Visual Arts

‘Cultivating Joy’ art exhibit brightened up Tempe’s Danelle Plaza

More than 60 artists contributed to the show, which aimed - and succeeded - in lightening the spirits of hundreds of visitors.
Work by Tara Sharpe in "Cultivating Joy."

Jennifer Goldberg

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On a day when many people were struggling to think positively, Rocket Space Gallery in Tempe’s Danelle Plaza was full of good vibes.

Rocket Space, so named because it’s the former home of alt-fashion mecca Rocket a Go~Go, was bustling on Jan. 20; in addition to a full table of visitors working on collages, there was a steady stream of visitors to see “Cultivating Joy,” a pop-up art exhibit curated by artist and teacher Kyllan Maney.

“Cultivating Joy” opened on Jan. 16 and featured the work of 65 local artists.

“The genesis of the idea for the show was I wanted to create a show that was a post-holiday, pre-inauguration place to come and recharge your mental health batteries, and really celebrate artists and their creative processes,” Maney says.

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Artists in the show ranged from 14 to 70 years old and included students from New School for the Arts & Academics in Tempe, where Maney has taught for decades.

To her delight, the opening night was “gangbusters,” she says. “At 6 o’clock when we opened our doors, it was packed. It was pretty unbelievable, because we’re usually off to a slow start with art openings. But it seemed to get a really great response.”

That night and through the holiday weekend, hundreds of people filed through the space to see the works that the participating artists thought best exemplified the theme of the show.

The responses from attendees were “really great, positive ones – people just loving the energy in the space, loving the artwork and finding a piece that really spoke to them. There’s a lot of play in the exhibit, nice places to sit down and enjoy, and then there were a lot of people who hadn’t seen each other in a really long time making connections,” Maney says.

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While there are no concrete plans in place for a follow-up show, Maney says she would love to see the show grow and include even more artists in the next iteration.

Up next for Rocket Space Gallery is “Powers Out: A 7-Year Anniversary Celebration of The Danelle Project,” a free, all-ages pop-up event by The Coven Phoenix that will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31. The Danelle Project is a collaboration that aims to save and preserve the historic plaza for future use by locals and creatives. “Powers Out” will feature artists, vendors, live painting, music and more. Danelle Plaza is located at 37 W. Southern Ave., Tempe. See the

Information about Danelle Plaza was available at the show.

Jennifer Goldberg

Kevin T. Pfeiffer created these small sculptures.

Jennifer Goldberg

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Antoinette Cauley’s “Life’s a Tripp.”

Jennifer Goldberg

Visitors who came to the gallery on Jan. 20 found plenty of craft supplies to work with.

Jennifer Goldberg

Exhibit curator Kyllan Maney contributed “Cultivating Joy” to her show of the same name.

Jennifer Goldberg

Alli Giambalvo showed works partially made from xylophones.

Jennifer Goldberg

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Whimsical works by Tristan Egg.

Jennifer Goldberg

So many people came to make a collage that they began to work on the floor.

Jennifer Goldberg

Laura Spalding Best’s “The Way Home.”

Jennifer Goldberg

Beth Tom’s “Oh, Tannenbaum.”

Jennifer Goldberg

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Kristin Wesley’s “Friendly Flowers” smiled at folks in the gallery and outside on Southern Avenue.

Jennifer Goldberg

Jose A Benavides’ “Da Wall” was an eye-catching part of the exhibit.

Jennifer Goldberg

The fuzzy pink couch was a popular spot to sit and chat.

Jennifer Goldberg

A selection of works from “Cultivating Joy.”

Jennifer Goldberg

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Artist Aimee Ollinger had several pieces in “Cultivating Joy.”

Jennifer Goldberg

Lauren Lee’s “The Joy Molecule.”

Jennifer Goldberg

Koryn Woodward Wasson’s “Disco BUG Disco” toom was a popular part of the show.

Jennifer Goldberg

Crafters make collages at “Cultivating Joy” on Jan. 20.

Jennifer Goldberg

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A trio of works by Yuko Yabuki.

Jennifer Goldberg

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