Shakespeare called art a mirror; 300 years later, Brecht replied that it was a hammer. Perhaps, though, truth is just as effectively framed in an embroiderer’s hoop or scried in a peyote stitch. After all, deft hands and an inspired mind can transform even the meanest material into something meaningful…
Don’t let the aging echoes of drunken New Year’s declarations about weight loss and chores depress you. This year, feed your mind, cultivate conversations, and laugh out loud. Start with Phoenix Theatre’s production of No Way to Treat A Lady. This revitalized, award-winning 1997 Off-Broadway play, composed by Douglas J…
Hemophobes, beware! The magic of Gunther von Hagen’s “Body Worlds” returns to the Arizona Science Center. The controversial exhibit returns for its second time as “Body Worlds & The Brain.” Using a technique called Plastination — which may or may not be a snooty word for human taxidermy — actual…
The lineup for Coachella was just released, you’re working on locking in a few dreads and you really didn’t have time to shower between rolling out of bed, lighting an incense coil, and seriously offending the girl behind you in line at your nearby favorite coffee store. There is still…
Attention young music minds (and lovers of the musical television show who’d like to introduce their children to real-life performing arts): Scottsdale Glee is now enrolling. The Arcadia-based children’s choir, for 5- to 15-year-olds, is looking for new members for the Spring semester, which begins January 31. The choir’s also…
Red Hot Robot, Central Avenue’s toy gallery and culture shop, is packing boxes this month and leaving its space in the Medlock Plaza at the end of February with a goodbye bash/art show.While the new location hasn’t been finalized, owner Jason Kiningham says he plans to stay in the Central…
If you’re not a huge Shakespeare fan but remain curious and open, it might help you to know that the Fresh Prince of Stratford was not a “pure” artist, one of those tortured souls who create because they must, are annoying, obscure, and unpopular in life, and inspire cult-ish devotion…
No promise of an in-coffin arrival or sexy vampire swag, yet, but news came in yesterday from Anne Rice and Changing Hands Bookstore that the bestselling author will be visiting the store on February 11. The author will be signing copies of her latest title, Of Love and Evil, a…
If you’ve been at the intersection of Central Avenue and Roosevelt Street in downtown Phoenix, you might have spotted the giant metal sculpture situated by the Metro Light Rail stop. The figure is supposed to represent a man raising his arms toward the sky, though it’s also been likened to…
There is a beacon along the south edge of Phoenix that calls to the world’s cyclists. It is constantly blinking — an infinite reminder to visit its miles of trails and roads that deliver pleasure and punishment in equal doses, sometimes simultaneously. It is there. Seriously. Look.South Mountain Park and…
A Yavapai County Superior Court judge has allowed the Jerome Grand Hotel to reopen following what hotel co-owner Robert Altherr called an “illegal shutdown.” As was previously reported, the historic hotel’s certificate of occupancy was revoked by town officials on December 8 due to “unsafe” conditions. The move caused the…
One new idea for every day in 2011. We’re talking big, small, local, international, in action and on the drawing board. Here’s today’s — what’s yours? The world of geekdom came together in early January, in Las Vegas for the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), and this year gadget fiends…
Looking for something to do this week? “Night Owl” is a quick guide to special nights at bars and clubs around town. We’ll give you a few hints re: cover, dress code, music and atmosphere. Friday nights mark “WTFunk Friday” at Stray Cat in Tempe. Stray Cat Bar and Grill’s a…
The New Year always begs for an organization make-over, and taking baby steps can make this an easier process. How about starting with the office supplies drawer? Get the paperclips and rubber bands out of hiding and make them an accessory to your workspace. Gather ideas for re-styling your office…
When you visit the new Gotham City Comics & Coffee in Mesa, Batman will greet you at the door. Okay, not “in the flesh,” but in the form of a mannequin dressed as Batman. He’s just one of many pieces in a smorgasbord of eye candy created by store owners…
Take a look at the image to the left about photo etiquette (in case it’s hard to read, go here for a larger likeness) and tell us, with a straight face, that you’ve never photographed a pet, bridges, puddles, or your car’s rear-view mirror. You have, haven’t you?! This image…
TEDxPHXDC may look like just a lot of capital letters, but rest assured — it’s a locally based TED, or speaking series event, hosted by the Phoenix design community. This year’s theme, Urban Catalysts, will bring several local design minds to talk urban design and ideas in Phoenix’s urban environment on…
Given: We can’t all pull off what’s in Corbin Chamberlin’s closet. For starters, he says he truly believes “the world would be a better place with a few more Birkin bags and diamond brooches.” In addition to writing about fashion for Paper Magazine, New York Magazine’s -The Cut, FashionEtc, Arizona…
Car sharing, crib loaning, garden dating, time gifting, even re-gifting — the 21st century is quickly becoming an age of resourcefulness where what’s mine can be yours and what’s yours can be loaned, shared, swapped and purchased at any stage of use or re-use. At least that’s what Rachel Botsman…
Time to bust out the paper mâché and wicked sense of humor — Bragg’s Pie Factory in Phoenix just announced the deadline and viewing dates for its 2011 Mutant Pinata show. The pinata show is an annual event and an annual home to outrageous, political, corny, sentimental, and fun creations…
Those who couldn’t wait for the upcoming Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction gathered at the Scottsdale Pavilions on Saturday to check out a lineup of muscle cars and hot rods. We’ll keep you updated with takes and numbers from the auction, but in the meantime, take note of the preview — Good,…
