of calories. Lucky for those looking to stay lean and those looking for a chance to get outdoors before getting into the kitchen, there's Sutra Midtown's Gratitude Flow. It's an all-levels outdoor yoga class taught by one of Sutra's own certified instructors. Sutra's fifth annual edition of the class will run from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 27, at Coronado Park, 1717 North 12th Street. The class has a suggested donation of $10 to benefit the Karma Sutra Initiative, an outreach program that benefits local organizations and charities. Visit www.sutrastudios.com or call 602-253-9525. Katie Johnson
We hate waking up early on regular days. So the odds of us rising at the crack of dawn to hunt down deals the day after a government-sanctioned celebration that revolves around binge-eating? Um, not great. We'd rather sleep in on November 28 and head to Alternative Black Friday at our leisure. The free-to-attend vintage and handmade goods event will feature 20 local vendors including Meat Market Vintage, Strawberry Hedgehog, and GROWop. Did we mention the mimosa bar? Because, yeah, it'll have a mimosa bar. Shop from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at CityScape Phoenix, 11 West Washington Street. Visit www.cityscapephoenix.com. Becky Bartkowski
