Artists find inspiration in some intriguing places. Denise Yaghmourian finds it in the human impulse to label others. Robert Gentile finds it in graffiti culture. And Rachel Goodwin finds it in rampant consumerism.
They're all showing works during this month's Third Friday, as are dozens of other artists exploring themes ranging from unity to alternate realities. Here's a look at fresh art shows opening March 17 in downtown Phoenix.
Must-See Exhibitions
“Labels”
See works made with yarn, thread, tissues, and wood hangers by mixed-media artist Denise Yaghmourian, who explores the ways people are driven to label each other. Third Friday hours at Bentley Gallery are 6 to 10 p.m. Find more information on the Bentley Gallery website.
“Strange Changes”
Eye Lounge presents works by 10 members of its artist collective. They created pieces in various media related to the theme of change. Participating artists are Samantha Lyn Aasen, Kit Abate, Malena Barnhart, Cherie Buck-Hutchison, Ashley Czajkowski, Tawny Kerr, Ellen Nemetz, Kazuma Sambe, Kim Sweet, and Danielle Wood. Third Friday hours are 6 to 10 p.m. Get details on the exhibit Facebook page.
“Szabo Wike Yuko”
See works by Marilyn Szabo, Thaddeus Mace, and Yuko Yabuki exhibited at Studio Yuko located in the La Melgosa building. Third Friday hours are 6 to 10 p.m. Learn more on Yuko Yabuki's Facebook page.
“You Have the Magic: Weird, Wild, and Wonderful Works of Art”
See works by 10 artists in this exhibition at The Hive Gallery, which is curated by Amy Young of Perihelion Arts (who's also a New Times contributor). Participating artists include Doug Bale, Luster Kaboom, and the Molten Brothers, to name a few. Third Friday hours are 6 to 9 p.m. Get details on the The Hive Gallery Facebook page.
Roosevelt Row
“Onloaded 4: Pedro Vaz”
Phoenix Institute of Contemporary Art presents works by Pedro Vaz – a Lisbon-based artist who explores space, place, and landscape – in one of three shipping container galleries in Roosevelt Row. Third Friday hours are 6 to 10 p.m. Learn more about this show, and other phICA exhibits, on the phICA website.
“No Paint Required”
Coe House presents works by seven artists working with media other than paint. Participating artists include Michael Afsa, Ashley Czajkowski, Erik Karvonen, Andrew King, Constance McBride, Rocco Menaguale, and Mary Meyer. Third Friday hours are 6 to 9 p.m. Find more information on the exhibit Facebook page.
“Unity Through States of Being”
See small works by more than a dozen artists based on their visions or interpretations of unity at Modified Arts. Participating artists include Christy Puetz, Jeff Falk, and Molly Koehn, to name a few. Third Friday hours are 6 to 9 p.m. Learn more on the Modified Arts Facebook page.
Five15 Arts Group Show
Explore new works in various media by members of the Five15 Arts collective, who include Turner G. Davis, Daniel Friedman, Deborah Hodder, Anne Howey-Falvey, Marlys Kubicek, Katy O'Connor, Susan Risi, Michelle Terry-Helmick, Joan C. Thompson, and Wendy Willis. Third Friday hours, at Phoenix Center for the Arts, are 6 to 9 p.m. Get more information on the Five15 Arts website.
Read on for shows to see on Grand Avenue and in the warehouse district.
Grand Avenue
“Altar’d States”
{9} The Gallery presents works by Kathy Taylor and Linda Ingraham. Third Friday hours are 6 to 10 p.m. Find details on the exhibit Facebook page.
“Converging Lines of Evidence”
See new works in various media by Joan Waters at Oasis on Grand. Third Friday hours are 5 to 10 p.m. Get details on the artist's Facebook page.
"Poetics of Reverie"
Explore new oil paintings by Abe Zucca exhibited at Abe Zucca Gallery. Third Friday hours are 7 to 11 p.m. Learn more on the exhibit Facebook page.
“Sub-Current”
Grand ArtHaus presents works by underground artist Al Diaz, co-founder with Jean-Michel Basquiat of SAMO, and Robert Gentile. Third Friday hours are 6 to 9 p.m. Get details on the event Facebook page.
"Take a Detour to The Lodge"
See works by more than a dozen artists working in diverse media at The Lodge Art Studio. Participating artists include Bassim Al-Shaker, Claire A. Warden, Jay Hardin, and Saskia Jorda, to name a few. Third Friday hours are 5 to 10 p.m. Learn more on The Lodge Facebook page.
“That New”
Unexpected Art Gallery presents an evening of neon art, installations, performance art, live music, and food trucks to benefit the ASU Neon Club. Admission is $10. Third Friday hours are 5 to 11 p.m. Find information on the event Facebook page.
Central Corridor
“Transcendent Depths”
First Studio presents an exhibition featuring works by Erik Karvonen and Cheryl Sosnowski, plus an exhibition of art by Kris Kollasch. Third Friday hours are 6 to 9 p.m. Get details on the First Studio Facebook page.
“Tres Cabrones”
See works by Gennaro Garcia, Joe Ray, and Frank Ybarra exhibited at Found:RE Phoenix. First Friday hours are 6 to 8 p.m. (followed by an after-party with live music). Learn more on the exhibit Facebook page.
Warehouse District
“Baggage”
Step Gallery at Grant Street Studios presents works by Rachel Goodwin, who explores “consumable goods and how they overtake inhabitants within today’s vast purchasing climate.” Third Friday hours are 6 to 9 p.m. Get more information on this, and additional Grant Street Studios exhibits, on the ASU Events website.
"Sagrado Galleria Showcase"
See a pop-up exhibition of works by three local photographers, presented by The Sagrado Galleria at Gould Evans + Canary. Third Friday hours are 6 to 10 p.m. Learn more on the event Facebook page.