If Bob Ross were alive today, he'd be painting happy little trees all over the place in ecstatic fervor for all the arts and culture happenings in Phoenix. To help you see the forest for the trees, here's a recap of the top arts and culture stories of the week.
Biltmore Fashion Park Brings Back Movies in the Park Series
What could be better than catching one your favorite classic films on the big screen while lying on the grass, enjoying the cool breeze, and noshing on good eats?
The nine-week picnic-fest, which runs every Friday through April 26, begins with Casablanca and ends with From Russia with Love.
Moviegoers can bring their own movie-in-the-park necessities, including blankets, chairs, and movie grub.
See the full list of showings.
--Darryle Royal
Wednesday night's fashion show hosted by Beyond Buckskin Boutique and ladies of the Presence 4.0, was as much about the audience as it was about the models and the clothes. Roughly 150 people, packed tightly into Ra Industries in downtown Phoenix for the fun we-aren't-taking-ourselves-too-seriously show.
The models were volunteers comprised of members of the Native Greek organizations Alpha Pi Omega and Phi Sigma Nu, along with some local well-known artists and scenesters. Street fashion clothing and jewelry, along with some couture items from the Beyond Buckskin Boutique, were presented, and the show was MC'd by the fashionable and articulate Dr. Jessica Metcalfe, founder of the boutique. The ladies of Presence 4.0 gave heartfelt welcomes in English and in Navajo before the show and say they plan to make this collaborative show an annual event.
Check out the full review of Beyond Buckskin.
--Kate Crowley
Three Reasons to Add Coconut Oil to Your Beauty and Lifestyle Routine
Growing up, my mother forced me to eat spoonfuls of olive oil (not sugar -- I really wanted Mary Poppins to babysit) to keep my skin glowing and because it was "healthy." And thanks to the Internet, I have discovered olive oil's beachy cousin, virgin coconut oil.
Coconut oil has been helping me fuel my body (it's a healthy fat that can boost your metabolism) for the past few years, but I was in the dark about its other beauty benefits until Pinterest.
Here are three of our favorites.
--Gigi Arredondo
Spring Training Eye Candy: MLB's 10 Sexiest Baseball Players
As warmer temperatures inch their way up in the Valley, thousands will gather to watch the pre-season quarrels of great the American pastime. The carefree days of spring training hit Arizona's stage again, bringing in 15 major-league teams from around the nation.
Limited to two destinations nationwide, Arizona (Cactus League) and Florida (Grapefruit League) are the the reigning baseball preseason havens. Aside from the idyllic temperatures and pristine lawn conditions, Jackalope Ranch envies more than just the players' athletic abilities.
--Brenna Ruppert
Phoenix's Dog-Eared Pages Used Books in Danger of Closing
Thom Butcher and Melanie Tighe opened Dog-Eared Pages Used Books in 2008 in a strip mall on 32nd Street just south of Bell Road.
The used, rare, and collectible book treasure trove is stocked with almost 50,000 copies across all genres. But according to a note Tighe sent out to customers, the store might not be around much longer.
--Claire Lawton
