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Shine: Your Pocket Guide to Scottsdale

Every year, we put a spotlight on Scottsdale in the form of Shine, a pocket guide to the food, drink, art, and entertainment in this little 'burb. This time around –– looking for some comic relief –– we drop-kicked our favorite illustrator, Luster Kaboom, into the middle of the city...
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Every year, we put a spotlight on Scottsdale in the form of Shine, a pocket guide to the food, drink, art, and entertainment in this little 'burb. This time around –– looking for some comic relief –– we drop-kicked our favorite illustrator, Luster Kaboom, into the middle of the city. we've given him (and you) plenty of suggestions of where to go and what to eat and drink. Enjoy!


5 PLACES FOR COFFEE

Echo Coffee: Your new favorite coffee comes by way of baristas who are as dedicated to talking about beans as they are to roasting them. 2902 N. 68th St. | 480-422-4081 | www.echocoffee.com

Press Coffee Roasters: Founded by newswoman Tram Mai, this bright and tidy small-batch coffee shop puts out some of the best espresso shots in the Valley. 15147 N. Scottsdale Road | 480-718-9762 | www.presscoffeefoodwine.com

Cartel Coffee Lab: Pretty much the ideal for in-house roasted coffee in the Valley, this hip house of java features intricate cold brews and espressos crafted with an attention to detail that borders on obsessive. 7124 E. 5th Ave. | 480-432-8237 | www.cartelcoffeelab.com

D'Lish Kitchen and Coffee House: For a cup o' joe to go, you could do worse than a cold-brewed espresso or cappuccino at this healthy eats spot with a drive-through window. 2613 N. Scottsdale Road | 480-247-8537 | www.dlishdrivethru.com

Village Coffee Roastery: Thanks to a patented roasting method and technologies that reduce human error, this coffee bar is a mix of science and satisfying drinks. 8120 N. Hayden Road | 480-905-0881 | www.villagecoffee.com


5 PLACES TO EXERCISE

Pure Barre: The quest for a ballerina butt ends here, as intense classes blend Pilates, stretching, and ballet barre work to mold the ever-desirable dancer's bod. 10050 N. Scottsdale Road | 480-368-0100 | www.purebarre.com/az

Cholla Trail: Known as Camelback's slightly easier trail, Cholla's a bit less steep than Echo Canyon Trail, but it requires some rock-scrambling before reaching the mountain's summit. 6200 E. Cholla Way | www.phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/camelback/cholla/index.html

Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt: One of the Valley's top recreation destinations, the 11-mile Greenbelt traverses Scottsdale gardens, parks, and golf courses. The trail runs north from Tempe Beach Park to McCormick Ranch. www.scottsdaleaz.gov/parks/greenbelt

Lululemon: Lulu fangirls and guys can get their running tights fix and free-flow yoga class every Sunday at the Scottsdale Quarter location. 15279 N. Scottsdale Road | 480-922-2544 | www.lululemon.com/scottsdale

Indian School Park & Tennis Center: Tennis and basketball courts, a horseshoe pit, sand volleyball, two baseball fields, and a lake round out this rec center's many athletic offerings. 4289 N. Hayden Road | 480-312-2740 | www.scottsdaleaz.gov/parks/isp


5 PIECES OF PUBLIC ART

Louise Nevelson's Windows to the West: Welcoming you to Scottsdale Civic Center Mall is a metal work by the late Russian-born sculptor, whose angular pieces are on view throughout the country. 7380 E. 2nd St. | www.scottsdalepublicart.org

Soleri Bridge: The late artist and architect Paolo Soleri designed the Soleri Bridge and Plaza as a solar calendar and gathering spot for tourists and design enthusiasts at the Scottsdale Waterfront. 4420 N. Scottsdale Road | www.scottsdalepublicart.org

Robert Indiana's LOVE: In red and blue letters, this iconic, Instagram-ready Pop Art sculpture is carved from polychromed aluminum and a must-see at Scottsdale Civic Center Mall. 7380 E. 2nd St. | www.scottsdalepublicart.org

James Turrell's Knight Rise: Venture to SMoCA's Nancy and Art Schwalm Sculpture Garden and you'll find Knight Rise, a calming public art space that frames the sky. 7383 E. 2nd St. | www.smoca.org

Bob Parks' Bronze Horse Fountain: In the middle of the Old Town roundabout is a statue that harks back to Scottsdale's cowboy town history: five bronze Arabian horses bucking in a fountain. Marshall Way/Fifth Avenue | www.5thavenuescottsdale.com


