Welcome to the Morning Buzz, a catch-up on interesting happenings around the city and country and a quick guide to what (and who) to keep your eyes on. We'll be here, first thing every weekday, to get you going. Here's what's buzzing this morning:
During a visit to Tudela, Spain in 2011, painter El Mac (who, full disclosure, we'll always consider a local artist -- no matter where he moves) completed a large-scale mural titled "El Guitarrista."
His work has been featured on our blog as well as national publications and private and public walls all over the world. For its May issue, art magazine Juxtapoz published four covers for its special on the state of public art -- one featuring "El Guitarrista" by El Mac, and three others with work by artists Steve Powers, JR, and Swoon.
In the issue, the staff takes a look at the definition of public art, the impact it has made in communities around the globe, and the names and motives behind some of the most prominent and meaningful pieces.
If you miss the issue (which we spotted at Wet Paint Artist Supply in Tempe) or can't make it out to Spain any time soon, here are three spots to check out an El Mac in Phoenix:
1. The Chocolate Factory
El Mac painted El Paisito on the Grand Avenue gallery's door in 2009. And while the building's exterior has had a few paint jobs since then, the artists are always careful to tape off the boy in the hat.
2. Circle 6 Studios
The space on the corner of Fifth Street and Roosevelt Road in downtown Phoenix has seen a few phases (a flower shop, Pravus Gallery, and now Circle 6 Studios), but the exterior has been the same since Mac painted it with Kofie in 2009.
3. Por Vida Gallery
Mac's most recent hometown gig is on the side of Por Vida Gallery on 16th Street (set to open in February. And while rumor has it that he might come back to paint a couple more, we'll be happy just soaking in the view.
