The night promises cattle with a creative twist at Step Gallery and the chance to buy students' art right off the walls at Alwun House. And if you head over to Puppet Pie inside Bragg's Pie Factory between 6 and 9 p.m., you can meet Stacey Gordon, the Phoenix-based puppeteer who performs the new role of Julia, a little girl with autism, on Sesame Street.
Here's a look at exhibitions happening around downtown Phoenix on April 7. We've organized them by neighborhood, with a special shout-out to must-see shows.
See work by Christopher Jagmin at Practical Art.
Christopher Jagmin/Photo by Lynn Trimble
“Paper + Plates”
Christopher Jagmin’s work has been widely exhibited throughout the Valley, from Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum to Scottsdale’s Canal Convergence. Jagmin works with diverse media including strips of label tape and wheatpaste. This month, you can see his drawings on paper and plates at Practical Art. First Friday hours are 7 to 9 p.m. Get details on the Practical Art website.
Work spotted during an October 2016 studio visit with Elliott Kayser.
Elliott Kayser/Photo by Lynn Trimble
See works by Elliott Kayser, who explores America’s disconnect with agriculture and its impact on community health, primarily through sculptural depictions of cattle. His work exhibited at Step Gallery explores identity, vulnerability, economics, and religion. First Friday hours are 6 to 9 p.m. Find more information on the ASU Events website.
“Perception is Reality”
Check out works by Cheryle Marine, whose work exploring human existence addresses “the relationships we have with each other and with our environment.” First Friday hours for her exhibition at Chartreuse gallery, where you’ll also find the Hazel & Violet letterpress shop, run from 6 to 10 p.m. Learn more on the Chartreuse website.
“Dreaming a New World”
See monotypes, collagraphs, and mixed-media paintings by artists Kathy Taylor and Sarah Kriehn at Herberger Theater Center, where First Friday activities also include performance and visual art on the outdoor plaza. The exhibition reception takes place from 5:30 to 7 p.m., and First Friday Live runs from 6 to 9 p.m. Get details on the Herberger Theater Center website.
Work by Gabriela Muñoz previously exhibited at Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art.
Gabriela Muñoz/Photo by Lynn Trimble
Explore works by interdisciplinary artist Gabriela Muñoz, whose art practice focuses on social justice and her experiences as a Latina woman living in the Southwest, at Fair Trade Café. First Friday hours are 6 to 8 p.m. Learn more on the Downtown Artist Collective Facebook page.
Roosevelt Row
Tato Caraveo and Rafael Navarro
See music-inspired works by Tato Caraveo and Rafael Navarro at The Nash, where you can also stick around to enjoy live jazz music. First Friday hours are 7 to 10 p.m. Find details on the exhibit Facebook page.
"[un]restricted"
Phoenix Institute of Contemporary Art presents works selected Darcia Mickey Canby, a participant in its emerging curator program. Canby’s exhibition, inspired in part by the Roosevelt Row shipping container where the exhibit is being shown, focuses on the idea of transcending limitations. First Friday hours are 6 to 10 p.m. Learn more on the phICA website.
“Doing It My Way”
See works by Dutch-born Arthur Benjamins, an artist who relocated to Phoenix from the United Kingdom, where he was best known for photorealistic motor racing art. He’ll present a “cheeky” exhibition of artwork at Public Image this month, where First Friday hours are 7 to 10 p.m. Get details on the Public Image Facebook page.
Sara Reinstein Becker and Lori Landis
Explore works by Sara Reinstein Becker and Lori Landis at Olney Gallery, located at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. Reinstein uses color to create space and emotion that fosters a visual retreat from the world. Landis creates mixed media works exploring spiritual life. First Friday hours are 6 to 9 p.m. Find information on the Olney Gallery Facebook page.
Grand Avenue
“Words To Live By”
Head to {9} The Gallery to see literary-inspired works created by more than 20 Studio 6020 artists, which are meant to explore the human heart and mind. Participating artists include JoAnn Auger, Melinda Foote, Ricky Serrano, Tobi Wilkins, and Vikki Reed. Get more information on the {9} The Gallery Facebook page.
“Tar and Feather”
See new works by Lee Davis, a Phoenix artist inspired by science who seeks to make work that's both humorous and thought-provoking at Grand ArtHaus. First Friday hours are 6 to 10 p.m. Find details on the Grand ArtHaus Facebook page.
Warehouse District
“The Final Four”
Icehouse gallery is showing works by four artists, including Fred Tieken, Larry Ortega, Jayme Blue, and Joe Holdren, who work in different media ranging from painting to sculpture. For this exhibition, Ortega is showing mixed-media works that infuse natural materials with light. First Friday hours are 6 to 10 p.m. Get details on the Icehouse Facebook page.
"Where The Waters Cut Through"
See photographic works by Buzzy Sullivan, who explores "the intersection of family, photographic, and geologic histories." First Friday hours at Northlight Gallery are 6 to 9 p.m. Learn more on the ASU Events website.
Central Avenue
“Samurai”
Enjoy free admission to the Phoenix Art Museum, where the newest exhibition features samurai armor from the Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller collection. First Friday activities include dance, poetry readings, and musical performance. Get performance times and other details on the Phoenix Art Museum website.
“What’s Up World”
Explore works by multiple artists who ask viewers to look past their own experiences to “think about the bigger picture.” First Friday hours at New City Studio are 7 to 10 p.m. Learn more on the New City Studio Facebook page.
Previous ASU exhibition featuring archival materials related to Arizona's LGBTQ community.
Lynn Trimble
Explore works in multiple media that reflect artistic interpretations of the struggles and accomplishments of the LGBT community, plus archival materials related to the LGBTQ community in Arizona between 1966 and 2015. First Friday hours at Burton Barr Central Library are 6 to 8 p.m., and include performances by the Phoenix Metropolitan Men’s Chorus and Youth Choir, as well as a resource fair. Get details on the Alwun House website.
“The Story of Bob”
First Studio presents works by Bob (Robert) Allen and Bob S. Martin, a pair of seasoned artists who have different approaches to making work, but share a love for narrative-inspired paintings. First Friday hours are 6 to 10 p.m. Find details on the First Studio Facebook page.
NU Native + You: Courtyard Night
Get free admission to the Heard Museum, enjoy outdoor activities including music spun by DJs Beat Betty and Full Stop, and see a preview of the upcoming Katsina Doll Marketplace. First Friday hours are 6 to 10 p.m. Get more information on the Heard Museum website.
Other Areas
“Salon des Enfants”
Alwun House presents the latest iteration of its annual art show featuring about 300 juried artworks by local students in grades 5 through 8, who represent 16 schools and 18 teachers. First Friday’s reception includes cookies and lunch, school musical performance, and the chance to buy art right off the wall, with all proceeds going to the young artists. First Friday hours are 4 to 6 p.m. Learn more on the Alwun House website.