5 PLACES FOR BREAKFAST

Alo Café: South African biscotti and Spanish omelets are some of the items you'll find at this cozy new European-style cafe in an expanded 1960s-era garage. 6960 E. 1st St. | 602-688-4339 | www.alocafeaz.com

Zuzu: Greet the morning with French toast stuffed with lemon cream cheese or short rib hash at this retro-cool spot of mid-century swank inside the Valley Ho. 6850 E. Main St. | 480-421-7997 | www.cafe-zuzu.com

Lo-Lo's Chicken & Waffles: Rise 'n' shine to Southern-style offerings of killer fried chicken, cinnamon-kissed waffles, thick gravy, cheesy grits, and homestyle biscuits. 2765 N. Scottsdale Road | 480-945-1920 | www.loloschickenandwaffles.com

Distrito: Breakfast at celebu-chef Jose Garces' restaurant inside The Saguaro hotel means modern Mexican delights like tres leches French toast and eggs Benedict made with chorizo, tomato, and black truffle Hollandaise. 4000 N. Drinkwater Blvd. | 480-970-4444 | www.distritorestaurant.com

Orange Table: Boozy breakfast cocktails and dishes like jalapeño and pecan pancakes and bananas Foster French toast make this hidden-away spot worth getting out of bed for. 7373 E. Scottsdale Mall | 480-424-6819 | www.orangetable.net


5 PLACES TO SHOP

Barneys New York: Head to Barneys at Scottsdale Fashion Square for major designer eye candy, from Alexander Wang handbags to the latest Louboutins and all things fashionable in between. 4500 N. Scottsdale Road | 602-337-6000 | www.barneys.com

Vintage by Misty: Misty Guerriero Navon recently relocated her must-see boho-chic vintage shop to Scottsdale, where you'll find Pucci, Chanel, and Yves Saint Laurent in lovely condition. 7046 E. 5th Ave. | 480-994-1292 | www.vintagebymisty.com

Pendleton: The wares in this wool shop, which carries home goods along with men's and women's clothing, are tough to resist and soft to the touch. 7237 E. 1st Ave. | 480-874-2655 | www.pendleton-usa.com

Amy Inc.: Trend-conscious and label-loving, this shop carries the latest in must-have women's wear from Elizabeth & James, Marchesa, and more. 7154 E. Stetson Dr., D100 | 480-425-1424 | www.amyinc.com

Fashion by Robert Black: Synonymous with fabulous fashion, Robert Black's boutique only bolsters his stylish reputation with covetable costume jewelry, ball gowns, and everyday dresses. 7144 E. 1st Ave. | 480-664-7700 | www.fashionbyrobertblack.com


5 PLACES FOR A SNACK

GoodyTwos Toffee Company: Ingredients like Madagascar Bourbon vanilla, Saigon cinnamon, and Spanish peanuts make the toffee creations from this mother-daughter team doubly delicious. 6990 E. Shea Blvd. | 480-575-0737 | www.goodytwos.com

Cool Gelato Italiano: This real-deal gelato shop scoops up 20 varieties of luscious indulgence from the berry-heavy Fruits of the Forest to silky stracciatella to seasonal creations like pecan pie. 7373 E. Scottsdale Mall | 480-941-3100 | www.coolgelatoitaliano.com

Butter & Me Bakery: If your snack fantasies involve scrumptious baked goods like chocolate-ginger-molasses cookies, housemade Pop-Tarts, and vanilla cupcakes with rose frosting, this is your place. 4014 N. Goldwater Blvd. 480-363-2859 | www.butterandme.com

Kaleidoscope Juice: For more health-minded munchies, this first-class juice bar offers organic brown Rice Crispy squares, sun-dried tomato crackers, and lemondrop truffles. 4014 N. Goldwater Blvd. | 480-980-8677 | www.kaleidoscopejuice.com

Sweet Republic: Not only is this artisan ice cream shop the best in the Valley, its adventurous flavors (think honey blue cheese and Sichuan orange chocolate) attract ice cream connoisseurs from around the country. 9160 E. Shea Blvd. | 480-248-6979 | www.sweetrepublic.com


5 ART GALLERIES

LewAllen Galleries: Recently adding a Scottsdale location to its roster of modern and contemporary art galleries, LewAllen brings works of international acclaim to the Valley. 7036 E. Main St. | 480-970-3600 | www.lewallencontemporary.com

