Take note, Phoenix. December First Friday is a must-see affair. You’ve got plenty of intriguing exhibits to choose from, plus some time-honored traditions and unique experiences taking place around downtown Phoenix – including the return of Crafeteria, the launch for a new line of Fortoul Brothers clothing, a rare gallery show by renowned downtown muralist JB Snyder, and a look at artist Lara Plecas’ new Desert Crafted boutique.
Here’s the rundown on First Friday happenings for December 7, along with a list of must-see art shows. Some start before the customary 6 p.m., so you can get an early start. And nearly all of them are free. We’ve even noted a few shows opening Saturday night beyond the beaten path, in case you want see more art this weekend. Take your holiday list along, because it’s a great time of year to support local artists while you shop.
Must-See Exhibits
"Mother and Sons"
See works by JJ Horner, Joyce Barth, and Paul Horner exhibited inside Rodgell Helm's new creative space called The Whim!, which is located inside the La Melgosa building on Grand Avenue. The show is being presented in memory of Paul Horner and Brian Barth. First Friday hours are 6 to 11 p.m. Get details on the Facebook events page.
Fluke Fanzine Retrospective
Celebrate the 1991-2018 journey of this punk fanzine with a free art show that includes zines, photographs, skateboard art, flyers, records, cassettes, and the release of Fluke 16, featuring NXOEED art by James B. Hunt. First Friday hours at Megaphone PHX are 6 to 9 p.m. Get more information on the Facebook event page.
“Fantasy for a Noble Universe”
Jill Friedberg is presenting a series of mixed-media works which explore an unsettled world in which “human diversity and endangered nature struggle to symbiotically enhance the enrichment of our existence.” Friday’s free opening reception at the Herberger Theater Center art gallery runs from 5:30 to 7 p.m. First Friday Live happens on the venue's outdoor plaza from 6 to 9 p.m. Learn more on the Facebook event page.
JB Snyder
Best known to many for several murals around downtown Phoenix, artist JB Snyder rarely shows his work in gallery settings. See his first solo exhibition in several years at Grand ArtHaus, where he’ll also be showing collaborations created with several artists – including Tato Caraveo, Lalo Cota, Kenosha Drucker, Dumperfoo, Janel Garza, Chelsi Rossi, Champ Styles, and Such Styles. First Friday hours, which include music by Botetto, are 6 to 10 p.m. While you’re there, check out handmade ornaments for sale, with proceeds benefiting the nonprofit UMOM. Find details on the Facebook event page.
“Faculty Mentor/Alumni Exhibition”
ASU School of Art is presenting an inaugural exhibition showcasing faculty mentorship of art students by pairing works by four faculty members, who have each selected an ASU graduate to show works alongside them. The free exhibition at Step Gallery is designed to “recognize the profound relationships they have nurtured over the years.” First Friday hours are noon to 5 p.m. Get more information in the ASU Events website.
Fortoul Brothers
Artists Gabriel and Isaac Fortoul, whose creative collaborations carry the name Fortoul Brothers, are unveiling a new line of clothing at Phoenix General. They’ll also be showing new drawings in the Shortcut Gallery art space shared by Phoenix General and Framed Ewe. The free exhibit is a chance to see their work beyond the many murals they’ve painted around downtown Phoenix. First Friday hours are 5 to 9 p.m. Learn more on the Fortoul Brothers' Facebook page.
“Man + Self”
Found:RE Phoenix is showing a new body of work by Aileen Frick in its lobby and lounge area. The mixed-media artworks blend collage and painting, to capture scenes photographed by the artist or her friends. Unlike Frick’s prior body of work, these pieces explore “personal internal conflict” rather than external landscapes found in primarily urban and natural settings. First Friday hours are from 5 to 9 p.m. Get details on Aileen Frick's Facebook page.
“Light”
See a new series of prints by Jake Early, an artist whose recent work includes a massive mural for Tempe Public Art. The artist reception at Practical Art takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. on First Friday, when you can also enjoy shirt printing with Tempe-based Ghosticorn Apparel and decorating holiday cookies. Plus, Crafeteria is happening just around the corner. Learn more on the Practical Art website.
Grand Avenue
“Homecoming/Heimkomst”
Born and raised in Los Angeles, artist Marissa Vidrio lived in Norway as a foreign exchange student in 1980. Now, she’s showing silkscreen prints inspired by recent Norway travels, as part of her solo exhibition for Five15 Arts at Chartreuse. First Friday hours are 6 to 10 p.m. Get details on the Facebook event page.
