If Bob Ross were alive today, he'd be painting happy little trees all over the place in ecstatic fervor for all the arts and culture happenings in Phoenix. To help you see the forest for the trees, here's a recap of the top arts and culture stories of the week.
Artlink Announces Dates and Application Deadlines for Art Detour 25 in Downtown Phoenix
Buckle up, Phoenix art community: Art Detour will return in March for its 25th annual event in downtown Phoenix and applications for artists and galleries are now available online.
The weekend event, officially organized by Downtown non-profit Artlink, includes two days of studio tours and gallery openings on March 2 and 3. Traditionally, the event is a chance for local artists to show the public what they've been working on and hopefully reach a wider audience than the monthly First or Third Fridays.
According to Artlink, the event will kick off with a Silver Gala on February 23 and a "Pre-Detour First Friday" on March 1. On March 2 and 3, attendees are encouraged to sign up for free artist- and docent-lead tours through galleries and studios as well as follow self-guided tours and hop on shuttles that circle Downtown, making stops along Roosevelt Row, Grand Avenue, and more.
Find out more details on the 25th annual Art Detour.
--Claire Lawton
After existing in the purely conceptual realm, the Tempe Museum of Contemporary Art will officially open its doors for the first time this month.
Co-founder Christian Filardo originally used the name for his home and workspace where he runs the record label Holy Page. From there, the idea grew into a theoretical museum complete with a phony Facebook page.
"I sort of set it up as a fake museum that would appeal to the public and act as a space that could exist but wasn't really accessible" says Filardo.
But thanks to SMoCA's GOOD 'N PLENTY grant, the Tempe Museum of Contemporary Art is accessible now.
Read more about the Tempe Museum of Contemporary Art.
--Katrina Montgomery
Tempe's Four Peaks Brewing Company Wants Your Beer Can Art
Time to grab a few (empty) cans, scissors, and a pair of gloves -- Tempe's Four Peaks Brewing Company is hosting a Beer Can Masterpiece contest this month and it's looking for entries.
Prizes include gift cards, gallery space, and Four Peaks fame ... But let's be honest, we're all interested in the beer.
The brewery will be giving out "starter kits" with empty cans at the new taproom at 2401 South Wilson from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday - Friday through January 25. Creations (Four Peaks judges say to shoot for the stars -- dragons, buildings, famous faces) can be dropped back off at the taproom by Monday, February 4.
--Claire Lawton
Adam "Dumperfoo" Dumper on His B-Boy Days, Working at Wet Paint, and the Thrill of Live Art
It's a wonder that Adam Dumper ever finds time to sleep, especially since the Tempe urban artist, live painting guru, and hip-hop impresario keeps a pretty hectic schedule. When he isn't turning canvases into stunning-looking creations, the artist known as Dumperfoo is busy creating flyers and doing design work in front of his computer or overseeing The Blunt Club at Yucca Tap Room each week.
Dumper's been plenty busy and heavily involved in the urban and hip-hop scenes for years now - ranging from his longtime job at now-defunct and highly-influential Wet Paint Artist Supply (which shuttered back in November) to doing the live painting thing at countless club nights. Despite celebrating his 40th birthday, the dude's got no plans to slow down, which he gladly informed Jackalope Ranch during a recent interview.
--Benjamin Leatherman
Kendra Scott Jewelry Opens at Scottsdale Quarter
"Have Fun, Try On!" So say the small signs sitting inside the lacquered white cabinets at Kendra Scott Jewelry. It's a hands-on, non-stuffy approach to jewelry shopping that fits the wares beautifully. Displayed in the bauble shop's cases are enough candy colored gems and customizable pieces to fill the jewelry box of our wildest Container Store dreams. As the latest addition to Scottsdale Quarter, the boutique will have you wishing you had extra limbs to hold all the rings and necklaces.
Check out what we'd like to take home, what's on our wishlist, and why we'd go back.
--Becky Bartkowski
