The Culture Club

10x10

2012-01-06T09:02:00.000-08:00

I've been at FCP for four exhibitions now. It may not seem like a lot to those of you that have been involved in the hopping Flagstaff art scene for many years now, but for me, it's kind of a milestone. The fifth exhibition. It's also the one I'm most excited for.

The 10x10 Exhibition and Sale is simultaneously the most boundless exhibition I've been a part of because invited artists can display whatever artwork they choose and the most restricted exhibition because artists can only create within 100 square inches. This excites me. Not that large and prolific artwork doesn't excite me, too, but it's something special when over 100 artists use the same amount of space and make over 100 different and beautiful things.

I speak of the artists and artwork in 10x10 with pride not only because of their immense talent, but because of their passion to support art itself. Each artist participating in 10x10 has donated their time and work to the Coconino Center for the Arts. So, when a piece in the exhibition sells (for only $100!!!!), all of the proceeds will go to support the Center. I have been overwhelmed with the generosity of the artists. The art scene in Flagstaff truly is one big family, and I'm so honored to be a part of it. Even if I'm just the distant third cousin twice removed.

And speaking of art sales. Each piece in 10x10 will sell or start at auction for only $100. Woah. I know. This is such a great opportunity to own an original work of art. Especially for the 20-somethings like me getting through school and work at minimum wage. The first chance to view and purchase the exhibition is at the Member's Preview on Saturday, January 14 from 6-8pm. There are a lot of perks to becoming a member of Flagstaff Cultural Partners, but the exhibition previews are definitely at the top of the list. At the end of the evening, any work that's been bid on will sell. Meaning, if you wait until the public Opening Reception on Saturday, January 21 from 6-8pm, you might miss out on purchasing a great piece. Membership benefits start at only $35; for more info click here.

As always, you can visit our website at culturalpartners.org for details on exhibitions, concerts, and other events.

My Christmas Wish for You

2011-12-06T12:18:00.000-08:00

I'm one of those people that started listening to Christmas music before Halloween. I love the holidays, winter, gift giving, Christmas trees. And I LOVE eggnog. This time of year is by far my favorite. It's always been something special to me. Maybe I have my grandma to thank for that. The woman cannot stop her holiday cheer from overflowing and spewing out on every person she knows. Her house is like an elf's tinsel bomb exploded and it's too busy to clean up its mess. When I sit in pajamas sipping peppermint hot chocolate, and I watch snow gather on my window-sill, I'm reminded of evenings spent in her lap, watching Christmas films, singing carols, baking pumpkin rolls. I'm reminded that life is beautiful.

This year, the holiday season found me during a particularly difficult time in my life. Weeks of unmotivated trips to the store and unenthusiastic conversations and gloomy nighttime drives preceded my Thanksgiving visit with my family. I left my computer, ungraded papers, and unavoidable conflicts in my empty Flagstaff townhouse and spent a full week in the White Mountains with the people that know and love me best. Our tradition, like many's, is to decorate the Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving. Because I had to be back in Flagstaff that Friday, we made an exception and busted out the Kenny Rogers/Dolly Parton Christmas album a day early. As we all belted out in terrible singing voices and my young cousins hung their ornaments on the fake branches, I let go of the stress and bustle of my life. I didn't set it aside or file it in my "to do later" folder. I just let it go.

This is why I love the holidays so much. It's a time to surround yourself with only the things you love. The things that make you happy. That remind you that life is still beautiful. It's worth living. It's more than simply dealing with stress and busyness and conflict. It's a time when a complete stranger smiles at you as you pass on the sidewalk, and you don't for a second doubt that their happiness is genuine. A time to remember that those who love you are more important than those who don't. A time when thoughtful giving is more rewarding than receiving. A time when letting go is as simple as it sounds.

I wish for you a happy holiday season. I wish for the bright lights at Little America to reflect in your eyes. I wish for the snow to melt off your boots onto the welcome mat. I wish for your shopping to be local. I wish for your giving and receiving to be heartfelt. I wish for your company to laugh until their eyes tear up. I wish for your children to squeal at the sight of the tree in Heritage Square. I wish for your gift in the white elephant exchange to be the best one. I wish for you to have rest and peace in the midst of busy daily obligations. I wish for you to let go of things that aren't worth holding on to.

I wish you a merry Christmas and a happy, happy New Year.

Thanks

2011-11-25T11:57:00.000-08:00

I admit this post is a day late, but I was too busy stuffing my face with turkey and pumpkin pie yesterday to bother with writing it. The following, in no specific order, are things I'm thankful for: (including, but not limited to)

1. Sweaters
I wear a lot of them.

2. The Snowy Peaks at Night
Nothing is more beautiful than the blue glow on the San Francisco peaks during a full moon in winter.

Photo: Genesis Realty

3. Coffee
I'm not only thankful for the way that coffee tastes or the how it wakes me up after a long night. While I was a student at NAU, I paid my bills by making coffee.

4. Good Coworkers
If you've ever taken a job with coworkers that are less than nice to you, you'll understand why I'm so very grateful for nice coworkers. The staff at Flagstaff Cultural Partners are talented and passionate and genuinely kind. I'm thankful that I can also call them my friends.

5. Stars
The sky literally comes to life at night. I don't take lightly that I get to witness it every evening while city-dwellers have to make a trip for it.

Photo: flagstaffdarkskies.org

6. The Internet
Seriously.

7. People That Are More Talented Than Me
I'm not an artist. I'm not a craftsman. I'm not a musician. So I'm extra thankful for people who are.

8. Dairy Products
The staple of my diet.

9. Flagstaff
I'm more than grateful that I call the best place in the world my home. There's beauty in the diverse community here. I've yet to visit another city where I can find a full-time mother, a hippie, a congressman, a student, a poet, an artist, a Muslim, a Christian, a Hindu, and a Baha'i all enjoying coffee in the same cafe. The people in this city have taught me to open myself to experiences even if I don't believe in them. To accept my neighbor without trying to change him. To always seek truth, but not to force my truth on others. I am the person I am because I live here. I am head over heals in love with this city and its people.
Photo: Jeremy Woodhouse

10. People Who Love Me

What are you thankful for?

For Your Winter Enjoyment

2011-11-17T08:18:00.000-08:00

I absolutely cannot believe how quickly 2012 is approaching, but as the adage goes, time flies when you're having fun. So many great things have been happening here at the Coconino Center for the Arts, like the Semi-Annual Navajo Rug Auction we held last weekend and the installation of the 11th Annual It's Elemental Fine Crafts Exhibition. The Holiday Spirit is floating around the Center already, and we are more than excited to be able to bring Flagstaff so many great concerts and events in this season.

As always, the First Friday ArtWalk next month is going to be extra special and wintery. With a Chili Cookoff, you will stay nice and toasty as you patronize Downtown galleries and businesses. December's HotSpot, Animas Beads, is bringing you more than great gift ideas. They're bringing you tasty local brewed beer from Cosmo Brewery.

In conjunction with It's Elemental Fine Crafts Exhibition is the annual Fine Crafts Sale and Artists' Marketplace. The first weekend of December you can find all your holiday gifts (and maybe a few things for yourself) from Northern Arizona's fine craft artists. Jewelry, ceramics, woodwork, glass art, fiber art.. the Fine Crafts Sale has it all. Come by the Center from 10:00am-4:00pm on Saturday and Sunday, December 3-4.

As part of the Fine Crafts Sale, you'll also enjoy hot cider and a FREE Stories to Life Event: Gifts From the Heart on Sunday, December 4 at 1:00pm. Join in with Arizona Mountain Chorale as they sing all your favorite Christmas Carols. Listen, also, to the nostalgic class Christmas stories read by spoken word actors. The Flagstaff City- Coconino County Library is presenting this fun winter event.

Saturday evening, December 3, come back to the Center to hear the Grammy award-winning Irish singer/songwriter, Susan McKeown in concert. With 12 albums, Susan is sure to provide an incredible performance in the listening theater at the amphitheater in the Center for the Arts. Susan's music is perfect for the intimate venue. Flagstaff local, Aly Jay, is opening.

Human Nature Dance Theater is bringing their latest work to the Center on Friday and Saturday, December 9-10. "One Was the Other" is a dance performance that explores the intimacy of human relationships in the midst of uncertainty. Combining the beauty and creativity of dance with music and real life circumstances will resonate with every member of the audience.

Saturday, December 10 at 1:00pm, Orchestra Northern Arizona is performing a FREE Holiday concert in the amphitheater at the Center. Come in for holiday classics by Flagstaff's community orchestra.

The Coconino Center for the Arts will be showing It's Elemental Fine Crafts Exhibition through December 17. Come in and view the artwork, maybe even take a piece home. You can get more information and tickets to all of the above events by coming in to the Center (2300 N. Fort Valley Road), by visiting our website at culturalpartners.org, or by dialing (928) 779-2300.

Happy Holidays, Flagstaff!

Your Guide to Braving the Flagstaff Winter

2011-11-08T10:49:00.000-08:00

I was 18-years-old the first time I ever drove in the snow. It was the middle of a storm. 9:00 at night. I had just gotten off work at Brandy's Restaurant, and I lived near NAU. I didn't know what to do. I called my dad in tears, and he told me, "I'm two hours away. There's nothing I can do to help you. You just have to be careful. You'll make it home fine."

I did make it home fine, and then I froze all night in my 58 degree apartment. College students don't care if they can't feel their eyes as long as the electric bill is under $100. Since the poor days, I've collected tips and keys for braving the Flagstaff winter. Follow this friendly advice, and I promise the 2011-2012 winter season will be joyful and warm.