Kyle Nash
Sisao Gallery at Oasis on Grand presents a solo exhibition of works by Kyle Nash, a Navajo artist whose figurative, photorealistic works involve “experimenting and capturing significant places and meaningful figures in his life.” The exhibition reflects the emerging artist’s humor, devotion to family, and fondness for travel. Find details on the Facebook event page.
“Inclusion”
Unexpected is presenting a group exhibition of artwork in various media featuring people, animals, extraterrestrials, and other subjects that address the importance of inclusion. It’s timed to embrace the fact that members of the Phoenix community are celebrating diverse holidays this time of year. First Friday hours are 6 to 10 p.m. Learn more on the Facebook event page.
Cut Paper Show
Abe Zucca Gallery at Abloom Salon, located in the Bragg's Pie Factory building, is presenting works by Melissa Waddell and Abe Zucca. First Friday hours are 7 to 11 p.m. Get details on Abe Zucca's Facebook page.
Group Photography Show
Phoenix Film Revival, a new creative space located in Suite E at 1023 Grand Avenue, is presenting a group show featuring works by film photographers based in metro Phoenix. First Friday hours are 6 to 10 p.m. Find more information on the Facebook event page.
“FF120718”
The Belhaus is showing works by artists Sherri and Gino Belassen, the mother and son creative team who opened their creative space inside Bragg’s Pie Factory earlier this year. First Friday hours are 6 to 9 p.m. Get details on the Belhaus Facebook page.
Roosevelt Row
“Being and Becoming”
Olney Gallery at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral is showing watercolor paintings by Patrice Al-Shatti and photographs by Daniel Prendergast, who artists whose artwork addresses transformation. First Friday hours are 6 to 9 p.m. Find more on the Facebook event page.
“Luna Nocturna”
Xico Gallery is showing three exhibitions inside shipping container galleries in Roosevelt Row, including this show featuring paintings by Adriana Martinez. First Friday hours are 6 to 10 p.m. Learn more on the Facebook event page.
Group Show
The Lost Leaf is showing artwork by NXOEED, Bairbrains, and Lomass. First Friday hours from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. also include music by Djentrification and J-Calvin Funk Express. Get more information on the Facebook event page.
“Hello, Sunshine”
Artlink is showing 30 photographs taken by Daniel Mariotti during a 30-day period of chronicling the experience of chronic depression. Mariotti received the Artist Forward Fund grant from Artlink earlier this year. See his work from 6 to 10 p.m. inside Suite 1007 at the Arizona Center, which is on the south end of the first floor. Find details on the Facebook event page.
"It's a New Season"
See works by Patrice Bass, whose paintings are inspired by "memories, meditations, connections, and mysteries." The opening reception for her exhibition inside the gallery at Phoenix Center for the Arts takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. on First Friday. Learn more on the Facebook event page.
Group Show
The Farish House, a restaurant coming to 816 North Third Street, is opening its doors for a sneak peek on First Friday from 6 to 9:30 p.m. The lineup includes music by Herbert Walker, along with artwork by Oliverio Balcells, Doug Bales, Tyler Hainlen, and Irma Sanchez. Get details on Oliverio Balcells' Facebook page.
More Art Shows
"Relatos en Tela y Papel"
See new works by Monica Gisel, an artist-in-residence at Xico Arte y Cultura, where she has been part of the printmaking team for more than a decade. Her works bring a surrealist touch to the experiences of everyday life. First Friday hours at Xico are 6 to 9 p.m. Learn more on the Facebook event page.
"The Art of Scottsdale Community College"
First Studio is showing sculpture, paintings, and drawings by nearly two dozen Scottsdale Community College students, including Gloria Langer, Carlos Rausch, Ashton Romano, and Miyuki Uno. First Friday hours are 6 to 10 p.m. Find additional information on the Facebook event page.
Group Show
Exposed Gallery at 4225 North Seventh Avenue (along the Melrose curve) is showing works by a trio of artists, including Charles Cooper, David Weiss, and Mia Pratt. First Friday hours are 5 to 9 p.m. Learn more on the Exposed Gallery website.
“Ties That Bind”
New City Studio, an exhibition space located at New City Church, is showing works by Julia Jai Miller rooted in explorations of memory, the senses, and “the journey they can take you on.” First Friday hours are 7 to 10 p.m. Get details on the New City Studio Facebook page.