Gallery J2: J2 sits on the second floor of J. Levine Auction & Appraisal and presents contemporary works from artists who specialize in styles ranging from screen printing to still life. 10345 N. Scottsdale Road | 877-761-3816 | www.galleryj2.com

Art One Gallery: Featuring solely the artwork of Arizona art students, Kraig Foote's gallery is the spot to see the art scene's up-and-comers. 4130 N. Marshall Way | 480-946-5076 | www.artonegalleryinc.com

Lisa Sette Gallery: Arts tastemaker Lisa Sette showcases compelling contemporary works from her roster of talented artists, including Mayme Kratz and Angela Ellsworth. 4142 N. Marshall Way | 480-990-7342 | www.lisasettegallery.com

The Gallery @ The Library: Scottsdale Civic Center Library's gallery covers 2,500 square feet and hosts work from artists like Luster Kaboom and Christy Puetz.


5 CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

ASU Kerr Cultural Center: Theater and music regularly fill this historic space, built in 1959 for Louise Lincoln Kerr, who willed it to ASU's fine arts college. 6110 N. Scottsdale Road | 480-596-2660 | www.asukerr.com

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts: International performing artists, dance troupes, and Broadway stars highlight the schedule at this performance mecca, which holds two theaters and one amphitheater. 7380 E. 2nd St. | 480-499-8587 | www.scottsdaleperformingarts.org

Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art: SMoCA specializes in thought-provoking exhibitions, like the recently opened show "How Deep Is Your" from contemporary installation artist Julianne Swartz. 7374 E. 2nd St. | 480-874-4666 | www.smoca.org

Taliesin West: Organic architect Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home and school is open for public tours year-round. 12621 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd. | 480-627-5340 | www.franklloydwright.org

Heard Museum North Scottsdale: The Native American museum encompasses two galleries of educational and artistic exhibits, hosts events and lectures, and has a gift shop featuring artwork and jewelry from Native artists. 32633 N. Scottsdale Road | 480-488-9817 | www.heard.org/north


5 PLACES TO THRIFT (AND FIND VINTAGE)

Antique Trove: With 23,000 square feet and 130 vendor booths full of vintage finds, you'll need a map to navigate this spot; luckily, they're provided at the counter. 2020 N. Scottsdale Road | 480-947-6074 | www.antiquetrove.com

Rich Girls Rummage: Trade in your décor for a fresh look at this shop, which also carries local artwork and an eclectic selection of furniture. 7901 E. Thomas Road, Ste. 5 | 480-941-2424 | www.facebook.com/richgirlsrummage

Scottsdale Marketplace: Displayed throughout the marketplace's 38 showrooms are high-end and custom furniture pieces, ranging from Victorian style to Midcentury Modern. 6310 N. Scottsdale Road | 480-368-5720 | www.scottsdalemarketplace.com

Vintage Parlor: Whether it's a shabby-chic chair or a retro-style dining set, you'll find something in this budget-friendly small shop. 8660 E. Shea Blvd., Ste. 10 | 480-998-2245 | www.vintageparlor.biz

Nido: This vintage furnishings shop specializes in mid-century home goods like Danish teak chairs, artwork, and kitchen tools. 4419 N. Scottsdale Road, Ste. 208 | 480-696-4862 | www.nidovintage.com


5 PLACES FOR LUNCH

Il Bosco: Scottsdale's best-kept secret for a cozy-casual meal, this tiny, low-lit pizzeria churns out very good wood-fired pizzas and fresh salads. 7120 E. Becker Lane | 480-335-8680 | www.ilboscopizza.com

The Blind Pig: Starring dishes like pig wings, a hearty steak salad, and nearly perfect al pastor tacos, this meat-intensive venue also boasts a butcher's case of take-home proteins. 3370 N. Hayden Road | 480-994-1055 | www.blindpigaz.com

Zinc Bistro: At this stylish bistro, lunchtime bites come in the form of upscale Parisian comfort food like onion soup gratinée, croque monsieur with French ham, and coq au vin. 15034 N. Scottsdale Road | 480-603-0922 |www.zincbistroaz.com

Rehab Burger Therapy: The best thing about this fun, beach-themed restaurant (from three former Oregano's execs) is that its satisfying burgers come in two sizes. 7210 E. 2nd St. | 480-621-5358 | www.rehabburgertherapy.com

