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.
The 10 Coolest Celebrities from Arizona
Arizona is consistently teeming with celebrities -- actors/actresses, athletes and musicians -- who flock to our state in search of better winter weather, prime golfing conditions and pristine courses, and of course, some nightlife action.
But while we're never in shortage of potential celebrity sightings, we don't actually have that many celebrities we can claim as our own. Much like what's seen in the world of the commoners, people seem to live here after they've tired of the snow, rain, or expensive real estate in their hometowns, not because they were born here.
--Darryle Royal
New Buyer Wants Frank Lloyd Wright's David and Gladys Wright House to Be Open to the Public
Good news, Frank Lloyd Wright fans and historic preservation junkies. While the latest buyers of the David and Gladys Wright House wishes to remain anonymous, they've hired local attorney Grady Gammage, Jr., who announced this morning that new plans for the house would include public access.
According to Gammage, the new owners have long-standing ties to Phoenix and are currently meeting with members of the Arcadia neighborhood to talk about their plans, which include restoring the home and furnishings, adjusting the landscaping to reflect Wright's original plans, and opening the space for small tours.
Check out the full story and more photos here.
--Claire Lawton
Personal Training Star Jillian Michaels Is Coming to Phoenix to Maximize Your Life on April 14
We're halfway through spring, which means you're probably in that miserable limbo between having thoroughly failed your New Year's resolution and desperately needing to get in shape for summer.
Lucky for you, personal trainer and The Biggest Loser star Jillian Michaels is here to help, with her first-ever tour, Maximize Your Life, coming to Comerica Theater on April 14.
In this one-woman show, Michaels promises to help audience members find their potential, establish realistic goals, and lead a healthier life both physically and mentally. To find out Michaels' thoughts on body image, diet, and fitness, check out Jackalope Ranch's interview.
--Katie Johnson
Lifetime to Make Sex-Soaked Jodi Arias Movie Based on Ongoing Trial (Big Surprise)
Because there's no use in waiting for the trial to be over or or giving those involved a minute for closure, Lifetime has confirmed that a movie based on the Jodi Arias circus trial is currently in the works.
The reported working title: Dirty Little Secret: The Jodi Arias Story.
In case you haven't been tuned in to our coverage (featured in this week's New Times cover story "Psycho Killer: Jodi Arias' Kinky Death-Penalty Trial") watching the news in the past month, Jodi Arias is accused of killing ex-boyfriend Travis Alexander. Alexander was found in his house in 2008 with multiple stab wounds, a slit throat, and a gunshot to the head. The evidence trail led to the 32-year-old Arias, who recently wrapped up her testimony in Phoenix.
--Claire Lawton
A Survival Guide to Phoenix Film Festival 2013
Attention, film buffs: It's that time of year when Phoenix gets to showcase aspiring filmmakers and everyday Phoenicians can pretend to be a part of the glitterati, rubbing elbows with celebrities, producers, and directors.
The 13th Annual Phoenix Film Festival will screen more than 150 feature films, documentaries, and shorts. The festival is a couple of weeks away, and we've got all the information you need to attend.
--Darryle Royal