Lara Plecas
Phoenix-based artist Lara Plecas is showing a selection of her works at Desert Crafted, her new boutique located at 2809 East Seventh Avenue, where you can also explore goods such as home and fashion accessories sourced from desert cultures. First Friday hours are 5 to 9 p.m. Learn more on the artist’s Facebook page.
"Works by Joel Coplin and Jo-Ann Lowney"
Coplin and Lowney are showing a new exhibition of their artworks inside the Gallery 119 arts venue they recently opened at 119 South 11th Avenue. Look for works imbued with symbolism that prompt reflection on the human condition and contemporary culture. First Friday hours are 3 to 7 p.m. Find more information on the Facebook event page.
Performance + Art
Hayden's Ferry Review Launch Party
Head to the patio between Modified Arts and Wurth House to hear readings from the latest issue of the Hayden's Ferry Review, a literary journal edited through ASU's Creative Writing program. Issue 63, which evolved into an unofficial women's issue, features artwork by women artists including Phoenix-based Maria Nancy Thomas. Rosemarie Dombrowski, curator for the Phoenix Poetry Series, will facilitate the 7 to 9 p.m. event, which also includes an open mic for community members. Learn more and RSVP on the Facebook event page.
“Tiny Works|Tiny Dances”
Launched in 2015, this annual exhibition at {9} The Gallery pairs small works by dozens of Phoenix-area artists with live dance performance on small stages. This year’s exhibition includes more than 150 artworks, with performance by Elisa Marie Cavallero, Alan Khoutakoun, and Nicole L. Olson at 7 and 8 p.m. Featured artists include Bacpac, Dadsocks, Mengyu Nie, David Allen Paul, Rembrandt Quiballo, and Danielle Wood. First Friday hours are 6 to 10 p.m. Get details on the Facebook event page.
“Lighthouse”
Alwun House is showing a fresh lineup of light-based works ranging from light boxes to art shrines. Expect to see diverse offerings created using LED lights, fire, neon, video, and other media. They’re being shown both inside the gallery and within outside garden spaces, during First Friday hours from 7 to 11:30 p.m. Jerusafunk performs at 8 p.m., so tickets are $15 at the door ($10 in advance). The event, for ages 21 and up, also includes a lighted costume contest. Find additional information on the Facebook event page.
Inuindie: Beatrice Deer
The Heard Museum presents a free performance by Canadian Aboriginal artist Beatrice Deer (Inuk and Mohawk), a singer and songwriter who blends Indie rock with a form of Inuit throat-singing to create the style she dubs “Inuindie.” Deer will be performing songs from her latest album and screening an animated music video. Her sets start at 6:45 and 8 p.m. Visitors can also create Matisse-inspired art with Cut + Paste Phoenix, and museum admission is free during First Friday hours from 6 to 10 p.m. You’ll still need a $7 ticket to see the “Yua: Henri Matisse and the Inner Arctic Spirit” exhibit, and ticket sales will close at 9 p.m. Learn more on the Heard Museum website.
“The With-Drawing Room”
Students with ASU’s Design School are showing works related to memories and memos, including videos, books, manuscripts, and models. Collectively, their work explores the “current ‘withdrawing’ of books from physical reality.” The free exhibition runs from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. inside the Great Hall at Phoenix Art Museum, where museum admission is pay-what-you-wish during First Friday hours from 6 to 10 p.m. (with $5 ticket pricing for the "Teotihuacan" exhibit). See a new dance work titled Memories of Mexico, created by Liliana Gomez in response to the museum's new "Mexican Photographers, Mexican Views" exhibit, at 7 and 8 p.m. First Friday's lineup also includes live music by Geibral Elisha Movement. Find more information on the ASU Events website and Phoenix Art Museum website.
Head to Fine Art Complex 1101 on Saturday night to see work by Larry Madrigal and other artists.
Larry Madrigal
“La Virgincita”
The Sagrado Galleria is showing works in diverse media inspired by the La Virgen de Guadalupe. The exhibit includes artwork by more than two dozen emerging and established artists based in and beyond metro Phoenix, including Vanessa Chavez, Sam Fresquez, Francisco Garcia, and Martin Moreno. The opening reception runs from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, December 8. Get details on The Sagrado Galleria website.
“Expulsion: Painting as Proxy Act and Action”
Fine Art Complex 1101 explores the ongoing reinvention of painting, and shifting perceptions of the medium, with a group show featuring more than a dozen artists including Michael Diaz, Rema Ghuloum, Larry Madrigal, and Laurie Nye. See it between 7 and 10 p.m. on Saturday, December 8. Learn more on the Facebook event page.
