Peter Conley and Quincy Ross Announce Big Plans for The Icehouse

Benjamin Leatherman January 27, 2012 7:53AM

A year ago, the Icehouse seemed destined for oblivion. As of last December, few events were taking place at the iconic downtown Phoenix gallery and performance venue, its proprietors were uncertain about its future, and thousands of dollars in back property taxes were owed to Maricopa County.

As a result, owner Helen Hestenes announced the Icehouse's impending closure, which sent major shockwaves through the local arts community.

One year later, however, the Icehouse's future is bit brighter. It's still open, having hosted a variety of homegrown fundraisers (not to mention weddings and corporate events) to help alleviate its financial woes.

Meanwhile, a number of avant-garde art displays have taken place at the venue over the past six months, including Jenny Gentry's unusual water-themed "H20" show and the cross-disciplinary "Mnemosyne" exhibition featuring brain-bending works by ASU students.

According to artists Peter Conley and Quincy Ross, you can expect similar exhibitions and events to take place at the Icehouse in the coming months. The duo hopes to give the historic venue, which was built in 1910, a new lease on life and increase its prominence by hosting unique events and transforming it into an arts epicenter on First Fridays and other nights throughout the month.

KEEP PHOENIX NEW TIMES FREE... Since we started Phoenix New Times, it has been defined as the free, independent voice of Phoenix, and we'd like to keep it that way. With local media under siege, it's more important than ever for us to rally support behind funding our local journalism. You can help by participating in our "I Support" program, allowing us to keep offering readers access to our incisive coverage of local news, food and culture with no paywalls.

Make a one-time donation today for as little as $1.