1. If you don't absolutely have to leave the house in the middle of a storm, don't. Seriously, though, just stay home, watch Elf. Turn the heat up a couple degrees, just for today. Drink extraneous amounts of hot cocoa. Don't even get dressed on a storm day. Wear slippers and a robe all day. Don't shower either. Wet hair will make you cold.
2. If there's no way around work or class or your kid's ballet recital, you have to prepare to leave the comfort and warmth of a nice house. First step, clothes:
2.1. Layering isn't as easy as it seems. You can't just throw every item of clothing on and walk out the door. Nay, nay. Layering must be done with precision. Efficient layering is absolute key to maintaining optimal body temperature.
2.2. Underwear. Long johns are preferable for those facing the elements. A nice thermal long sleeve t-shirt is not only fashionable (kind of?), but it ensures your core will remain nice and toasty.
2.3. Jeans. They have to be nice and thick. No leggings or jeggings allowed. Or you'll freeze. The legs often go unattended to because of the intense focus on the feet, but proper jeans will not only insulate the extremities, they will also warm the hiney. Nothing's worse than popsicle hiney.
2.4. Sweater. This is where it gets tricky. You can't just throw any sweater over a thermal shirt. You'll be sweating the second you walk into a public building that doesn't care about its gas bill. Sweaters must always be removable. For this reason, a thin t-shirt is preferable over the thermal (don't want to be showing off your delicates), then a sweater that can easily be taken off without looking like a stripper.
2.5. Jacket. Is the pinnacle of a stormy day outfit. The icing on the cake. The cherry on the sundae. The heat in the hot fudge. (Why are all my metaphors about sweets?) The jacket insulates and keeps the body heat created by the under-layers in the under-layers. There are a million ways you could go with this one. White is a personal favorite. It makes me feel like part of the storm. Although, bright neon orange is best for bikers and walkers.
2.6. Accessories. Finally, the best part of a winter outfit.
2.6.1. The scarf not only keeps the exposed neck and chest area toasty, it's really good for covering your mouth and lower face as you walk into the wind. No chapped lips here.
2.6.2. Gloves are a necessity for those carrying object or with any possibility of maybe carrying objects later. Also for the drivers. Steering wheels are like icy rubbery death grips. I think once my fingers literally froze to my steering wheel, like a tongue on a flagpole. Seriously.
2.6.3. Lastly, and most importantly, are the socks and shoes. Wool socks are best, but I understand not all of us can afford $30 socks. Letsberealhere. Layering socks is a dangerous game. Slightest bit of moisture in those boots, and your toes are toesicles for 24 hours. This is why the shoe is critical. Must. Be. Waterproof. No exceptions. Best case scenario, you can tuck your jeans into the boots whilst walking to avoid wet pants. Once the hem of your jeans is wet, the water somehow creeps up until it's in the crease of your knee. Unacceptable. Cold. Just don't let it happen.
3. Once the winter storm outfit is perfected, you're ready to leave your house and trek through the elements. Walking on icy, wet, snow-packed ground is no easy feat. The key here is no NEVER, under ANY circumstance, remove your back foot from the ground before your front foot is securely placed on a slip free area. Ladies, get that bounce out of your step. Fellas, leave the strutting to the tools with wet butts.
4. If you must leave your home on storm day, drive like a paranoid scared-to-die freak. If you're topping the 20s, you're driving too dang fast. The reason accidents happen in the middle of a storm is because fast drivers think the slow drivers are stupid. Maybe, but they're also not missing half their bumper to the tree on the other side of the ditch. And last time I checked, their pride is still in tact, also.
5. De-thawing. Possibly the most important aspect of winter weather. No matter how well you prepare, you'll always forget something. The trick with warming back up is to let your body take care of itself. Don't sit in front of a stove until your back turns red. Your ears will supposedly warm up faster, but in reality, they burn and tingle and don't feel good at all. Fingers and toes are the most difficult to properly reheat. Don't let them heat too quickly, or you won't be able to walk or hold a glass of hot tea for an hour. Not all burning is good. Never, ever take a scolding hot shower in an attempt to warm. Never drink coffee or cocoa or tea too fast. You'll scold your tongue and it will go numb. Then you can't even enjoy the delicious winter treat. Be cold for a minute. Let body heat do what it's supposed to do.

6. Enjoy all the pretty things that only come with a Flagstaff winter.

(All beautiful Flagstaff winter photos are taken by the talented Justin Capp)

2011-11-06T08:25:00.000-08:00

Photo by Justin Capp

I'm Not An Artist

2011-10-28T13:00:00.000-07:00

I am completely humbled that I was offered a position at Flagstaff Cultural Partners. I promote concerts, but I'm not a musician. I work in an art gallery, but I'm not an artist. I update press, but I'm not a journalist. But I love it.

I genuinely love working for Flagstaff Cultural Partners. I love the artists we represent on our walls; I love the little kids that come into the gallery with dropped jaws; I love the wrinkled couple swaying to the classical guitar; I love my boss; I love my coworkers. I love that I'm not an artist, but art is still a part of who I am.

This is why I'm so heartbroken by cutting and underfunding of public art programs. Whether or not a person is artistic, musical, creative, or talented, they're made better by the culture of art. When I was 11-years-old, I started playing the flute for my middle school band. In high school, I played the saxophone (which I affectionately referred to as the "sexy-phone"). My freshman year at NAU, I took an entry-level art course. And now looking back, those were my most memorable experiences in school. I didn't cultivate my creativity so far that I became a working artist, but those interactions with the world of art literally made me the person I am today.

I'd challenge you to write down the most impressionable personal experiences of your life. When you remove relations from the equation, I'd wager you are most innately tied to art. Think of the reasons you love Flagstaff. The people, the environment, and the art. Every business is this town is plastered with someone's masterpieces. The walls of alleyways are covered in self-expression. Music floats in the air of every street corner.

Flagstaff is art. And so am I.

Too Soon

2011-10-26T12:40:00.000-07:00

It's CHRISTMASTIME!!!! Kind of. If you're crazy like me, you're already excited about the Holidays! The almost snow in Flagstaff a couple weeks ago made me relapse into my Winter addiction. I sometimes pretend that I don't like a nine month Winter, but deep down, it is a magical season for me. I love the snow, the cold, the layers of clothes, the friendly spirit floating around downtown. But I particularly love gift-giving. So with the spirit of giving on the mind, I present to you "(Some of) The Best Local Shops to Buy Gifts At That Happen To Be In The November ArtWalk."

West of the Moon Gallery
111 E. Aspen #2 / 928.774.0465
Hey Sugar! FCP's very own Robin Cadigan is bringing her sweet personality to West of the Moon with "The Sweet Life." Nostalgic and delightful! Works include sundae cups, pots-de-creme, and cupcakes! Perfect for those family members and friends with a sweet-tooth. You can give original cups or pots filled with candies!

Fire on the Mountain Studio
324 W Birch Ave. / 928.774.9025
George and his friends will be blowing the Christmas future from 5pm-9pm in the Hot Shop behind the new Organic Beauty Lounge. Come join! You can even take away some one-of-a-kind George creations! His glass ornaments are perfect for tree decorations! Great for the boss you want to suck up to.

Sundara Fine Art Cafe & Boutique
22 E. Rte 66 / 928.779.3292
Warm up at Sundara with delicious teas or coffees! Shop the boutique, but don't forget to check out the aintings by local artists Patty West and Emma Gardner. After you've made your purchases for the Missus, catch live music with Bird & Bear and John Borham.

Wil McNabb Fine Jewelry
18 N. Leroux / 928.213.1572
What woman doesn't love receiving jewelry? Fellas, it's a fail-safe. Also, well known local artist and teacher Julie Thurston. Shows new landscapes and florals in watercolor.

Z House Gallery & Boutique
2320 East Route 66 / 928.380.2292
Flagstaff's newest gallery! Featuring the work of local artists - pottery, photography, textiles, mosaics, jewelery, dolls, lace, prints, custom holiday cards, ornaments, quilts, hats, purses & more. 100% handmade. Something for everyone here! I can't wait to scope this new Gallery out! I might have to buy a gift for myself.

Seasoned Kitchen
106 N. San Francisco St. / 928.213.9542
Now men, we don't want to be mean, but if you want us to cook for you, you better supply some awesome pots and pans. Then stop in for treats from our kitchen and view pottery by Gary Houston, paintings by Steve Lawton.

Vino Loco Wine Shop
22 E. Birch Ave. Ste #1 / 928.226.1764
Stop by Vino Loco for a drink and check out paintings by Michael Wayman & Live Folk/Blues Music from Jamon Schreiter, and also singing by the Arizona Mountain Chorale. Then buy a certificate for a wine tasting for that special someone. What a sophisticated way to say "I Love You."
ZANI Cards & Gifts
107 W. Phoenix Ave. / 928.774.9409
No Hallmark cards here. Some of the most adorable to sentimental cards and special gifts you'll find in Flagstaff. I always shop ZANI when I'm looking to say something but I'm not quite sure what. Featured artists for November: Pandemonium's Leigh Young (cozy faux fur mittens, hats, cowls and scarves perfect for nude snow angel making) and Helena Rose (original fine art purses, wallets and cuffs).

Night Lights

2011-10-22T12:02:00.000-07:00

"Night Lights" by Jason Sacran

I grew up in a tiny town in the Arizona White Mountains on a street corner that's not quite as well lit or well maintained as the one in "Night Lights" by Jason Sacran. But when I look at this painting, I'm back in Heber/Overgaard. I'm walking along the highway by the park in only a t-shirt when it's too cold to not have a jacket. I'm falling asleep against the window in the back seat of my parent's truck, a full load of firewood in the bed. I'm leaving my high school sweetheart's house where I just had meat and potatoes for dinner. My dad's in the passenger's seat teaching me to drive a stick-shift. My best friend and I are laying on top of blankets in the dirt.

I don't know where this corner streetlight is, but I know where it takes me.

It takes me home.

Living

2011-10-13T10:25:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, I don't know what to blog about. When you don't attend culturally and artsy events, it's hard to write about them. Which leaves me wondering, why don't I go? Is sitting in front of a TV or computer worth missing a great local musician or traveling artist or that beautiful fall sunset that turns the entire mountain pink? Because to me, there's nothing better than walking through the streets of Downtown Flagstaff in that moment when the air chills just enough to turn my breath into little puffs of white.

