Fans of joystick-powered pixelated entertainment across the Valley are probably counting the hours until The Art of Video Games finally opens at the Phoenix Art Museum June 16. And you can't blame them, considering the three-month exhibition will showcase (and offer the chance to play) some of the greatest hits in gaming history, ranging from the practically pre-historic Pac-Man to modern-day blockbusters like Mass Effect.
And starting in late July, the exhibition will include access to the custom-decorated vintage and old school quarter-eaters from the popular Artcade Show.
See also: Artcade Lounge Finds a Home in Downtown Phoenix and Will Open Later This Year The Artcade Show Opens Tonight at Parazol Studios in Downtown Phoenix
According to Nico Paredes and Ariel Bracamonte, the Valley duo who got local creatives to transform refurbished old school arcade cabinets into unique works for the Artcade Show back in February, a good chunk of the titles involved will be set up inside PAM.
Its one of many ancillary events and programming connected to The Art of Video Games -- which range from screenings of flicks like The Wizard and Tron to lectures on gaming-related topics and demonstrations -- that will occur at the museum during the exhibition's run.
Starting on July 20, the Artcade games will be available for viewing and free play in the PAM's Orientation Room. Per the museum website, the list of titles shown will include the Frogger unit featuring artwork by Colton Brock, the Lalo Cota-decorated Rampage, and the sit-down version of puzzle game Tetris that was adorned with the brushings of painter Sierra Joy.
Other gussied-up Artcade games on display at PAM will be the classic button-smasher Track and Field featuring designs by both Emmett Potter III and Kristin Bauer, the NBA Jam sporting art by Sakoia, and Bally/Williams blockbuster Stargate transformed by painter Mikey Jackson.
Paredes and Bracamonte, who have been busy as of late readying the Artcade Lounge (their combination nightspot/joystick joint) for its eventual debut later this year, state that PAM will feature the games through First Friday in August.
The Art of Video Games opens at Phoenix Art Museum on June 16 and runs through September. Hours and admission prices vary (see the PAM website for full details).
