As summer draws to a close, several new exhibits are open for the First Friday of September in downtown Phoenix.
New City Studio is back in the mix after being closed all summer. Her newest exhibit is “Embrace My Wildlife,” featuring brightly colored paintings of animals and nature.
Everyday MEMEing at Modified Arts puts a modern twist on art with his meme-inspired works.
In addition to the new shows, this is the last First Friday when you can see Desert Rider. The colorful lowrider exhibit at the Phoenix Art Museum closes mid-month.
Here’s your guide to the best things to see on First Friday September 2nd in Phoenix.
Phoenix First Friday: The ultimate guide to parking, galleries, museums and what’s free
Heard Museum: Books and Bingo
Match the squares on your bingo card to the art in the Heard Museum exhibits. Prizes will be available for winners. Plus, all books in the Heard Museum’s Books & More store will be on sale for 20% off.
Details: Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave 602-252-8840, listen.org.
Five15 Arts: ‘Prints of Men’
Phoenix artist Harold Lohner will display “Prints of Men,” his monoprints — one-off handmade prints — on materials including paper, fabric and leather. Expect bold and large drawings of male faces and figures in vibrant colors and patterns.
Details: Open 6-9pm First Friday. Five15Arts @ Chartreuse, 1301 NW Grand Ave., Phoenix. 602-859-0247, five15arts.com.
More free art: Arizona Ballet’s “Ballet Under the Stars” is in Phoenix
Phoenix Art Museum: ‘Desert Rider’
“Desert Rider” explores lowland culture in the Southwest through large-scale installations, prints and sculptures by Latino and indigenous artists, including Caro Romero, Douglas Miles, Margarita Cabrera and Liz Cohen.
This is your first last Friday to see Desert Rider – closes September 18th.
Details: Through September 18. Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Ave., 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Wednesdays; 10:00-17:00 Thursday-Sunday. 602-257-1880, phxart.org.
Low art: See how cars express family, culture and religion in 2 exhibits
Hazel & Violet Letterpress: Print a poster
You can print a poster for free at Hazel & Violet Letterpress, which is open from 5-10pm on First Fridays. The store also has cards, coasters, calendars and stationery available for purchase.
Details: Hazel & Violet Letterpress, 1301 NW Grand Ave., Phoenix. 480-544-2162, hazelandviolet.com.
New City Studio: ‘Embrace My Wildlife’
Phoenix artist Gabby Avalos will present her newest exhibit, “Embracing My Wild Life,” with pieces dedicated to “the blessing of being alive.” From landscapes to animal portraits, the display brings together simplicity, color and ordinary moments in works worth stopping to see. First Friday reception is 7-10pm
Details: New City Studio, 1300 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. newcitystudio.org.
Exclusive: Here’s why Phoenix gets more immersive art shows than any city
Modified Arts: ‘MEMEing Every Day’
“Everyday MEMEing” will feature more than 20 meme artist perspectives we see all the time. Logos, emojis, signs, characters, iconic figures, viral images, traditions and patterns of behavior will appear.
Details: Modified Arts, 407 E. Roosevelt St., Phoenix. 317-755-7971, modifiedarts.org.
Alwun House: Art Park
Alwun House will host more than two dozen vendors offering jewelry, clothing, artwork and crafts in its Art Park. Also on hand: Fat Boyz Tacos and Naughty Vegan. DJ Scapegoat will provide the music.
Details: Alwun House, 1204 E. Roosevelt St., Phoenix. 602-253-7887, alwunhouse.org
Olney Gallery: “Artists Serving Humanity”
“Artists Serving Humanity” represents incarcerated artists who want to give back to the community. It presents works by six artists between the ages of 18 and 81. First Friday reception is 6-9pm.
Details: Olney Gallery at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 100 W. Roosevelt St., Phoenix. trinitycathedral.com.
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