Brat Haüs: At this lively gastropub, pairing your lunch of housemade sausages, German specialties, or house-pickled fare with one of about 70 kinds of beer pretty much goes without saying. 3622 N. Scottsdale Road |480-947-4006 | www.brathausaz.com


5 SPA TREATMENTS

Desert Cactus Renewal Facial at Joya: This 50-minute, prickle-free treatment ($149 and up) uses aloe vera, Queen of the Night Cactus, and clay to strengthen skin. 4949 E. Lincoln Drive | 480-627-3020 | www.montelucia.com/joya-spa

Firesky Stone Massage at Jurlique: With the promise of relieving stress and tension by way of warm basalt and chakra stones, this 90-minute treatment ($180) is said to bring a sense of balance. 4925 N. Scottsdale Road | 480-424-6072 | www.fireskyresort.com

Nail Art Manicure at Terés: Grab a pic of the coolest nail art you've seen (for inspo, see Chloë Moretz and Zooey Deschanel) and take it to this nail bar, where you can add flourishes to your gel mani ($35) for an extra $4 per nail. 7120 E. Indian School Road | 480-499-4901 | www.teresnailbar.com

Crushed Pearl Pedicure at Spa Avania: After a floral foot soak, feet are exfoliated with pearls, and the hourlong treatment ($95) concludes with illuminating crushed pearl concentrate. 7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Road | 480-482-5558 | www.scottdsale.hyatt.com/hyatt/pure/spas

Adobe Clay Wrap at The Spa at Camelback Inn: Exfoliating and detoxifying clay is applied to the body, while a deep conditioner is applied to the hair, during this hourlong Native American treatment ($165). 5402 E. Lincoln Drive | 480-596-7040 | www.marriott.com/hotels


5 PLACES FOR DAY DRINKING

Coach House: The dean of day-drinking dives, this half-century-old hub of debauchery is where you go to tipple with both hard-boozing townies and slumming 30K millionaires. 7011 E. Indian School Road | 480-990-3433 | www.coachhousescottsdale.com

Los Olivos Mexican Patio: For a taste of vintage Scottsdale, this Mexican restaurant is one of the best places to kick back for an afternoon of tequila sipping or knocking back a margarita or two. 7328 E. 2nd St. | 480-946-2256 |www.losolivosrestaurants.com

Closing Soon Saloon: Leave your pretensions at the door of this beer-and-a-shot hole in the wall. 3056 N. 68th St. | 480-947-6778

Papago Brewing Co.: This tavern services both beer snobs and casual drinkers. 7107 E. McDowell Road 480-425-7439 | www.papagobrewing.com

The Lodge: Chef Aaron May's pub resembles a cozy ski lodge where day-drinkers can while away the afternoon with a honey brown house ale or any of the 15 other brews available. 4422 N. 75th St. | 480-945-0828 | www.lodgescottsdale.com


5 HOTEL LOBBIES TO HANG OUT IN

W Scottsdale: Look up from the entryway at the W, and you'll get a sneak peek at swimmers in the WET pool directly above. 7277 E. Camelback Road | 480-970-2100 | www.wscottsdalehotel.com

Hotel Valley Ho: This storied historic hotel, designed by Edward L. Varney, retains an unmistakable mid-century charm throughout, though its lobby is an especially lovely place to see and be seen. 6850 E. Main St. | 480-248-2000 | www.hotelvalleyho.com

Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa: We couldn't blame you for holing up in Sanctuary's lobby for a game of spot-a-celeb, as Beyoncé and Jay Z reportedly honeymooned at the resort. 5700 E. McDonald Drive | 800-245-2051 | www.sanctuaryoncamelback.com

The Saguaro: This colorful Palm Springs cousin recently had new art installed throughout its public spaces, so stay on the lookout for pieces from Sarah Hurwitz and Geoffrey Gersten when you stop in for a margarita. 4000 N. Drinkwater Blvd. | 877-808-2440 | www.thesaguaro.com

Hyatt Gainey Ranch: Do date night right with live music at the hotel's indoor/outdoor lobby bar, Center Stage, complete with fountains and fireplaces. 7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Road | 480-444-1234 | www.scottsdalehyatt.com


5 SPORTING EVENTS

Cactus League Spring Training: The Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies use Salt River Fields as their spring training grounds, while Scottsdale Stadium is home to the San Francisco Giants. 7555 N. Pima Road and 7408 E. Osborn Road, respectively | www.cactusleague.com

