Introducing 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:
1. Eva Zeisel (1906-2011)
The Hungarian ceramicist and designer was best known for her casual, modern furnishings. Grouped with designers like Mary and Russel Wright and Charles and Ray Eames, the late artist introduced her groundbreaking and organic designs to American dinner tables in the 1940s and 50s. Zeisel died on Friday, she was 105.
2. Maybe 2012 Will Be Better
Hundreds of artists and party-goers rang in the new year at The Compound in Tempe. The residence was once again transformed into a live music and art show space by JJ Horner, Colton Brock, and Charles Darr, who throw the party annually and install work by more than 50 local artists. Bonfires, rogue fireworks, and more than a few drunken fumbles aside, maybe 2012 will indeed be better. Check out the slideshow here.
3. El Mac in Right Makes Might
In conjunction with the L.A. Times Magazine article Right Makes Might, Phoenix's El Mac unveiled his latest mural over the weekend on a busy West Hollywood building. The mural, which features the face of civil rights attorney, activist Connie Rice (a cousin of Former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice), took El Mac two days to complete and was featured in this weekend's L.A. Times Magazine. You can check out Mac's latest Phoenix piece on 16th Street. And keep your eyes peeled -- word on the street is that he has a few more Phoenix murals in the works.