So, why do I miss it?

What if I don't miss it because I'm lazy. What if I miss it because I'm too busy and stressed and have to clean and cook and the in-laws are visiting next week and that report is do and money is tight and it's uncomfortable going alone...

I know you, too, have an excuse for missing out. No matter the excuse, it's not worth it. Life is a series of busy days that leave you wanting to stay in and close the blinds. It would be a shame to let that life keep you from really living.

Magic

2011-10-07T14:33:00.001-07:00

Hand-crocheted scarves wrapped around three layers of tops. Two mittened hands holding hot tea or cocoa. Bustling streets. Filled with people chatting through tightened teeth and shrugged shoulders. Showflakes caught in eyelashes and hair. It's Flagstaff, and the chill is here.

Photo by Mike Russell

Sooner than expected, but when does Flagstaff ever care about seasons? Flagstaff is winter. And the city comes to life as the sky darkens and white dust descends on the peaks. The puff of grey from people's mouths proves they're breathing. They're alive. And they're in love.

It's magical. The excited hustle as your pink-cheeked coworker comes in, shakes the melty drops of water from their jacket, and sighs. Can you believe it's snowing! It's only October! What happened to Fall!

Fall wasn't determined enough. Not like our Flagstaff winter.

ArtWalk!

2011-10-06T11:15:00.000-07:00

The First Friday ArtWalk is one of Northern Arizona's premier arts events. Each month, the streets fill as art galleries and businesses in Historic Downtown Flagstaff open their doors with special art exhibitions, performances, live music, treats and much, much more. Bundle up tomorrow and head out for a night on the town!

The scope of art is ever expanding at the ArtWalk. Hundreds of artists are represented every month. Get your full guide in the Flagstaff LIVE or online HERE, but below are some of my go-to spots for tomorrow!

INCAHOOTS Vintage Clothing and Costumes
9 E. Aspen
It's a Halloween Burlesque Soiree at Incahoots Vintage Clothing and Costumes, the ArtWalk Hotpot! It just sounds like a great time! Enjoy refreshment, specials on clothing and costumes, and Billy Bourbon's Genuine Live Girls!

1899 Bar & Grill
307 W. DuPont
Start with dinner and wine at the 1899! Featuring photography by Michael Keller and mixed media by Janet Alvillar. Live music by Kieran Smiley.

Lowbrow Gallery and Tattoo Studio
111 S. San Fransisco
See Anne Bentley’s art along with some tattoo and graffiti art at Lowbrow Gallery and Tattoo Studio.

West of the Moon Gallery
111 E. Aspen
Dotologist Dave Rentz is “Suffering For Art” at West of the Moon Gallery.

Café Daily Fare
408 E. Route 66
Support the next generation of artists! FALA students will be exhibiting collages and books. Mixed Media created collages using pressed wildflowers. Advanced Drawing & Painting created hand made accordion books.

Simply Spiritual Healing
105 E. Birch
Featuring Local Artist Baje Whitethorne Sr. who’s work is harmonious with the land and Navajo culture. Simply Spiritual Healing is also receiving Donations for food shelf.

Marric Studios
22 E. Birch
Emma Gardner and Scott Kraynak show their photography, paintings, pottery, jewelry and more at Marric Studios.

Arizona Music Pro
122 E. Route 66
Head over for an interactive music exhibit featuring live music, local artists and instrument makers. Come learn, play and browse at Arizona Music Pro.

In addition to performances, painting, photography, and pottery, you may also see stoneware, ceramic art, fine art, woodcarvings, sculpture, jewelry, textiles, metalwork, and stained glass. Artists can often be found in the businesses showcasing their artwork and are happy to answer questions or simply chat. Some even give demonstrations. So much to see! How will you fit it all in one evening?

Do you want your business or gallery listed in the ArtWalk Guide? Visit culturalpartners.org for participation information.

Lovin' Live Music

2011-09-30T09:01:00.000-07:00

This column was printed in the September 29 issue of Flagstaff Live. Check out the original issue here.

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There’s nothing quite like live music. I’m a little late to this party, I suppose. It seems that everyone in this town loves live music, and attends shows of some variety pretty regularly. After I lingered for many years believing that most new music pales in comparison to many of the great bands of my youth, I’ve just started to enjoy a lot of new music, mostly on the indie scene. This has led me to a few concerts in the last year, where my previous concept of live music (poor sound quality, too many people and their colorful body odor, plus bad domestic beer spilled on your back) has taken a turn for the better.

It all began last year when, after an epiphany, I decided to go out of my way to have more fun. Item #1: travel to Los Angeles, see Arcade Fire in concert, and have my mind blown. Mission accomplished. I was hooked.

Now, I’m trying to see as many shows as I can. Last week, I went to see Fleet Foxes play in Phoenix. From Seattle, Fleet Foxes might be called a “folk rock” band, as they string vocal harmonies with an impressive array of instruments, sometimes sounding like a modern version of Crosby, Stills and Nash, but mostly carving a unique sound all their own. It’s clear right from the start that they are musicians, not showmen. They walk onto stage and simply begin playing music. There’s no flash, no big light show, nor do the band members dance or strut around the stage. They simply play their music with passion.

They opened the concert with the song, “The Plains / Bitter Dancer” from their latest CD, Helplessness Blues. Most songs in popular music give you some variation of the same standard format: A-B-A-B-C-A-B. Even the most inventive songs still follow that pattern, or some similar layout that takes a couple of musical ideas and repeats them, with one transition before the final climactic finish, which repeats the original idea. Fleet Foxes, however, don’t play this game quite as often, rarely coming back to an idea in a song once they’ve moved on. “The Plains / Bitter Dancer” is an excellent example. It builds with a beautiful intro of voices in harmony that rise and rise in flowing intensity, and sounds more like choral music than rock. Then the song shifts gears and sounds like you’d expect a folk rock band to sound. But the ninety degree turns don’t end there: the song shifts again, with haunting vocal chanting and a steady build of beat, guitar and bass into a rising climax. The song doesn’t return to any of the two original movements; it moves forward creatively. It’s unlike anything I’ve heard. Live in concert, this movement is enough to bowl me over. I literally swoon.

And that’s just the first song. Their set gets stronger from there. One highlight was their performance of “White Winter Hymnal,” a song so rich with vocal harmony that it’s been covered by a cappella groups across the country (I recommend checking YouTube to see the version Sonos performs).

Lead singer Robin Peckhold’s lyrics can, at times, be vulnerable and beautiful. In their performance of “Helplessness Blues”, the title track for their latest CD and the finale for their concert last week, Peckhold sings passionately about his place in our crazy world, struggling between being a “unique snowflake” or a “functioning cog” in a larger machinery. He eventually comes to this conclusion: “I’m tongue-tied and dizzy / If I know only one thing / It's that every thing that I see / of the world outside is so inconceivable / often I barely can speak.” The song builds to this point with vocal harmonies and a guitar, and then shifts in another direction both lyrically and musically. Peckhold then sings, “If I had an orchard, I’d work ‘til I’m sore’ with passion and longing that is palpable. I find this lyrical shift as remarkable as their musical turns. He transforms a song that is intellectual and existential, without answer, into a poem of longing that comes down to a simple, lovely dream.

I had loved this song before I saw Fleet Foxes live. Their performance, and specifically Peckhold’s emotional delivery, brought that love to another level. Since the concert, I haven’t been able to stop listening to their music in the office, the deluxe memory of their show ripe in my mind.

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John 'JT' Tannous
Executive Director

Pizzzzzza!

2011-09-29T12:44:00.000-07:00

Pizzicletta
a neapolitan pizzeria
dine-in only
closed monday
5-9 tuesday, wednesday, and sunday
5-10 thursday - saturday - or until the dough runs out

You walk in and it's like you're a classy dime strolling through Naples at sunset. All of a sudden, your dirty jeans and torn up flip-flops are glowing with elegance. The complete strangers you passed coming in the door are actually your long-lost best friends, and it's like no time has passed since you last visited with them. You sit next to them and order every pizza on the menu to share among your party. You can't help but comment, "Wow, I can't believe this used to be a thrift store!" You watch as the cooks toss the dough and turn the pizzas in the oven. You give in and order a bottle of wine because what the heck- when in Rome. Minutes later, you're mouth is literally salivating at the smell of the work of art in front of you. Even the man with Celiac's eats a whole piece, and it is totally worth it! You stuff yourself so full that it hurts to take a deep breath, but somehow there's still room for that creamy heaven-sent homemade gelato. Pray and pray, "Please have some left!" No one can talk about anything but the sweet taste of paradise in your mouth. Wonder if it's really how they serve it in Naples, because O.M.G. it can't get any better than this.

You just had your first meal at Pizzicletta.

This Fine Fall Flagstaff Weekend!

2011-09-28T17:00:00.000-07:00

EVENTS IN FLAGSTAFF!!!

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf
Friday & Saturday 8pm
Sunday 2pm
Through October 16
Dorris Harper-White Playhouse

As wickedly hilarious today as when it first shocked audiences, "Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" is an ingeniously funny play that will leave audiences staggered. Wh...at starts as verbal sparring at an impromptu cocktail party, devolves into a no-holds-barred battle of wits and wills. With brilliant writing and some of the greatest characters ever created for the stage, Albee set a new standard for American theater with this sharp, vicious, Molotov cocktail of a play.

774-1662 or visit theatrikos.com

Flagstaff Oktoberfest
Saturday 11-8 at
Wheeler Park

A community celebration for all of Northern Arizona. This year we'll be featuring a Mug Root Beer garden for kids with help from Brookside Chocolate! Free Root Beer Floats! We have teamed up with the local YMCA to provide fun and games.

The Flagstaff Oktoberfest wouldn't be true to its name without a complete with a constant flow of great beer! With a polka line-up on the stage, the Oktoberfest packs the traditional 16 day festival into one beautiful Flagstaff Saturday!