Parada del Sol: Bucking wild since 1956, this nationally televised rodeo at WestWorld of Scottsdale is a springtime must-see. 16601 N. Pima Road | www.paradadelsol.us

Waste Management Open: The PGA Tour's largest event, at TPC Scottsdale, is inseparable from the party scene it brings to Scottsdale via heavy day-drinking and live entertainment at the Coors Light Birds Nest. January 27 through February 2, 2014 | 17020 N. Hayden Road | 480-585-4334 | www.wmphoenixopen.com

Scottsdale Polo Championships: Horsing around gets real and regal at WestWorld of Scottsdale's annual tournament where big hats are a must. 16601 N. Pima Road | www.thepoloparty.com

Tour de Scottsdale: Each fall, cyclists hit the pavement in either the 70- or 30-mile ride starting at DC Ranch. 20645 N. Pima Road | www.tourdescottsdale.net


5 PLACES FOR CRAFT COCKTAILS

Mabel's on Main: Handcrafted cocktails like the Pimm's Cup and the Old Fashioned are at your fingertips at this grand, retro-tastic establishment. 7018 E. Main St. | 480-889-5580 | www.mabelsonmain.com

AZ88: This lively, late-night establishment's cocktail program includes top-notch classics like the Moscow Mule and a Brandy Alexander made with Häagen-Dazs ice cream. 7353 E. Scottsdale Mall | 480-994-5576 | www.az88.com

Citizen R+D: Getting in to this "secret" and serious cocktail bar requires traipsing up a fire escape and dialing a number before scoring one of notable Valley mixologist Richie Moe's exceptional creations. 7111 E. 5th Ave. | 602-904-3904 | www.citizenrandd.com

The House Brasserie: The "remedies" served at chef Matt Carter's new bungalow-turned-restaurant are made with the same dedication to detail as his first-rate, Euro-style fare. 6936 E. Main St. | 480-634-1600 | www.thehousebrasserie.com

The Mission: Tempting cocktails like the Pineapple Ginger Mojito and the Cocobanana, made with Bacardi and banana and chocolate liqueur, are as seductive as this restaurant's modern Latin scene. 3815 N. Brown Ave. | 480-636-5005 | www.themissionaz.com


5 PLACES FOR HAPPY HOUR

The Mint: A former bank whose centerpiece is a giant vault door, this stylish hotspot is a place to see and be seen whether it's happy hour or the witching hour. 7373 E. Camelback Road | 480-947-6468 | www.themintaz.com

Barrio Queen: Silvana Salcido Esparza's upscale Mexican spot serves up three-buck house margaritas and drafts as well as two of her chef's choice tacos for $3. 7114 E. Stetson Drive | 480-656-4197 |www.barrioqueen.com

Don & Charlie's: This sports lover's haven features a daily happy hour from 5 to 9 p.m. with $2 domestic beers, well cocktails, and glasses of house wine to go along with an array of classic American appetizers. 7501 E. Camelback Road | 480-990-0900 | www.donandcharlies.com

Pig & Pickle: Shake the working man's blues at this casual spot, where $5 classic-minded cocktails pair perfectly with $5 small plates, like the addictive beer cheese nachos. 2922 N. Hayden Road | 480-990-1407 | www.pigandpickle.com

Sushi Roku: Score killer happy hour deals at this high-end sushi spot, including $5 cocktails, $3 beer and sake, and a snazzy array of sushi and small plates priced between $3 and $5. 7277 E. Camelback Road | 480-970-2121 | www.sushiroku.com


5 PLACES FOR DINNER

FnB: At this venerated restaurant, Charleen Badman's rustic, seasonal, and locally focused creations celebrate produce at its most delicious. 7125 E. 5th Ave. | 480-284-4777 | www.fnbrestaurant.com

Posh Improvisational Cuisine: Working with an ever-changing list of ingredients, chef Joshua Hebert puts together ambitious plates based on a "wish list" from each diner. 7167 E. Rancho Vista Drive | 480-663-7674 | www.poshscottsdale.com

ShinBay: Shinji Kurita prepares exquisite Japanese cuisine to pair with an impressive list of sakes and craft beers for a top-notch experience from start to finish. 7001 N. Scottsdale Road | 480-664-0180 | www.shinbay.com

