Your Guide to November 2016's First Friday in Phoenix

November’s First Friday promises more than a dozen new art exhibitions featuring works by emerging and experienced artists. Most are happening around four central hubs: the Central Corridor, Roosevelt Row, Grand Avenue, and the Warehouse District. Here’s a rundown of mostly new offerings by region, to help you plan your First Friday adventures this month.

Central Corridor

“Children’s Drawings From the United Federation of Planets”
See new works by Daniel Funkhouser, inspired by his IN FLUX public art installation titled Hey I Made This For You. They’re both on view at Practical Art, where First Friday's artist reception happens from 7 to 9 p.m. Find more information on the Practical Art website.

“Streetscape”
See new works created by Travis Ivey with collected materials and various types of tape, at the newly opened Found:RE Hotel. Curated by longtime New Times contributor Robrt Pela of R. Pela Contemporary Art, this exhibition also includes entirely different types of work that Ivey credits to his alter ego, HANK. First Friday’s artist reception runs from 6 to 8 p.m. Learn more on the Found:RE Facebook page.

“Eye Lounge Group Show”
Phoenix General and Framed Ewe are showing works by members of the Eye Lounge artist collective in their Shortcut Gallery space. Collective members work in several media, including ceramics, metal, painting, photography, and mixed media. First Friday hours are 4 to 8 p.m. Look for details on the event Facebook page.

“Work No. 2497: Half the air in a given space”
Phoenix Art Museum reveals the museum’s first acquisition by chief curator Gilbert Vicario – an installation by Martin Creed titled Work No. 2497: Half the air in a given space, which was purchased with Contemporary Forum funds. During First Friday hours from 6 to 10 p.m., museum admission is free. Visitors can see the new Kehinde Wiley and fashion exhibits for a special $5 rate per exhibit (or $8 for both). Learn more on the Phoenix Art Museum website.

“Tough Times”
Two artists and veterans are showing works at New City Studio that address the “hardships, troubles, and turmoil affiliated with war and violence.” John Tuomisto-Bell’s cast-bronze sculptures explore the effects of violence and aggression. Bradley Thompson’s paintings deconstruct military culture, then reconstruct narratives centered on war, poverty, and mental illness. First Friday hours are 7 to 10 p.m. Find details on the event Facebook page.

Roosevelt Row

“Beyond the Script”
See drawings, paintings, and sculpture by three artists being presented with CALACA at monOrchid’s Shade Gallery. Featured artists include Marco Albarran, Jose Benavides, and Ashley Macias – who recently relocated her art studio shared with Yai Cecream to Roosevelt Row after a fire destroyed their previous site. First Friday hours are 6 to 10 p.m. Get details on the monOrchid website.

“People & Places”
Olney Gallery presents an exhibition of works by Bob Martin and Louis Giordano. Martin’s paintings meant to create bold and provocative interactions with viewers. Giordano’s paintings and prints invite viewers to consider the stories behind the images. First Friday hours are 6 to 9 p.m. Musical performances inspired by Duke Ellington happen at 7 and 8 p.m. Learn more on the event Facebook page.

Grand Avenue

“Inferior Mirage”
See three new bodies of work by Laura Spalding Best, all exploring the romanticism about the American West and the ways it affects natural and constructed landscapes, at Chartreuse gallery. The exhibition includes nearly 200 pieces, ranging from miniature to large-scale paintings, all created using oil paint on found objects. First Friday hours are 6 to 10 p.m. Get details on the event Facebook page.

“Urban Abstraction”
As {9} The Gallery prepares to show work by several Arizona artists during Miami Art Week, it’s featuring works by Miami-based graffiti artist Jel Martinez that are inspired by the methodologies and techniques of graffiti removal. First Friday hours are 6 to 10 p.m. Get more information on the event Facebook page.

Read on for more art shows on Grand Avenue and in the Warehouse District.
“Ofrendas y Arte”
Explore works by more than a dozen artists in this exhibition inspired by Dia de los Muertos, which will also include several artist-made altars. It’s curated by Lucinda Yrene for Grand ArtHaus. During Friday Friday hours from 6 to 10 p.m., visitors can experience live music, live painting in the gallery, and face painting. Featured artists include Tato Caraveo, Monica Villarreal, and Mata Ruda. Find details on the event Facebook page.

“Perspectival 4.5”
Abe Zucca is showing all new work he describes as “displacement paintings of a displaced world,” at the Abe Zucca Gallery inside Abloom Salon – where several additional works by Zucca will also be on view. First Friday hours are 6 to 11 p.m. Learn more on the event Facebook page.

“Veterans Art Show”
Unexpected Art Gallery is unveiling a monument honoring military veterans and showing works by several veteran artists during an evening that includes reflections shared by individuals who believe in the healing power of art. First Friday hours are 6 to 9 p.m. Learn more on the Unexpected Art Gallery website.

Warehouse District

“Celebrating Mandala”
See new works by artists David Chacon, Joe Mehl, Kathy Taylor, and Joe Holdren, who now serves as gallery director at the Icehouse Gallery. First Friday offerings also include live music, handmade jewelry, and interactive light installations. First Friday hours are 6 to 10 p.m. Get details on the event Facebook page.

“Mní Kin Wóglake (The Water Speaks)"
Shiloh Ashley is showing her neon and mixed-media works exploring the ways language and identity evolve over time, both in the ways they’re used and how they’re represented. First Friday hours at Step Gallery are 6 to 9 p.m. Find information on the ASU Events website.

Additional Locations

“Till Death Do We Part”
Alwun House in the Garfield District presents works celebrating the wedding of artists Eric Simmons and Holly Shoemaker. Simmons, whose background includes film animation, creates oil paintings blending realism with surrealism. Shoemaker creates photographs mixing fantasy with reality. First Friday hours are 7 to 10 p.m. Get details on the Alwun House website.