606-7600 or visit flagstaffoktoberfest.com

Flagstaff Festival of Science
September 23 - Oct 2, 2011
A ten-day family event with open houses, hands-on activities, lectures, in-school presentations, hikes and excursions and more!!

The 2011 Flagstaff Festival of Science is illuminating science in the far reaches of the solar system, from ancient underground lava tunnels, into the forest, and back in time. Through shredded supernovas, celestial fireworks and icy dwarf planets to moon maps, Mars rovers and volcanoes, let scientists, engineers and innovators light the way to archaeological sites, wetlands and tomorrow’s jobs. With more than 70 FREE activities, the Flagstaff Festival of Science promises to ignite and excite your sense of discovery!

FRIDAY:

Night Visions IV Exhibition
11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Coconino Center for the Arts
Explore the beauty of the night sky through this nationally juried art exhibit and elebrate the 53rd anniversary of Flagstaff adopting the first city lighting ordinance to preserve our dark skies.

Open House/Discovery Room
Willow Bend
Noon – 6 p.m., 703 E. Sawmill Road
Explore the Discovery Room and its focus on sustainability. Enjoy activities centered on ponderosa pine ecosystems, including a recycled art activity to help kids learn how saving paper saves trees!

CCC Celebration in Science
6 - 8 p.m., Coconino Community College
Join the CCC science department in a celebration of science through rocks that talk, orensics, micro life and chemistry magic shows!

SATURDAY:

Illuminating the Past
Archaeology Day Camp
9 a.m. – noon & 1 – 4 p.m.
Wupatki National Monument
Join archaeologists for family learning in one of two day camps. Fourth through sixth graders are invited to explore a prehistoric site alongside archaeologists; meantime parents can enjoy a forest hike. For reservations and directions call 928-679-2365.

Fantastic Voyage
Noon - 4 p.m.
Flagstaff Medical Center
Explore a medical helicopter and ambulance, discover how your voice works, learn about germs, look deep into your ear canal, listen to a baby’s heartbeat and examine X-rays. This Fantastic Voyage is the perfect adventure for tomorrow’s doctors and everyone who wants to know more about how the body works!

Apollo Astronauts Training Ground
Field Trip
1 - 5 p.m., Cinder Hills
Bring your 4 x 4 on a field trip to the Cinder Hills where America’s trip to the moon began. See where the Apollo astronauts learned to drive through craters and how to select the most useful rocks to bring back to Earth. For reservations and directions all 928-556-7002.

Fall Open House
The Arboretum at Flagstaff
1 - 5 p.m., 4 miles south on Woody Mountain Road
Spend a fall day exploring the Arboretum’s extensive grounds featuring native plants of the Colorado Plateau. Join in a scavenger hunt and other hands-on family activities. Participate in fall-themed garden tours at 1 and 3 p.m., and a 2 p.m. wildlife program!

SUNDAY:

Meteor Crater Open House
8 a.m. – 5 p.m., I-40 east to Exit 233
See and experience the world’s best-preserved and most accessible impact crater. Learn how craters are formed, create your own galactic chaos or take a guided hike. For ages 12 and up, sign up for a rarely offered two-and-a-half mile guided rim tour. Reservations required for the full-rim hike, 928-289-5898.

Stories To Life: Enchanted Skies
6 - 7:30 p.m., Coconino Center for the Arts
Enjoy spoken word artists reading from celestial works and ethereal musical selections by The Ponderosa Players through this collaboration with the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra, Flagstaff Public Library and Flagstaff Cultural Partners.

Campus Sky Viewing
7:30 - 10 p.m., NAU Campus Observatory
Explore the night sky through the 20-inch Barry Lutz Telescope for Education and Training.

Another 9/11 Story

2011-09-10T14:52:00.000-07:00

More than art culture, or hippie or mountain or Flagstaff culture, we're all an innate part of American culture. And today it's hard to forget that. It seems only fitting, given that it's the 10 year anniversary of 9/11, to tell you the story of an American soldier.

I may or may not agree with the war, but I will support our soldiers until the last one comes home. A lot of men and women I know and love are fighting to keep us free right now, and their stories often get melted into the greater pot of war memoirs. Jeremiah, though- he has more integrity than anyone I know. And he deserves to have his story heard.

Jeremiah and I aren't best friends. In honesty, I haven't spoken with him since he enlisted. But a lot of my dearest late childhood memories are with him. Playing on the trampoline with my cousins -his nephews and nieces. Celebrating Birthdays and Easters as one massive family. Being young and confused while evacuated from our home town for two weeks. Vacationing at his uncle and aunt's home in Colorado, playing Uno, and watching him run away from the garden snakes. Learning flips and lifts in swing choir, or being the best alto and bari sax players in the WORLD. Double-dating to Proms and Co-eds (our little high school's version of Sadie Hawkins); we brought different dates to every dance, but always managed to group together.

Jeremiah isn't 21-years-old yet, but 10 days ago, he was promoted from Private First Class to Specialist in the United State's Army. He missed his celebratory barbecue, but received the Purple Heart last weekend, because the day after his promotion he was wounded in battle. After over a week in a German hospital, Jeremiah was moved to Fort Hood where most of his family was more than grateful to see him battered but breathing. In a miraculous and manly feat so characteristic of Jeremiah, he was released from the hospital the next day and is on his way to the other end of recovery.

There's this insane amount of support and love for him coming from every person in my small town community. His facebook page is flooded with get well messages and expressions of pride and thanks. The entire town banded together and offered a collective wish of comfort to his family and platoon. If he didn't know it before, he must know now how well loved he is.

Jeremiah's the type of man that gives hope to a hurting country. Through recession and difference of opinions and fighting and chaos, Jeremiah- you remind me that we're united as a people. I hope today brings you one step closer to healing, and the rest of us one step closer to peace.

Falling in Love

2011-09-09T21:17:00.001-07:00

It's 10pm, and I finally had to close my kitchen window. It's been open for the past 4 1/2 months. I'm snuggled on the couch, the kitty's warming my feet, and I'm drinking yet another cup of decaf- hi, my name's Whitney, and I'm a coffee addict- in a mug made by my boyfriend, no less. (It's no Robin Cadigan masterpiece, but I do what I can.) I'm a Teaching Assistant for a World Religion course at NAU (living the dream). Today campus was 40% short shorts, 40% scarfs and sweaters, and 20% pajamas. After class, I ran around Downtown in the almost rain with posters for the Berta Rojas, Colin Hay, and Old Blind Dogs shows. When I reached my car an hour later, my toes were cold. Like, really cold. I picked up a Pumpkin latte from Bookman's and headed to the Center to do the things they pay me for, at least that's what JT thinks ;) They still had the doors propped open in the back office, but it was almost too chilly.

Fall's coming, and I can't stop it. So I might as well go with it. I like to think of each new season in Flagstaff like a new relationship. At first, you're anxious and scared and sure it will never work out, then you get to know it a little bit and it's kind of exciting.

I'm ready for the leaves to change at Lockette Meadow. To bundle up at the ArtWalk and drink tea or cocoa. To watch through a foggy window at Rendevous while people shop for their loved ones. And I'm lucky enough to live in a city with four seasons that's beautiful year-round, so sometimes, I get to do all these things.

Happy Almost Fall, Flagstaff.

This fine fall weekend in Flagstaff!

2011-09-08T13:44:00.000-07:00

Flagstaff Route 66 Days Charity Event
Historic Downtown Flagstaff
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday

Saturday is the car show in Downtown Flagstaff. All weekend, you’ll find giveaways, raffles, a Poker Walk, the Sweet Treats Poker Run, and dozens of Food Vendors, Arts and Crafts and Automotive Vendors. Free!

Movies on the Square: Rango
Heritage Square in Downtown Flagstaff
Friday 6:00pm

Fall is settling in here in Flagstaff, so this Friday is the LAST summer movie on the square. At 6:00, live entertainment by the gypsy performance group, Al Rakasaat, on Heritage Square will lead up to the Movie on the Square, Rango. The kids will love this as always, and of course it’s FREE!

Artist's Demonstration by Elaine Dillingham
Coconino Center for the Arts
Saturday, 1:00pm

Local artist Elaine Dillingham is giving a demonstration in conjunction with her exhibition, Articles of Consideration. This is the last day to see her show at the Center, as well as the Prelude to Open Studios exhibition.

Second Saturday SongWalk
Downtown Flagstaff
Saturday, 6:00pm

This weekend is the last songwalk of the season. Be sure to head downtown to support local singer/songwriters! At Cafe Ole, Morning Glory Cafe, and Vino Loco.

Easton Corbin in Concert
Pepsi Amphitheater at Fort Tuthill
Saturday, 8:00pm

American Country Music Singer, Easton Corbin, brings his hits like “Roll With It” and “A Little More Country Than That” to Flagstaff. Seating is still available, or you can bring a blanket and enjoy the concert under the stars.

Nappy Roots in Concert
The Green Room
Saturday, 10:00pm

Nappy Roots is performing in concert. This Grammy-nominated multi-platinum album selling quintet brings their Southern-influenced hip hop to Flagstaff.

Grand Canyon Guitar Society Concert
Heritage Square Downtown
Sunday from 2-4

Grand Canyon Guitar Society will be performing a FREE concert as part of the Heritage Trust Summer Concert Series. Guitarists of all ages perform a concert comprised of a wide variety of styles.

There are a lot of other events that I can’t fit here, so make sure to check out Showup.com for a full list of this week’s events in Flagstaff!

THE moment

2011-09-04T02:14:00.000-07:00

If you're a regular reader of The Culture Club Blog here at Flagstaff Cultural Partners, you've noticed the flood of concert posts and the lack of.. just about everything else. Because my second favorite moment in the entire world is THAT moment at a concert (my first is when a little kid runs up screaming your name through a smile, so the concert moment had some pretty stiff competition). It's different for each show, but I've never seen live music and not experienced THAT moment. When I rode the shoulders of one of the chaperones at a Newsboys concert when I was 11, and I saw my first crowd. When my family took me to see *NSYNC (yes, I'm such a loyal fan that I use the asterisk) at U.S. Airways Center back when it was called America West Arena. THE moment: every moment. I was a 12-year-old girl at an *NSYNC concert. Be real, people.

