Here's a quick look at local art news, from Meow Wolf changing its Phoenix plans to another mural coming down in the face of sexual misconduct allegations.
Another Fortoul Brothers Mural Is Gone
A mural created by artists Gabriel and Isaac Fortoul, who make collaborative works as the Fortoul Brothers, has been painted over in the aftermath of allegations of sexual misconduct made last year against Isaac Fortoul. The mural was located at Garfield Elementary School, and created with support from the Mollen Foundation. They began painting the mural, which was a 200-foot-long work in progress, in January 2018.It was removed on July 1, 2020, according to a representative of the Phoenix Elementary School District who provided the following statement to Phoenix New Times on Wednesday:
“The Fortoul Brothers’ artwork was removed from exterior walls at Garfield School after the district learned of allegations of inappropriate misconduct by one of the artists. Our schools are the hubs of our communities, and we have an obligation to our students and our neighbors to ensure that any murals or décor added to the exterior of our facilities represent the core values established by the Governing Board.”
Meow Wolf Phoenix
It’s been two years since Meow Wolf announced plans to create a Phoenix project in partnership with True North Studios, which was set to include a 400-room hotel and a 75,000-square-foot exhibition area with performance venue. Now, co-CEO Jim Ward, who lives in Phoenix, says they’ve nixed the hotel, and no longer have specific plans in place for bringing Meow Wolf to Phoenix. Even so, Ward says he hopes Meow Wolf will have a creative space in Phoenix at some point in the future.
Assembly Required winner Sean T French during his recent "New Things" exhibit at the Icehouse.
Christy Ward French
Artist TV Success
Sean T French, a Phoenix-based sculptor who specializes in metal figurative works that often reference women’s power and medieval armor, won the first challenge in a new TV competition called Assembly Required. French was one of three makers to compete for the $5,000 prize in the first of 10 episodes, which aired on the History Channel on Tuesday, February 23. You can watch the “Bring the Heat” episode, which includes French competing from his home studio in Peoria, online.
Sneak peek at Amy Sansbury Manning artwork that's part of "Clay Today" at Shemer Art Center.
Shemer Art Center