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.
Must-See Exhibits
“Survive, Resist, Create”
Practical Art5070 North Central Avenue
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.
“Phoenix Pride Art Show”
Exposed Studio & Gallery4225 North Seventh Avenue
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.
Grand Avenue
“Breath Before Brush”
Unexpected Art734 West Polk Street
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.
“Mark Vinci: Unit Control”
{9} The Gallery1229 Grand Avenue
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.
Abe Zucca
Abe Zucca Gallery1301 Grand Avenue
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.
“Nature/Nuture”
Five15 Arts at Chartreuse1301 Grand Avenue
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.
“The Artworks of Carol Roque”
1501 North Grand Avenue
Central Corridor
“Pick and Play”
Found1100 North Central Avenue
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
“PieceWork”
The Gallery at Burton Barr Central Library1221 North Central Avenue
The Gallery at Burton Barr Central
"Ahau"
Fair Trade Cafe1020 North First Avenue
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.
Warehouse District
“Sculpting Science”
ASU Step Gallery605 East Grant Street
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.
“Empire of Salt”
Northlight Gallery605 East Grant Street
Graduate student Joshua Haunschild is showing landscape and still-life photographs that prompt reflection on the interdependence of people and the
Roosevelt Row
“Faces of the World”
Olney Gallery100 West Roosevelt Street
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.
Gallery Moving Sale
Eye Lounge419 East Roosevelt Street
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.
'Secret Dimensions'
Alwun House1204 East Roosevelt Street
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.”
Art + Performance
'The Continuity of Art'
Heard Museum2301 North Central Avenue
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.
'Breach'
Phoenix Art Museum1625 North Central Avenue
Choreographer and dancer Nicole Olson
Marlena Robbins
1738 East McDowell Road
“Collaboration: Connecting People with Nature”
Herberger Theater Center222 East Monroe Street
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.