Swoon

When my step-brother and I fought our way to the front row, and for the first time, I didn't resent my parents for getting a divorce. The sky lit up with thousands of cellphones and lighters during a song I don't know because I'd never listened to Good Charlotte before. My step-brother wrapped his arm around my shoulder and we swayed to the only slow song of the concert.

Everyone has these moments. The experiences at a live show that somehow sneaks into conversation every time The Rolling Stones or Led Zeppelin or Dolly Parton or Pat Benatar is mentioned. For my dad, it's dancing to the B-52s' "Rock Lobster." For my boss, it's getting in early at an Arcade Fire show (the ticket is still hanging on the wall by his desk). For my boyfriend, it's watching John Butler play "Ocean" at Pepsi Amphitheater- a moment I'm reminded that I missed every time the song comes on the iPod and he "seriously can't believe he saw this live in Flagstaff!"

Tonight, I went to the Arboretum for the last concert of the Summer Music Series. LoCura came from San Francisco to Tijuana to Tucson and barely made it to Flagstaff. THE moment: The last couple songs, the band invited the audience to stand up and dance into the sunset. Two little girls in the back twirled their skirts in imitation of the Flamenco dancer in the band. It was almost a combo of my first and second favorite moments.

Labor Day Weekend!

2011-09-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

We're getting ready for the busiest weekend of the month here at FCP! ArtWalk is tonight! The streets are just waiting for the thousands to parade Downtown in search of the best art deals of the season! Concerts, plays, and movies are also in store this weekend! It feels good to be a Flagstaffian.

First Friday ArtWalk
Downtown Flagstaff
Friday 6:00-9:00pm

It’s Flagstaff’s First Friday ArtWalk! All around Downtown, businesses and galleries open their doors with yummy snacks, drinks, entertainment, and wonderful art! It really is Flagstaff’s premier social and art event. At 6:00, live entertainment by Zumba on Heritage Square will lead up to the Movie on the Square, Finding Nemo, one of my favorite movies. The kids will love this as always, and of course it’s FREE!

Sing-A-Long Movie Night: Oklahoma
Pepsi Amphitheater at Fort Tuthill
Friday, 8:00pm

Tonight at the Pepsi Amphitheater at Fort Tuthill you can Sing-a-Long to Oklahoma, the Musical. Bring a blanket and enjoy the shows under the stars. Tickets available at pepsiamp.com.

LoCura in Concert
The Arboretum at Flagstaff
Saturday, 5:30pm

Tomorrow, Saturday, LoCura is playing live at the Arboretum at Flagstaff. LoCura mixes Flamenco with Reggae, and Cumbia with Ska. Sure to be a great show! Bring your picnic dinner to the Arb. The show starts at 5:30. Tickets available at culturalpartners.org.

Ballet Folklorico de Colores
Heritage Square Downtown
Saturday, 4:00-6:00pm

The kids dance group, Ballet Folklorico de Colores is performing as part of the Heritage Square Trust Summer Concert Series. This traditional Mexican folk dance is colorful and fun! Free!

Elden Brass Quintet in Concert
Lowell Observatory
Sunday, 5:00pm

Sunday is the last of the FREE month long Summer Music series at the Lowell Observatory. This series is sponsored by the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra. This week is the Elden Brass Quintet performing at 5:00pm.

Cold War Kids in Concert
The Orpheum Theater
Wednesday, 8:00pm

This Wednesday The Cold War Kids are coming to the Orpheum Theater! Rock/Soul/Punk/Blues all mixed into one. Tickets are available at the door or at orpheumpresents.com. Show starts at 8pm.

Helly Dolly! The Musical
Sinagua Auditorium
Fri & Sat, 7:30pm/ Sun 2:30pm

As for the theater scene, today through the 11th, catch the timeless classic, Hello Dolly! Presented by Flagstaff Light Opera at the Sinagua Middle School Auditorium. Go to thefloc.org for showtimes.

There are a lot of other events that I can’t fit here, so make sure to check out Showup.com for a full list of this week’s events in Flagstaff!

The few, the proud: Indie Fest crowd members.

2011-08-27T12:11:00.000-07:00

That I-hope-no-one-saw-me-accidentally-spit moment? I caught Ataris' front man, Kris Roe, right in the middle of it. Because I was so close to the stage that I could see he played his right-handed guitar lefty so that the high E was the top string. When he got really pumped about a song, his forehead wrinkled into three folds of skin. The crows feet around his eyes gentled his face and gave him character, so I believed him when he sang out that he wanted to remedy his relationship with the child he fathered at age 19.

Roe tuned his own guitar last night at the Indie Fest at Pepsi Amphitheater. No roadie. No stagehand. He did it all. When a woman in the small crowd shushed during an admittedly awkward silence in a song break, he laughed and thanked us for being a more polite crowd that the Scottsdale Bar crew he played for last week.

Even though Roe is from Indiana, he has the Arizona Flag tattooed on his left arm. His band, the Ataris, is recording a new album in Mesa with Bob Hoag. A lot of the songs last night were from this new album. As he sang, I had conflicting emotions. I was proud that a talent like Roe claimed Arizona as temporary-home and inspiration, nostalgic as his music speaks to a variety of experiences I've had, almost had, or want to have, and saddened that so few people were at the amphitheater supporting this last minute headliner.

The small crowd didn't detract from the atmosphere though; if anything, it added to it. It was like Roe was telling me a secret. Like he traveled from the desert to the mountains to play just for me. The show had all the intimacy of a coffee shop open-mic and all the awe of an arena concert. And Roe was one of many acts.

The show goes on all day at the Pepsi Amphitheater at Fort Tuthill Park. You've already missed some great bands today, so hurry over! Headlining acts like Lit, California Liar, and Flagstaff local band Fight the Quiet are sure to pack all the punch that last's night show did. Click here for a full line-up. Tickets are $14 dollars at the door. Be there, or be square.

A great weekend in Flagstaff

2011-08-25T20:00:00.000-07:00

NAU is starting this week, so the streets are packed with students. I love this time of year because there is so much activity around town! New-to-Flagstaff students will explore the one way streets, and if they're like I was four years ago, turn the wrong way on San Francisco a time or two. It's a great weekend for all the students to arrive, because a lot of fun events are going on!

Movies on the Square: Earth
Heritage Sqaure
Friday 6:00pm
Live entertainment by NAU Pep Rally on Heritage Square will lead up to this weekend’s Movie on the Square, Earth. The kids will love this as always, and of course it’s FREE!

Flagstaff Indie Music Festival
Pepsi Amphitheater at Fort Tuthill
Friday 4:00-10:00pm, Saturday 11:00am-11:00pm
You do not want to miss the first ever Flagstaff Indie Music Festival at Pepsi Amphitheater at Fort Tuthill. Califonia Liar, Lit, and Redlight Kind will feature, but we have a lot of local and out-of-town talent coming to Flagstaff this weekend! You can visit flagstaffamp.com to buy a one day pass or a two day pass.

Flagstaff Indie Music Fest Post-Party
The Green Room
Friday at 9:00pm
Keep the party going at the Black Mesa Water Coalition Benefit at the Green Room. This is the official Indie Fest Post-Party featuring live music by the Holloys and Midnight Radio.

Flagstaff Open Studios
41 Locations around Flagstaff
Saturday & Sunday 10:00am-6:00pm
Over 75 local artists open their doors and let the public see the creative process behind the art for Flagstaff’s annual Open Studios Event! Stop by the Coconino Center for the Arts to see the Prelude exhibition, where 1 piece of art from each Open Studios artist is featured. Pick up your guide and decide which studios you want to visit!

Ponderosa Players in Concert
Lowell Observatory
Sunday 5:00pm
Sunday is the fourth of the FREE month long Summer Music series at the Lowell Observatory. This series is sponsored by the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra. This week is the Ponderosa Players.

Warriors: Navajo Code Talkers art exhibition
Museum of Northern Arizona
Through October 9
Japanese photographer Kenji Kawano, uses black and white prints to capture the spirit of those Navajo Code Talkers, whose code was never broken. Kawano’s exhibition, Warriors: Navajo Code Talkers, at the Museum of Northern Arizona through October 9 as part of the Navajo Festival. This exhibit is included with Museum admission.

There are a lot of other events that I can’t fit here, so make sure to check out Showup.com for a full list of this week’s events in Flagstaff!

The Good Times Are Rolling

2011-08-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

I went fishing last weekend, and it got dark before we left the lake. I lamented the closing of summer and gave up hope on the warm weather. Then I realized it's only the middle of August, and the mountains have a few great weeks left in them. Don't despair, Flagstaffers! The sun's still shining, and the good times are still rolling.

Movies on the Square: Toy Story 3
Heritage Square in Downtown Flagstaff
Friday 6-10pm

Catch a family friendly movie every Friday at Heritage Square in Historic Downtown. This week's showing is Tangled. Canyon Movement and Velocity will be performing before the movie. Bring a blanket and the kids! As always, free admission!

Artist's Talk with Elaine Dillingham
Coconino Center for the Arts
Saturday 1pm

Dillingham is currently featured in the Jewel gallery at the Coconino Center for the Arts with her exhibition, Articles of Consideration. Hear about her work and ask questions!

Visit culturalpartners.org for more information.

Children's Music and Art Festival
Wheeler Park
Saturday 10:00am-3:00pm

Saturday all day long at Wheeler Park is the Children’s Music and Art Festival! This family-friendly event celebrates the artistic potential of all youth in the community. The best part of this event is that all entertainment will be performed by youth, for youth. The second best part of this event is that it’s free!

