10 Must-See Art Shows in Metro Phoenix This Week

There’s plenty of new work to explore this week on the local arts scene. Several galleries are opening new exhibitions on Third Friday, in locations that span from downtown Phoenix to Tempe. But some intriguing offerings are happening on other days as well, reflecting the fact that local arts and culture is worth exploring pretty much all the time. Here’s a look at several of your exhibition options this week.

"Disappearing World"
Rhetorical Galleries is showing an installation by Ronna Nemitz in a shipping container gallery in Roosevelt Row, where the artist is using made and found objects to explore the lives of two individuals depicted in black and white photographs. Third Friday hours are 6 to 10 p.m. Learn more on the event Facebook page.

"Art Show & Sell"
Several artists will be showing and selling their works at a pop-up exhibition happening from 7 p.m. to midnight on Third Friday, at 1017 West 16th Street in Tempe. Expect works by a dozen artists, including Ellie Craze, Valerie Bullock, Chris Czaja, and Neya Salazar. Find details on Facebook.

"Within & Without"
Modified Arts is presenting a group exhibition curated by Miguel Monzón, which features works by printmakers working with diverse techniques including lithography, photolithography, serigraph, intaglio, and photogravure. The opening reception happens on Third Friday between 6 and 9 p.m. Find more information on the Modified Arts website.

"Life & Death Portraits"
MonOrchid is showing photographic works spanning more than two decades of Marilyn Szabo’s career, in which she’s captured the defining characteristics and distinct personalities of luminaries on the local and world stage. Third Friday hours are 6 to 10 p.m. Find more information on the monOrchid website.

"Amid the Grid"
Eye Lounge is holding a benefit exhibition comprising small-scale works by past and current members of the Eye Lounge artist collective, with proceeds of art sales benefiting the collective. Third Friday hours are 6 to 10 p.m. Learn more on the exhibit's Facebook page.

Read on for more art shows this weekend.
"A Show of Hands"
Constance McBride’s exhibition curated by Nicole Royse has moved from Bokeh Gallery to the Coe House due to renovations underway at monOrchid. See the show on Third Friday from 6 to 10 p.m. Find more information on the artist’s Facebook page.

"A Humble Ode to My Desert"
The Hive gallery presents “Irma Sanchez: A Humble Ode to My Desert,” which includes 20 ceramic works inspired by the Sonoran Desert. Third Friday’s opening reception takes place from 7 to 10 p.m. Get details on the exhibition Facebook page.

"Upward Facing"
First Studio is showing works by Sara Reinstein Becker, whose work is infused with themes prevalent in the practice of yoga. Third Friday hours are 6 to 9 p.m. Look for details on the artist’s website.

And here are a couple of art shows worth catching on Saturday, December 17.

"8-Year Anniversary"
Mark Lunn and Matt Brown are celebrating the anniversary of PUSH PHX gallery with an exhibition of more than 80 works, which opens at 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 17, at 1145 East Roosevelt Street. Participating artists include Angel Diaz, Ashley Macias, Holly Anderson, Maggie Keane, Jules Demetrius, and Zarco Guerrero. The evening also includes live DJs and art. The cover charge is $6 ($1 off for every can of food donated, up to five cans).

"Group Show"
Artists Sierra Joy, NXOEED, Rhondi Reardon, Zachary Dean Glover, Margarete Beeson, Kevin Adams, Tato Caraveo, Donovan White, and Hannah Bones are showing works at ThirdSpace on Saturday, December 17. The night also features live music by several local bands and DJs. The cover charge is $5.