See also: Final Friday Artwalks in Tempe
As organizers and attendees know, there's more to the monthly Tempe Art A Gogh-Gogh events than just clever wordplay.
The art-focused gathering will celebrate its second anniversary with a big party at Sail Inn this Friday at 8 p.m. and is a must-see for newbies and regulars, alike.
Expect performances by local bands, including Japhy's Descent, Sunorus, and Doctor Bones; belly dancing by The Opal Collective; beats from DJ KNS; food and beer vendors; and of course, lots and lots of local art. Some of it, like graffiti by State of Art Krew, will be created in front of the audience.
To prepare your palate for the sheer variety of art you'll find, check out these two very different artists who are participating on Friday:
Tressure Hardcastle of Glendale has been bringing her creative combinations of acrylic, repurposed junk, instruments, and paper mache (to name a few) to Tempe Art A Gogh-Gogh for the past year. "Someone throws away a candle holder -- I build a sculpture on top of it," she says.
>James B. Hunt of Phoenix, who will be performing live art at the show, creates paintings that utilize intricate lines and detail. He hides some of his pieces throughout the Phoenix area and posts clues on his blog for those interested in finding them. He says a few will be hidden at the event this Friday.
Both artists agree that Tempe Art A Gogh-Gogh is saturated with an array of culture. Hardcastle calls it "an eclectic mix" while the phrase "a brutal assault on the senses" is how Hunt describes the night. "There's almost too much going on to fully process," he says.
The event, run by Evan Liggins and David Cosme, was born out of a recognized need for more community art events in Tempe, and is coordinated by Media Tempe. It repeats on the majority of Final Fridays throughout the year.
Admission is $5 before 10 p.m. and $8 after. For a more complete list of bands and artists, check the Facebook event.