Local Artist Hugo Plans Group Exhibition to Benefit the Icehouse

Local artist Hugo Medina (he just goes by Hugo) had his first show at the Icehouse in downtown Phoenix almost six years ago. So when he heard the gallery and performance space was slated to close at the end of the year, he decided to put together a group show...

By Niki D'Andrea

February 9, 2011

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Local artist Hugo Medina (he just goes by Hugo) had his first show at the Icehouse in downtown Phoenix almost six years ago. So when he heard the gallery and performance space was slated to close at the end of the year, he decided to put together a group show featuring works by artists who've shown there over the years.

"When I heard they were closing, it kind of broke my heart," Hugo says. "So I wanted to put together a show that could raise money to save the Icehouse. And if we can't save the Icehouse, then the show will be a way of saying 'thank you.'"

The Icehouse opened in 1990, and has hosted a variety of events and art shows over the years, including the works of local notables Angela Ellsworth, Pete Deise, Jen Urso, and the late Rose Johnson. Hugo says he's calling on artists who've previously had exhibits at the Icehouse to participate in the group show, currently slated for May 27.

Among the artists who've confirmed their participation are Hugo, Luis Gutierrez, CaseBeer, and Joe Jankovsky, who's helping Hugo curate the show.

The one-day show will also feature live music. A suggested donation or admission price hasn't been decided, Hugo says, but he plans to donate 10 to 20 percent of any of his art sales from the show to the Icehouse. "The Icehouse was there before Art Detour, before First Friday, before everything," he says. "I'd hate to see it go."

For more information on the group art show at the Icehouse, visit Hugo's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/hugosart

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Niki D'Andrea has covered subjects including drug culture, women's basketball, pirate radio stations, Scottsdale staycations, and fine wine. She has worked at both New Times and Phoenix Magazine, and is now a freelancer.

Contact: Niki D'Andrea