Phoenix Arts and Culture: Fall Events, Exhibits and Festivals

Phoenix, Arizona – As summer reaches an end and the weather begins to cool, Phoenix is still shining this fall with near perpetual sunshine and average temperature of 72 degrees. Phoenix beckons visitors to enjoy various exhibits and festivals at some of our unique venues this fall. Below is a round-up of what’s happening in Phoenix.

Embrace diversity in Phoenix through performances and exhibits celebrating the beauty and Latino cultural heritage of the Americans and the life lived throughout Arizona. Celebración Artística de las Américas (CALA), creates shared arts experiences that encourage cultural understanding between people of the Americas.  More than 50 Latino and mainstream organizations throughout metro Phoenix will participate over several weeks, offering diverse arts experiences that emphasized Arizona’s deep roots in Latino culture during the CALA Festival October 6-November 5, 2013. In addition, this year  CALA Alliance has engaged in a significant partnership with Downtown Phoenix Inc.,  to create CALA PHX Fest!, a two-day street festival anchored by nearby cultural institutions and landmarks in downtown Phoenix.

The Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) is bringing “Women Who Rock: Vision, Passion, Power” to Phoenix in October. Created by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, this is the world’s first museum exhibition to honor nearly a century of iconic female musicians, and MIM will be the only location in the southwest to host the exhibition. Highlighting more than 70 artists, the exhibition demonstrates how women have been the engines of creation and change in popular music. Guests will see instruments, original handwritten lyrics, stage outfits, concert posters and videos from artists ranging from Wanda Jackson, Janis Joplin and Madonna to Cyndi Lauper, Lady Gaga, Carrie Underwood and more! “Women Who Rock: Vision, Passion, Power” will be on display in MIM’s Target Gallery from Oct. 19, 2013, through April 20, 2014.

Discovery and surprise waits at Desert Botanical Garden as the trails will soon be filled with an explosion of magnificent colors and shapes. The garden welcomes artist Dale Chihuly this fall with stunning vibrant works of arts installed throughout the thousands of flora and fauna. Chihuly is credited in elevating the perception of the glass medium from the realm of craft to fine art. Chihuly in the Garden opens November 10, 2013 and available until May 18, 2014.

Currently on exhibit at Phoenix Art Museum is The Art of Video Games, which traveled from the Smithsonian American Art Museum. The exhibition is one of the first to explore the forty-year evolution of video games as an artistic medium, with a focus on striking visual effects and the creative use of new technologies. It features some of the most influential artists and designers during five eras of game technology, from early pioneers to contemporary designers. The exhibition focuses on the interplay of graphics, technology and storytelling through some of the best games for twenty gaming systems ranging from the Atari VCS to the PlayStation 3. Eighty games, selected with the help of the public, demonstrate the evolution of the medium. The games are presented through still images and video footage. In addition, the galleries will include video interviews with twenty developers and artists, large prints of in-game screen shots, and historic game consoles. Chris Melissinos, founder of Past Pixels and collector of video games and gaming systems, is the curator of the exhibition. The exhibition is on display through September 29, 2013.

Strolling mariachis, folklorico dancers and artwork by Hispanic artists from Arizona, New Mexico and South America highlight this festive, casual and friendly annual marketplace, the largest of its kind in Arizona. Celebrate the tradition and artistry of Hispanic culture at the Heard Museum’s 12th Annual Spanish Market, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 9 & 10, 2013, at the Heard's Phoenix campus. Chat with more than 75 artists as they sell a range of distinctive and unique artwork. With art in every price range, Spanish Market offers buyers a wide selection of objects from different Hispanic traditions, including santos, pottery, embroidery, furniture making, painting, printmaking, and silver and tinwork.

Every First Friday, downtown Phoenix welcomes artisans and visitors to Roosevelt Row for First Fridays Art Walk – The nation's largest, self-guided art walk. Tour various galleries, venues and art-related spaces to see a variety of artwork and to enjoy the spirit and culture of the city. Free event shuttles start at the Phoenix Art Museum, headquarters for First Fridays.T he First Fridays ArtWalk originated in 1993 with a handful of downtown Phoenix art galleries that agreed to have their show openings on the same night. Since these humble beginnings, First Fridays has grown to more than 70 participating galleries and art-friendly businesses.

 

Media Contact: Trish Hendrickson, Email: [email protected], Website: www.visitphoenix.com.
Photo Credit: Top – Woman in Headress, CALA. Mid-section – Azteca de Oro, Heard Museum

 

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