It's no secret: We heart art. And we're happy Valentine's Day is around the corner because Phoenix is about to throw down some major Valentine exhibition love ... OK, and hate, which makes us love it even more.
So if your plans fall through, you just broke up, or you just want to get out of the cheesy restaurant that looked like a really cute date spot, we've found five local art shows that are more than likely to save the day -- and month. (Note: A few of the shows are getting in the mood early and open in January).
1. antigirl Hearts Show @ Phoenicia Association
Tiphanie Brooke, aka antigirl, is the local queen of hearts. The graphic designer's series of small and large heart creations have been spotted on her website and on walls around town, and for the month of February, they'll be on display at Phoenicia Gallery. Check out the show, which opens on Feb 4 from 7 to 9 p.m., and click here for more information.
2. Love Me Dead @ Galeria de los Muertos
Galeria de Los Muertos, at 905 N. 5th Street, is all about love ... and the dead. On January 29, they'll bring live music, live painting and new works by 16 artists with catering and an open bar. Tough to beat. Note: To get into the party, you must RSVP Click here for more information.
3. The Unhappiness Plays and The Melancholy Show @ Space 55
Maybe V-Day isn't your thing, or you'd rather watch a Tony-award winning play than check out the latest in overpriced champagne and fake flowers. Get this: Space 55 will be presenting "The Unhappiness Plays" by Greg Kotis and "The Melancholy Show" art exhibit to really set the mood with submissions in grey by graphite artist Effie Bouras, local mixed media
artist Jay Hardin, and photographers Mark Lipczynski and Lisa Olson. Both shows run January 20 through February 5 on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, at 8:00 p.m.. Click here for more info.
4. Exotic Art Show @ Alwun House
Leaving rose petals as a path to the bedroom is both pricey and a bore.
If you're feeling frisky, open your mind and try out the 27th Exotic Art Show at the Alwun House. More than 50 artists' work will be on display that should get some
interesting conversations going. The event promises "fantasies and taboo
erotica." Meeeowwww. Shows and performances go from February 11 to March 11, Tuesday - Fridays, from 12 to 6 p.m., entrance is $5. Check out the Alwun House website for more info.
5. heART ON @ 5&6 Art Space
Joshua Rhodes, the local artist and co-owner/curator of Scottsdale's 5&6 Gallery describes the space's upcoming, 17-artist group show as an "art orgy of sexy paint," which sure beats a stuffed pink bear. The show opens February 3, from 6 to 9 p.m. Click here for more information and a show preview below.
