Here's Your Guide to September First Friday in Phoenix

First Friday offerings are looking especially eclectic this month, with creatives presenting not only visual and sound art and but also dance.

The lineup also includes exhibits addressing social justice issues, from immigrant to LGBTQ rights. Take time now to review your many options so you won’t miss the exhibits and experiences that pique your interest.

EXPAND

Explore art by immigrants facing deportation at Practical Art.

Practical Art

Must-See Exhibits

The Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project has partnered with Practical Art to present an exhibition of artworks created by immigrants facing deportation. First Friday’s artist reception happens between 7 and 9 p.m.

Head to Exposed Studio & Gallery to check out a group show organized by Phoenix Pride, which includes artists working in several different mediums. First Friday hours are 5 to 9 p.m.

Look for Ryan Carey's work at Unexpected Art.

Ryan Carey

Grand Avenue

Ryan J. Carey will be showing about 30 new paintings created using his breath, as well as filling a full wall with artworks created using just a single breath. He’ll also be demonstrating his technique during the First Friday reception at Unexpected Art, which runs from 6 to 10 p.m.

Collage artist and painter Mark Vinci will be showing works that reflect his interest in pop culture, commercial media’s cultural saturation, and the endless stream of visual stimuli in contemporary culture. His opening reception at {9} The Gallery happens from 6 to 10 p.m.

For a show he’s calling “Sex Drugs Celebrity Rainforest Immigration Mass Shootings,” Abe Zucca will be showing “abstractions in the painted medium.” He’ll be on hand for the reception, which could make for some interesting conversations about how he chooses the titles for his exhibitions. First Friday hours at Abe Zucca Gallery are 7 to 11 p.m.

Five15 Arts collective member Wendy Willis invited fellow printmaker Kimberley Boege to show works with her for the new “Nature/Nurture: Collaborations in Printmaking” exhibition at Five15 Arts at Chartreuse, where First Friday hours are 6 to 10 p.m.

Sisao Gallery is showing works by self-taught oil painter Carol Roque, who paints primarily imaginary characters with oddities that exude whimsy and charm. First Friday hours at the gallery located inside Oasis on Grand are 6 to 9 p.m.

EXPAND

Look for music-inspired artworks at Found:RE Phoenix.

Found:RE Phoenix

Central Corridor

See works by two artists who are heavily influenced by music. David Lizanetz will be showing nine pieces that reflect his experimental approach to materials. Mark Mayz will be showing works that reflect his passions for music and sports. First Friday hours at Found:RE Phoenix are 6 to 10 p.m.

The Gallery at Burton Barr Central Libraryis showing works by two artists who find intriguing connections between objects and invite viewers to consider alternative perspectives. The opening reception for “PieceWork: Artwork by Bob Allen and Dawn Conry,” which also includes electronic music, takes place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on First Friday.

See works by Edgar Fernandez, which are meant to exude energy and emotion. The titles are meant to convey the artist's affirmations for people who connect with his style. First Friday hours at Fair Trade Cafe are 6 to 10 p.m.

EXPAND

Explore Josua Haunschild's photography at Northlight Gallery.

Northlight Gallery

Warehouse District

See drawings and sculptures inspired by microscopic forms that humans can’t see without using magnification. They’re part of the “Sculpting Science: A Provocative Fusion of Science and Art” exhibit at ASU Step Gallery, where First Friday hours are 6 to 9 p.m.

Graduate student Joshua Haunschild is showing landscape and still-life photographs that prompt reflection on the interdependence of people and the environment, while heightening awareness of the changes wrought by climate change. First Friday hours at Northlight Gallery are 6 to 10 p.m.

EXPAND

Work by Bob Martin previously exhibited at ASU Gammage.

Lynn Trimble

Roosevelt Row

Three artists with different inspirations are showing work at Olney Gallery, which is located inside Trinity Cathedral. It’s a chance to explore ceramics by Deborah Hodder, paintings by Bob Martin, and photographs by Gina Santi. First Friday hours are 6 to 9 p.m.

Members of the Eye Lounge artist collective are getting ready for renovations to the building that houses their gallery by holding an art sale, which will include works in various mediums, including painting and photography. First Friday hours are 6 to 10 p.m.

Explore works by Sean T French and Steve Brudniak at Alwun House, where First Friday hours are 7 to 11 p.m. French creates sculptures influenced by historical armor, and Brudniak used found objects to create pieces that reflect “the greatest secrets or deepest horrors we all share.”

Explore AO Scott's work at Herberger Theater Center.

Northlight Gallery

Art + Performance

The Heard Museum is presenting an evening with Diné artists Jeff Slim and Deon Mitchell, who will be doing demonstrations during First Friday when museum admission is free from 6 to 10 p.m. The lineup also includes DJ Reflekshin.

1625 North Central Avenue

Choreographer and dancer Nicole Olson is premiering a new dance work created in collaboration with artists Mark Hughes and Francisco Flores. Between performances in the Phoenix Art Museum Great Hall, which happen at 7 and 8 p.m., audience members can participate in creating a portion of the experience. From 6 to 9 p.m. Sound Art Arizona creatives Chris Piraino and Tony Obr will be presenting a spatial sound installation inside the Orientation Gallery.

Hosh Gallery, which is located inside Palabras Bilingual Bookstore, is showing artwork by Diné artist Marlena Robbins. Also, expect music by The Crate Creepers and Cody Blackwater.

Head to the art gallery at Herberger Theater Center to see works with a nature theme created by several different artists. The First Friday reception from 5:30 to 7 p.m. also includes music by Nick Heward.

Editor's note: A previous version of this piece included a gallery event for David Bessent. This event takes place on Friday, September 20. We regret the error.

• Art
• Events
• Lists
• Performance Art