Mariachi Pasion in Concert
The Arboretum at Flagstaff
Saturday 5:30pm

The heart of Mariachi Pasion is the common love and respect for mariachi music; the soul of the group is the desire to perform in an all female mariachi! See them this weekend in Flagstaff!

Visit culturalpartners.org or call (928) 779-2300 for more info.

Breakestra in Concert
The Green Room
Saturday 8pm

The Los Angeles based ensemble is based in deep funk, soul, jazz fever and musical friendships. A Breakestra show is about dancing and swinging — eight men on stage getting loose, playing serious grooves.

Visit flagstaffgreenroom.com for more info.

Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers
Pepsi Amphitheater at Fort Tuthill
Saturday 8pm

Bring your dancing feet and enjoy the show under the stars!

Visit flagstaffamp.com for more info.

The Last Flapper & Winnie the Pooh
Dorris Harper-White Playhouse
Thursday-Sunday (times vary, see below)

The Last Flapper is showing Thursday-Sunday at 8:00pm. Based on the letters and stories of Zelda Fitzgerald, author F. Scott Fizgerald’s wife.

The kids will love Winnie the Pooh also showing at the Dorris Harper-White Playhouse this weekend. This is performed by the TheatriKIDS camp students, so make sure to come support our young actors! Friday & Saturday at 5:00pm and Saturday & Sunday at 1:00pm.

Visit theatrikos.com or call (928) 774-1662 for more info.

Percival Lowell Summer Concert Series
Lowell Observatory
Sunday 5pm

The month long Percival Lowell Summer Chamber Music series sponsored by the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra continues this weekend with Jack Webb New Orleans Jazz Band.

Visit flagstaffsymphony.org for more info.

Enjoy the Flagstaff summer while you can, friends! Make sure to check out showup.com or flagstaffarizona.org for for a full list of this week’s events in Flagstaff!

Prelude Opening Reception

2011-08-17T12:33:00.000-07:00

I've heard at least six new musicians and bands in the last week. I turned off my usual Pandora station and let the sound from the CD player that looks more like a 1999 boom box reach my desk just outside the main gallery here at the Center for the Arts. Classical, Reggae, and even Hipster music (though the Gallery Director here has been listening to those bands FOREVER). I heard it all. While Robin, Marja, and Jessica painted walls and hammer nails and leveled artwork, I typed away at my computer, secretly wishing that I was hanging art.

I started working at the Center during the last exhibition, Domestic Neon, so this week was my first installation and opening. It was also one of my favorite moments this summer (other than graduating college and actually accepting this position, that is). My event anxiety got the best of me, and I showed up at the Center 15 minutes early on the night of the reception for our latest exhibitions, Prelude to Open Studios and Articles of Consideration by Elaine Dillingham. Soon, men in ties and women in dresses arrived with food and drinks and nametags. I forgot most of their names immediately and regretfully. I quickly realized that most of them had art in the exhibition.

It was overwhelming, but it was also an incredible honor to meet so many talented and hardworking artists. Some featured in the exhibition make their living through the artwork, but many work fulltime elsewhere. It is incredible how much passion each artist has regardless of how they pay their mortgage. They reminded me why this Center is important - why ART is important.

I made the fatal error of wearing my high heals the entire night, so my feet didn't feel as good as I did driving away from the Center. But miraculously I didn't spill any wine on my white dress, so I'd say the evening was a success.

Coconino Center for the Arts is open 11:00am-5:00pm Tuesday-Saturday. Visit culturalpartners.org/exhibtions.htm or call (928) 779-2300 for more information on our current exhibitions.

Everything's Gonna Be Alright

2011-08-12T12:55:00.000-07:00

There's an ineffability to that moment at a concert when every single person in the audience closes their eyes, tilts their heads back, and belts out the words to the song that got them through that horrid breakup. Last night, I was one of the hundreds singing along to "No Woman, No Cry" at the Wailer's concert at Pepsi Amp. "Everything's gonna be alright." And in that moment, I believed it with 100% of my heart. When "One Love" was blasting from the stage, I watched a synchronized mob of fingers bobbing to the beats so distinct to reggae. I put my finger up with the rest of the crowd and shouted out, "one love, one heart," and yeah... I felt alright. What really did it though, really made me feel like something bigger and better than myself, was when when I helped sing that song of freedom, "Redemption Song." I let my eyes water, and I sent up a prayer for all the beautiful people that need redeeming. I sent up a prayer for myself.

After the show, I walked in near silence back to my car with my concert-mate. After a few minutes the only words that still didn't do the show justice were, "that was awesome."

Happening THIS weekend in Flagstaff!

2011-08-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

After last weekend, I didn't think there was anything left to do in Flagstaff, but the city amazes me again with another fun line-up of events in Flagstaff!

Movies on the Square: Tangled
Heritage Square in Downtown Flagstaff
Friday 6-10pm

Catch a family friendly movie every Friday at Heritage Square in Historic Downtown. This week's showing is Tangled. Integrity Martial Arts will be performing before the movie. Bring a blanket and the kids! As always, free admission!

Prelude to Open Studios Reception
Coconino Center for the Arts
Saturday 6-9pm

Food, drinks, entertainment, and lots of art! Visit the Coconino Center for the Arts for the first sneek peek of artwork by over 70 participants in the Flagstaff Open Studios Event.

Visit culturalpartners.org for more information.

Discovery Second Saturdays: Zuni Map Art
Museum of Northern Arizona
Saturday 2-4pm

Learn about the ideas and symbols found in the paintings and help you discover your own symbols to express your unique self. For kids of all ages and included with admission.

Visit musnaz.org for more info.

Flagstaff Mountain Film Festival
The Green Room
Saturday 6pm

This film follows two climbers as they make the first ever free ascent up the northface of Mt. Asgard! And the showing is FREE!

Visit flagstaffgreenroom.com for more info.

Sing-a-Long Movie Night: Rocky Horror
Pepsi Amphitheater at Fort Tuthill
Saturday 8pm

Come out to Pepsi Amp Saturday night and belt out your favorite jams with Dr. Frank-n-Furter, Brad and Janet, and of course Rocky! Bring a blanket and enjoy the show under the stars!

Visit flagstaffamp.com for more info.

Sherlocks Last Case
Dorris Harper-White Playhouse
Fri & Sat 8pm/ Sun 2pm

Sherlocks Last Case is showing at the Dorris Harper-White Playhouse. This is closing weekend, and tickets are selling out fast! Make sure to catch it before it's too late.

Visit theatrikos.com or call (928) 774-1662 for more info.

Percival Lowell Summer Concert Series
Lowell Observatory
Sunday 5pm

The month long Percival Lowell Summer Chamber Music series sponsored by the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra continues this weekend with Jack Webb New Orleans Jazz Band.

Visit flagstaffsymphony.org for more info.

There are SO many other events that I can’t fit here, from concerts to gallery exhibitions to national park events. So make sure to check out showup.com or flagstaffarizona.org for for a full list of this week’s events in Flagstaff!

A JAM-packed weekend in Flagstaff!

2011-08-05T11:00:00.000-07:00

I am NOT kidding when I say this week is JAM-packed with fun events in Flagstaff!

First Friday ArtWalk
At Historic Downtown Flagstaff
One of Northern Arizona's premier arts events. Each month, art galleries and businesses in historic Downtown Flagstaff open their doors with special art exhibitions, performances, live music, treats and much much more. After party, Electric Kingdom at the Green Room.

Friday 6:00pm-9:00pm. Free to the public! Click here for a map and guide.

Movies on the Square: A Bug's Life
At Heritage Square in Downtown Flagstaff
Catch a family friendly movie every Friday at Heritage Square in Historic Downtown. This week's showing is A Bug's Life. No Way Out will be performing before the movie. Bring a blanket and the kids!

The entertainment starts at 6:00pm. Movie starts at sundown. As always, free admission!

Novo Mundo in Concert
At the Arboretum at Flagstaff
The Brazilian 6-piece ensemble, Novo Mundo, is performing in concert this Saturday at 5:00pm at the Arboretum at Flagstaff. This concert is part of the summer concert series presented by Flagstaff Cultural Partners and the Arboretum at Flagstaff. I’ll be there enjoying the gorgeous backdrop of the San Fransicso Peaks with my picnic dinner! It’s so beautiful out there. I always have the best experience! Visit culturalpartners.org for more info.

Sherlocks Last Case
At the Dorris Harper-White Playhouse
Sherlocks Last Case is showing at the Dorris Harper-White Playhouse Friday and Saturday at 8:00 pm and Sunday at 2:00pm. This is a TheatriKIDS performance, so it’s sure to be a lot of fun for the whole family! Visit theatrikos.com or call (928) 774-1662 for more info.

Big Red Pour Beer and Music Festival
At Pepsi Amphitheater at Fort Tuthill
Big Red Pour Beer and Music Festival is this Friday and Saturday starting at noon both days. There will be music and shows from 4:00-10:00pm both days and libations aplenty! Print the image above and get in free!

The festivities are at the Pepsi Amphitheater at Fort Tuthill Park. Visit flagstaffamp.com for more info.

Navajo Festival of Arts and Culture
At the Museum of Northern Arizona

For a great cultural experience head to the Museum of Northern Arizona this Saturday and Sunday from 8:30am-5:00pm for the Navajo Festival of Arts and Culture, where 75 artists from all corners of the Navajo Nation gather. This festival includes musical performers, a traditional dance troupe, and Heritage Insight talks from the region's experts, giving all visitors a genuine Navajo experience. Visit musnaz.org for more info.

Nameless Prophets in Concert
At the Green Room
The bluesey, folkey, funkey, jam band, The Nameless Prophets are playing a FREE show Saturday at 8:00pm at the Green Room. Then at 9:00pm on Tuesday, Afroman will be playing another FREE show at the Green Room. These concerts are going to be awesome, and … did I mention they’re FREE! Visit flagstaffgreenroom.com for more info.