Virtú Honest Craft: This tiny, wonderful cafe of elegant, ever-changing Mediterranean-inspired dishes from chef-owner Gio Osso is one of the Valley's best new restaurants of the year. 3701 N. Marshall Way | 480-946-3477 |www.virtuscottsdale.com

Renegade by MOD: The Valley's most daring new restaurant at the moment comes from ex-Kai chef Michael O'Dowd, who serves up an electrifying menu of re-invented foods from around the globe. 9343 E. Shea Blvd. | 480-614-9400 | www.renegadecanteen.com


5 PLACES FOR DESSERT

Atlas Bistro: This tiny, laid-back BYOB's desserts — like sticky toffee date cake and Hudson Valley foie gras apple pie — put a gourmet spin on familiar favorites. 2515 N. Scottsdale Road | 480-990-2433 | www.atlasbistrobyob.com

Andreoli Italian Grocer: When it comes to Italy's culinary gift bag of sweet treats, you'll find many of them — like homemade cannoli, tiramisu, and sfogliatelle — at Giovanni Scorzo's well-respected restaurant and market. 8880 E. Via Linda | 480-614-1980 | www.andreoli-grocer.com

Citizen Public House: Sweet-treat maven Tracy Dempsey graces this contemporary American restaurant with endings like sticky bun bread pudding and a chocolate brownie with caramel popcorn. 7111 E. 5th Ave. | 480-398-4208 | www.citizenpublichouse.com

Cowboy Ciao: Chef Country Velador makes a case for dessert first at this venerable establishment with an ever-changing menu of sweetly inspired creations as inventive as they are decadent. 7133 E. Stetson Drive | 480-946-3111 | www.cowboyciao.com

Petite Maison: Indulge your sweet tooth the Francophile way by tucking into a dark chocolate soufflé, crème brûlée, or sumptuous peach cobbler at this Parisian-style bistro. 7216 E. Shoeman Lane | 480-991-6887 | www.petitemaisonaz.com


5 PLACES TO PARTY

Mabel's on Main: Forget Throwback Thursday, because speakeasy-style bar Mabel's makes a habit of serving up old-timey cocktails (try the Hemingway) and such snacks as deviled eggs on the daily. 7018 E. Main St. | 480-899-5580 | www.mabelsonmain.com

Spanish Fly Mexican Beach Club: Pool-partying is this club's specialty, with private cabanas, an outdoor bar, and resort-style lounges. 4341 N. 75th St. | 480-949-8454 | www.spanishflyscottsdale.com

AZ 88: Head to Karl Kopp's swanky lounge for a post-performance martini (or two) and order up a plate of waffle fries. 7573 Scottsdale Mall | 480-994-5576 | www.az88.com

T.T. Roadhouse: This small, beer-centric biker dive holds one of the Valley's best jukeboxes, full of rock, reggae, and punk jams. 2915 N. 68th St. | 480-947-8723 | www.facebook.com/pages/tt-roadhouse/277715827837

The Western: The team behind Phoenix's Crescent Ballroom hosts country eats, honky-tonk tunes, and a crowd that knows how to two-step at this cool country bar. 6830 E. 5th Ave. | 480-947-3585 | www.thewesternaz.com


5 ARTISTS TO KEEP AN EYE ON

Russ Kazmierczak: This comic book artist runs Amazing Arizona Comics, a small-press series that blends real Arizona news and superheroes. www.karaokefanboypress.blogspot.com

Stefanie Francis: Recently awarded SMoCA's Good 'N Plenty Grant, Francis creates humorous Girl Scout-style merit badges for the LGBT community that represent activities like moving in on the second date and wearing sensible shoes. www.happycamperbadges.com

Rachel Bowditch: The performance artist and ASU professor recently participated in Scottsdale Public Art's IN FLUX Cycle 4, temporarily installing her Virginia Woolf-inspired piece Memory Room at an empty Scottsdale storefront. www.rachelbowditch.com

Elijah Bourque: ASU sculpture student Bourque displays his abstract minimalist work Synchronicity on the northeast corner of Oak Street and Scottsdale Road through September 2014. 2303 N. Scottsdale Road, www.elijahbourque.com

Christopher Jagmin: The encaustic painter (and dinnerware designer) presents colorful works created with oil paint and wax and inspired by graffiti and comic books in the Scottsdale Cultural Council's Board Room. 7380 E. 2nd St. | www.jagminart.com

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