Usually when someone turns two, it's (somewhat) jokingly referred to as the Terrible Twos. Thankfully in Palabra Art Collective's case, this does not seem to be the situation.
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After successfully opening two years ago, expanding in the spring, and creating a pop-up at UNION at the Biltmore in June, Palabra has plenty to celebrate. And what better way for this hair and art conglomeration to commemorate this event than with a show called "dos" a collective anniversary? Ten artists whom Palabra has worked with over the past year, including Jeff Slim, Sentrock, Mikey Jackson, Enrique "Mr Phx" Garcia, and Ashley Macias, will be filling the collective, 630 East Pierce Street, with one stunning pieces each in a variety of mediums, continuing Palabra's goal of presenting all kinds of creativity under one roof. Celebrate and wish Palabra a feliz cumpleanos Friday, December 19, at 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/events/533904710079711. Evie Carpenter
We know you've dreamed of it: being a superhero, beating up bad guys, saving the day. Until recently, it was a delusion as unattainable as getting rid of that paunch you built up over the holidays. But now there's The Marvel Experience, an interactive tour through a super-hero universe that makes you the main character. As the newest recruit in S.H.I.E.L.D., you'll traverse the Experience's seven giant augmented-reality domes, step inside a life-size version of the Avengers' Quintet and pilot a state-of-the-art 4-D motion ride while battling evil forces alongside lifelike projections of Iron Man, Wolverine, Spider-Man and a dozen other Marvel heroes.
Earn your superhero credentials at the Marvel Experience Tour from December 19 to January 3 at the Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 North Pima Road in Scottsdale. Tickets start at $27.50 and tour time availability varies. Visit themarvelexperiencetour.com for more. Zachary Fowle
Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory
Nothing against Johnny Depp -- the guy seems pretty cool -- but when we heard that there was a remake of the classic 1971 Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory, we knew we'd never go see it. If it's not Gene Wilder as the eccentric titular figure, we're not interested. Cult Classics gets us and gets why the first adaptation of the 1964 Roald Dahl book detailing the saga of Charlie Bucket nabbing a Golden Ticket from a Wonka Bar, oompa loompas and all, is the only one for us.
Cult Classics and Zia Records present Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory at Pollack Tempe Cinemas, 1825 East Elliot Road in Tempe, on Saturday, December 20. General admission tickets are $10 with special VIP packages ranging from $15 to $40. Visit www.cultclassicsaz.com for more info. Jose Gonzalez
If you're anything like us, the last time you handmade a card for someone was right around the time you were learning to spell. But if you're looking to add a personal touch this holiday season, Arcadia's Shemer Art Center is hosting the adult version. Head to the Art Card Workshop, where napkins and newspaper will be turned into heartfelt messages.
Choose from a morning (9 a.m. to noon) or afternoon class (1 to 4 p.m.) on Saturday, December 20, at 5005 East Camelback Road. Each session costs $40 and is available for all skill levels. Registration is required. Visit www.shemerartcenter.org to sign up. Janessa Hilliard
Bolshoi Ballet: The Pharaoh's Daughter
Straight outta Moscow and straight into Phoenix comes the world's premier ballet company, Bolshoi Ballet. Throughout the renowned Russian troupe's 2014-15 season, their performances will be live-captured and screened at Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 North Central Avenue. On Sunday, December 21, arts patrons can catch The Pharaoh's Daughter, based on Le Roman de la Momie and choreographed by Pierre Lacotte in 2000. Admission to the 2 p.m. cultural event is $15 for museum members and $18 for non-members. For more information and tickets, visit www.phxart.org or call 602-257-1880. Becky Bartkowski