Percival Lowell Summer Concert Series
At Lowell Observatory
Sunday is the first of the FREE month long Percival Lowell Summer Chamber Music series at the Lowell Observatory. This series is sponsored by the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra. This week is Mars Hillbillies performing at 5:00pm. Visit flagstaffsymphony.org for more info.

There are SO many other events that I can’t fit here, from concerts to gallery exhibitions to national park events. So make sure to check out showup.com or flagstaffarizona.org for for a full list of this week’s events in Flagstaff!

This Weekend!!

2011-07-22T08:15:00.000-07:00

Another weekend in Flagstaff with lots to see and do!

Movies on the Square: Secret of Nimh
At Heritage Square in Downtown Flagstaff

Catch a family friendly movie every Friday at Heritage Square in Historic Downtown. This week's showing is Secret of Nimh. The Buzzard Brothers will be performing before the movie. Bring a blanket and the kids!

The entertainment starts at 6:00pm. Movie starts at sundown. As always, free admission!

"Metal Gone Acoustic" in The Lounge Featuring Sheepheads
At the Orpheum Theater
Featuring music by Sheepheads and Mike Van Acker from Center Unshaded. With special guests Day of the Dog and Ellah Frae Rah.

Friday at 9:00pm. Doors at 8:30pm. Only $5 dollars at the door for unique show! Visit orpheumpresents.com for more info.

Navajo Code Talkers Presentation
At Riordan Mansion State Park
John Yazzie, a Code Talker, will be present in period USMC uniform and equipment including an operating field telephone like the ones used in the war. This will be a great historical event remembering the important role Natives had in the war.

Saturday at 7:00pm. FREE admission, though reservations are recommended. Visit azsateparks.com or call (928) 779-4395 for more information.

MELT Flagstaff
At the Orpheum Theater
Dance all night long at this artist collective!

Saturday at 9:00pm. Only $3 dollars at the door for this all ages show! Visit orpheumpresents.com for more info.

Heritage Square Trust Concert Series
At Heritage Square in Historic Downtown Flagstaff
Saturday at 4:00pm is Al-Rakasaat, with tradition Middle Eastern dance. Sunday at 2:00pm is soothing musician Hannah Praffe.

Admission is free! For more information, call(928) 853-4292.

Visit showup.com or flagstaffarizona.org for even more great weekend events!

It's the Weekend!!

2011-07-15T12:03:00.000-07:00

Can you believe how much is going on lately in Flagstaff!? Lots of festivals, and lots of Downtown fun this weekend! I'm so lucky to live in a town so full of summer fun!

Movies on the Square: Shark Tale
At Heritage Square in Downtown
Catch a family friendly movie every Friday at Heritage Square in Historic Downtown. This week's showing is Shark Tale. The Celtic Heritage Society will be performing before the movie. Bring a blanket and the kids!

The entertainment starts at 6:00pm. Movie starts at sundown. As always, free admission!

Native American Cultural & Music Festival
At the Pepsi Amphitheater at Fort Tuthill
Native American Music and Dance along with Reggae, Native Blues, Metal and much more! Featuring a showcase of Native American Artisans throughout the day. Experience Native American food, song and dance at the First Annual Native American Cultural and Music Festival.

Saturday at noon. Doors open at 11:30am. Tickets $15. To purchase, visit flagstaffamp.com or call 1-866-977-6849.

Arizona Highland Celtic Festival
At Foxglenn Park
Celebrate all things Celtic! Entertainment, competitions, displays, education, reenactments, workshops, and more!

Saturday from 9:00am-6:00pm. Sunday from 10:00am-4:00pm. $12 for one day/ $18 for two. Visit www.nachs.info/festival for more info and a full list of events.

Heritage Square Trust Concert Series
At Heritage Square in Historic Downtown Flagstaff
Saturday at 4:00pm is The Rounders, with a great modern take on classic country music. Sunday at 2:00pm is Porchlight, combining elements of rock, bluegrass, folk, blues, and jam.

Admission is free! For more information, call(928) 853-4292.

Visit showup.com or flagstaffarizona.org for even more great weekend events!

Beer, Biking, & Film

2011-07-13T14:28:00.000-07:00

New Belgium's cLips of Faith Beer&Film Tour this weekend perfectly represents everything Flagstaff- art, beer, biking, and community. New Belgium prides itself on the festival saying, "It doesn’t get much better than sitting on a picnic blanket enjoying handmade beers and handmade films on a beautiful summer’s eve." And that's exactly what I did on Friday!
I arrived at the park way too early with my boyfriend because of his insane crowd anxiety. He was sure we wouldn't get a good view or we'd miss out on all the brew. He was wrong, but I'm glad I got there early enough to chat up some volunteers and even meet a New Belgium Brewer. We ate massive slices of Fratelli's pesto pizza, delicious as always, and got a sample of every beer offered. I'm not talking about Fat Tire either, although it was there. I'm talking about PIPA, the IPA made by a contest winner from last year's tour, and 10-10-10, a specialty brewed on October 10, 2010 (clever name, right?) and La Terroir, the only beer to ever give my boyfriend sour face.
The festival showcased some excellent films, of course. Funny, sentimental, clever. Some about beer, some about the environment. This fest had it all. The almost rain only made the films better.
The proceeds from the night went to Flagstaff Biking Organization, a non-profit that promotes biking as a fun and safe means of transportation. They're responsible for Bike to Work Week, SAFE KIDS, Flagstaff Loop Trail, and those fancy "share the road with cyclists" bumper stickers you see everywhere.

So you see now why I said it perfectly represents Flagstaff Culture. When we left, I asked my boyfriend, "Why don't we go to stuff like this more often?" Neither of us have an answer.

-Whitney

Another Fun-Filled Flagstaff Weekend

2011-07-08T12:36:00.000-07:00

This weekend promises to be exciting and jam-packed with great local events. There are so many ways to get out and enjoy a beautiful rainy July in Flagstaff!

Movies on the Square: Wallace & Grommit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit
At Heritage Square in Downtown
Catch a family friendly movie every Friday at Heritage Square in Historic Downtown. This week's showing is Wallace & Grommit. Chris Cheeseman will be performing before the movie. Bring a blanket and the kids!

The movie starts at 6:00pm Free admission!

"Clips of Faith" Beer & Film Festival
At the multipurpose fields at Thorpe Park
It’s New Belgium’s style of show business: An outdoor evening with artistic beers and films, all to benefit Flagstaff Biking Organization. The selected films include comedic shorts, adventure documentaries and music animation. The event will highlight some of New Belgium’s most esoteric beer offerings.

Friday at 7:00pm. Admission is FREE! Visit flagstafftoday.com for more info.

Dead Ahead in Concert: A Grateful Dead Tribute
At the Orpheum Theater
You don't want to miss Dead Ahead, featuring Melvin Seals and Jimmy Tebeau from the Jerry Garcia Band.

Friday at 9:00pm. Doors open at 8:00pm. Tickets $17. To purchase, visit orpheumpresents.com or call (928) 556-1580

The 26th Annual Plant Sale & Penstemon Festival
At the Arboretum at Flagstaff

Local growers will have a wide selection of specimens to choose from. Great for your garden! You'll even learn which plants attract birds.

Saturday from 9:00am-5:00pm. Members preview on Friday. FREE admission! Visit thearb.org or call (928) 774-1442 for more information.

Second Saturday Songwalk
At Historic Downtown Flagstaff

Multiple venues host singer/songwriters, performing their own all-original solo material.

Saturday from 6:00pm-9:00pm. Visit songwalk.org for venue and artist locations.

Heritage Square Trust Concert Series
At Heritage Square in Historic Downtown Flagstaff
Saturday at 4:00pm is ReWired, mixing classic rock, blues, and funk. Sunday at 2:00pm is Big Willie & the Polka Meisters with clean family German music. Admission is free!

This weekend is sure to be another memorable one in the beautiful Flagstaff mountains! Visit showup.com or flagstaffarizona.org for more great weekend events!

Native American Cultural and Music Festival

2011-07-06T12:32:00.000-07:00

In a humble house painted with Navajo culture, my childhood friend told me the story of the coyote, the Trickster. Mesmerized with insight into her very different upbringing, traditions, and lifestyle, I sat, eyes wide and mouth open, soaking in her words. Summer after summer, my friend dusted our nights of boy-bands and junk food with stories of the Navajo Tribe. They fell in and out of conversation organically, the way my stories about the family vacation to Yellowstone did. Years later, only a facebook friendship remains of our adolescent bond. And the stories of her Tribe.

Growing up in the heart of Navajo county and moving to the diverse community of Flagstaff is an innate part of my personality and character. So innate, in fact, that I often take it for granted, until half a decade later when I'd give anything for a bite of the Navajo Tacos served in my high school cafeteria... the only school lunch I actually liked.

The unique exposure to Native American Culture goes unnoticed, unrecognized, unappreciated. So when an event like the Native American Cultural and Music Festival comes to the Flagstaff Pepsi Amphitheater at Fort Tuthill, I don't think anything of it.

My Native American Religions professor frequently dropped events like this into lectures. He even offered extra credit for attending from time to time, but more often than not, Friday nights downtown and Saturdays at the creek trumped my desire to learn about this simultaneously familiar and unfamiliar culture.

Not that there's anything wrong with patronizing local businesses and soaking in the summer... actually, everything's right about it. But in Flagstaff, we have the incredible opportunity to be a part of culture and history. Yet, even as I write this, I'm thinking of 100 other places I want to be on July 16.

The tribes that populate the Reservations in Arizona are trying desperately to keep their culture from dying. The local natives singing, dancing, cooking, and supporting their family at the Festival are bombarded every day with opportunities to let their traditions fade, but they fight back, subsequently giving us the pleasure to support them. I wouldn't say that by not attending you're contributing to the hardships contemporary Native culture faces, but I wouldn't not say it.

-Whitney

This Weekend!

2011-06-29T13:26:00.000-07:00

There's so much going on to celebrate our Independence this weekend- great events, shows, concerts, and more!

