As we bid farewell to the year and look ahead to 2011, Jackalope Ranch contributors will bring you some greatest hits from 2010. In a year, things come and go. In 2010, we said hi and bye to plenty of our favorite (and no so favorite) places. Here are just a few highlights:
Hello:
1. MIM
The world's first Musical Instrument Museum made its debut in Phoenix in April, and we're still busy trying to figure out how half of the 12,000 instruments are played.
2. Jones
That Casebeer's a real creative, so naturally she has a ton of cool, creative friends. We were happy to see her solo and collaborative pieces up go up in her small gallery space next to Jobot coffee on Fifth Street in downtown Phoenix, and we're even happier when she opens up the larger space on Portland Street for killer First and Third Friday shows.
3. Co+Hoots
Nothing says "we're having fun working together" like jumping for a photo in front of a slick, brick wall. And really, we can't blame the tenants, who rent office space in the historic JB Bayless building on Seventh Street, for having a good time. They throw parties, they encourage collaboration, hell, they even get work done.
4. Modern Manor
For any lover of mid-century modern, this place is dangerous. Ryan and Kylie Durkin, a local design-loving duo, opened their Phoenix spot in March, and we've been lusting after thier hexagon-shaped tables, and
5. Urban Skate Plaza at HHance Park
It's in the works and we're totally stoked. In September, professional skateboarder Rob Dyrdek donated thousands of dollars in equipment and $50,000 to help fund the skate park's design and construction. The City's timeline for the park's completion hasn't been announced, but we're glad the best place to meet a crack dealer is getting a much-needed face lift.
6. CityScape
Call it CityScrape, ShittyScape, whatever -- the "mega" shopping center semi finished its first phase in November and while it's a new place to get lunch downtown, a pretty easy spot to grab a couple gifts, and (we hope) a place that will bring people and support to Downtown, we're left missing a park, a strong local business presence and a sense of unity.
Honorable Mention: Antique Sugar
We gasped a little at the thought of losing Hollywood Regency, the vintage shop co-owned by Michael Todd Robertson and the late Heidi Owens, once the store's merchandise was sold. So we were, of course, relieved when Robertson told us he found Annamarie Sanchez and Sarah Bingham to run what is now called Antique Sugar. New name, same feel, big phew.
Goodbye:
1. Log Cabin Motel
A bulldozer rolled into the now-dirt lot in July to tear down the remains of a Van Buren Street icon. The motel, a tiny chain of quaint cabins, opened in 1939 and quickly gained popularity among State Route 60 travelers. But its modern-day state quickly fell into disrepair and turned into another sad story.
2. Chyro Arts Venue
The theater/music venue shut its doors in May, leaving a hole in the quicksand-like Scottsdale stripmall, Papago Plaza. Artistic director Tom Leveen wrote a public statement on the venue's website citing redirection and financial loss. In Phoenix we're sadly used to hearing "studies show lack of funds," but this spot was a tough one to see go.
3. Tempe Town Lake
The night the inflatable dam ruptured in Tempe Town Lake was just the beginning of damn dam jokes. We were afraid of what was at the bottom, we couldn't imagine what the residents of the nearby fancy condos would see/smell in the morning, and most of all, we were terrified it would never be refilled. The water came back in October, after a nail-biting, alligator-feeding couple of months, and we'll be more than happy to never see the bottom again.
4. PHiX
The motorcycle shop turned art gallery/music venue said goodbye to its Grand Avenue home after six years of art and music shenanigans. We can't wait to see where the PHiX crowd finds its next home for hardcore slams and experimental freakshows.
5. Soyal
Soyal's arrival during the summer was just the beginning of a pop-up art gallery phenomenon along Marshall Way in Scottsdale -- following soon after were 5 and 6, Jean Rashkind, Brian Drake, and
Spec10. Soyal's Spencer Hibert parted ways with business partner Emmett Potter, who's since transformed the space into Squeeze Gallery, another interesting pop in local arts scene.
Thirsty for more reflections? Check out our other looks back at 2010 so far:
In Review: Top Video Games of 2010
In Review: Top Movies of 2010 (with the Midnite Movie Mamacita)