First Friday ArtWalk
At Historic Downtown Flagstaff
One of Northern Arizona's premier arts events. Each month, art galleries and businesses in historic Downtown Flagstaff open their doors with special art exhibitions, performances, live music, treats and much much more. After party, Electric Kingdom at the Green Room.

Friday 6:00pm-9:00pm. Free to the public! Click here for a map and guide.

Movies on the Square: Shrek Forever After
At Heritage Square in Downtown
Catch a family friendly movie every Friday at Heritage Square in Historic Downtown. This week's showing is Shrek Forever After during the ArtWalk. Bring a blanket and the kids!

The movie starts at 6:00pm Free admission!

Reverend Horton Heat in Concert
At the Orpheum Theater
You don't want to miss Reverend Horton Heat, opened by Swingin' Utters.

Friday at 8:30pm. Doors open at 7:30pm. Tickets $23 day of show. To purchase, visit orpheumpresents.com or call (928) 556-1580

The Honey Dewdrops in Concert
At the Arboretum at Flagstaff

Folk and bluegrass duo took home the first prize in the Prairie Home Companion talent show 2008. Don't miss them in Flagstaff!

Saturday at 5:30pm. $16/Non-members, $13/Members, $8/Children (ages 7-17) To purchase tickets, visit flagstaffculturalpartners.org

Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra's Independence Day Concert
At Pepsi Amphitheater at Fort Tuthill
The annual Independence Day symphony concert symphony concert will feature the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra conducted by Jon Eder in an afternoon of music for the whole community.

Doors open at 3:00pm concert begins at 4:00pm. Admission is free with a suggested donation of $5. Call (928) 774-5107 for details.

Independence Day Rendezvous
At The Pioneer Museum
Meet historical re-enactors from Northern Arizona’s past. Civil War and Mountain man camps, Dutch Oven Lunch, 2nd US Artillery Battery B provides Historic Artillery Demonstrations, and more!

Saturday and Sunday 10:00am-4:00pm. $3 for adults/ $2 for seniors and students/ free for children under 12. Call for more information: 928-774-6272

Flagstaff Art in the Park's 4th of July Show
At Wheeler Park
There will be close to 100 artists both local and from across the Southwest in attendance. In addition there is live music all day all three days of the event, delicious food and bounce houses and a petting zoo for the children.

Saturday and Sunday 9:00am-6:00pm and Monday 9:00am-4:00pm. Free admission! Call for more information: (928) 556-9498

With so many ways to celebrate Independence Day in beautiful Flagstaff, there's no excuse to not get out there and enjoy our freedom! Visit showup.com or flagstaffarizona.org for more great 4th of July events!

TGIFriday!!

2011-06-17T15:34:00.000-07:00

Are you as ready for the weekend as we are?! So many great shows and events are happening around town, so put on those jean shorts, and enjoy the Flagstaff summer!

The Flagstaff Folk Festival at the Coconino Center for the Arts and the Arizona Historical Society Pioneer Museum
In its tenth year, the Flagstaff Folk Festival proudly showcases the best in folk and acoustic music in Arizona and beyond. We feature over 100 acts on four stages, workshops, jams, and more. We invite you to come out and see some great live music in a wonderful setting.

The festival is Sat-Sun from 10:00am- 6:00pm. Admission is $3 a person/ $9 a family. For more information and a complete lineup, visit flagfolkfest.org.

Hummingbird Festival at the Arboretum at Flagstaff
Celebrate the wonder of hummingbirds with regional experts; you'll even learn how to attract them to your garden! Saturday at 9:00am-5:00pm. $7 or adults, $6 for seniors, and $3 for children. Visit thearb.org or call (928) 774-1442 for more information.

Made in the Shade Beer Tasting Festival at the Coconino County Fairgrounds
Enjoy the cool pine trees and the beautiful mountains on Saturday from 1:00pm- 5:00pm. Featuring over 50 breweries from around the Southwest and West Coast that bring many varieties of beer to sample, and the sounds of Peppermint James, this beer festival is sure to be fun!

Tickets for this 21 and over festival are $40 in advance and $50 at the gate. Call (928) 779-1775 or visit azbeer.com to purchase tickets or find locations around town that are selling them.

"Annie Jr." Presented by Theatrikos Theater Company
This TheatriKIDS production opened last night. You won't want to miss it this weekend. Shows Fri-Sat at 7:00pm and Sunday at 2:00pm. Visit theatrikos.com to buy tickets or call (928) 774- 1662.

MELT Flagstaff at the Orpheum Theater
MELT is an NAU student organization and artist collective. The all-ages show is Friday from 9:00pm- 2:00am. Only $2 at the door.

Black Cherry Burlesque at the Orpheum Theater
The show starts Saturday at 9:00pm. Doors open at 8:00pm. Visit orpheumpresents.com for tickets. $12 in advance. $15 day of show.

Community for All Ages Mural Painting at the Murdoch Center
Bring a paintbrush and bring the mural to life! There will also be a raffle for $500 gift package including amenities at the Drury Inn and meals at Southside restaurants. Meet at the Murdoch Center Saturday from 10:00am-2:00pm. Refreshments will be provided.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT LAST WEEKEND!!

"The Trial of Goldilocks" Presented by Flagstaff Youth Theater
This is a fun filled show all about the famed Goldilocks being put on trial for the antics of breaking and entering the Bears' home. This is a show you won't want to miss!

Showing at the Flagstaff High School Auditorium on Fri, Sat, and Sun at 2:00pm. $6 for adults/$4 for children. Showing also at 7:00pm on Fri & Sat. $8 for adults/$6 for children

"Josephina Javelina" at the NAU Studio Theater
Put on by a team from NAU's Theater department, this play is adapted from the storybook of the same name. Shows at 3:00pm and 5:00pm on Friday & Saturday. $5 suggested donation. $10 per family. For more information call 928-523-3765.

Have fun, soak up the weather, and support local venues, artists, and organizations this weekend!

TGIF!

2011-06-17T10:56:00.000-07:00

Doll up, ladies, and dust off those blue swedes, fellas! This weekend is jam-packed with fun-filled day festivities and night life around Flagstaff.

FRIDAY:

Helios Guitar Quartet in Concert at the Coconino Center for the Arts
Show starts at 8:00pm. Doors open at 7:30. Tickets can be purchased for $15 at the door or call (928) 779- 2300.

An Evening of Pink Floyd with House of Floyd at the Orpheum TheaterShow starts at 8:00pm. Doors open at 7:00. Tickets available for $20 online at orpheumpresents.com and at the door.

Movies on the Square (at Heritage Square in Historic Downtown)
Celebrate Father's Day with a movie both dad and the kids will love, Despicable Me! Free to the public. Movie starts at 6:00pm.

SATURDAY:

Buckethead in Concert at the Orpheum Theater
Show starts at 8:00pm. Doors open at 7:00pm. Advance tickets available for $25 online at orpheumpresents.com. $28 at the door.

WEEKEND LONG EVENTS:

15th Annual Pride in the Pines Festival
This year’s festival promises to keep you entertained with an array of activities, events and musical performances. Although the festival is on Saturday, there are many events scheduled over the entire weekend.

Catch comedian Suzanne Westernhoefer Friday at 6:00pm at the Green Room
Wine Tasting by Barefoot Wine and Bubbly Friday at 6:00pm at Marric Studios
The Festival officially begins Saturday at 11:00am at Wheeler Park.
The festivities will conclude Sunday at 10:00am with a farewell brunch at the Green Room.
And so much more! Be sure to check flagstaffpride.org for a full list of events and ticket prices.

"The Trial of Goldilocks" Presented by Flagstaff Youth Theater
This is a fun filled show all about the famed Goldilocks being put on trial for the antics of breaking and entering the Bears' home. This is a show you won't want to miss!

Showing at the Flagstaff High School Auditorium on Fri, Sat, and Sun at 2:00pm. $6 for adults/$4 for children. Showing also at 7:00pm on Fri & Sat. $8 for adults/$6 for children

"Josephina Javelina" at the NAU Studio Theater
Put on by a team from NAU's Theater department, this play is adapted from the storybook of the same name. Shows at 3:00pm and 5:00pm. $5 suggested donation. $10 per family. For more information call 928-523-3765.

And one of Flagstaff Cultural Partner's very own, Marja van der Loo, is celebrating a BIRTHDAY!
Happy Birthday, Marja! Enjoy the weekend with the rest of Flagstaff!

This weekend!

2011-04-22T15:37:00.000-07:00

As you're getting off work and heading towards the weekend at warp speed, here are some stops you may want to make around town:

FRIDAY NIGHT

Fishtank Ensemble in Concert at the Coconino Center for the Arts, doors at 7pm, show at 8pm. We still have a couple dozen tickets left! $15 at the door, or call 779-2300

The Servant of Two Masters, NAU Studio Theatre. A modern translation of Goldoni’s 250 year old Commedia dell’ Arte masterpiece. An Irreverent farce with all of the trimmings…fun for the entire family. 8:00 p.m. 928-523-5661 • nau.edu/cto

FRIDAY & SATURDAY

Dave McGraw and Crow Wing, Green Room. Dave McGraw and Crow Wing will do a live recording at the Green Room. Three Shows in Two Days. April 22 @ 9:30 p.m. & April 23: Seated Show-7:00-8:00 p.m.; Special Guest-8:00-10:00 p.m.; and late show at 10:00 p.m. 928-226-8669 • flagstaffgreenroom.com

SATURDAY

Artist Demos, Coconino Center for the Arts. 11 am - Andrea Hartley: Sock it to me - Learn how to make exotic creatures from recycled socks. All ages, but children under 12 should bring an adult. 2pm - Chet Jakus: Old and New Become Art - Jakus will demomstrate how found objects and recycled materials can be transformed into works of art. Both demos are FREE. culturalpartners.org/recycled.htm

Hairstock 2011, The Orpheum Theater. Watch & Support Friends & Family Get Their Hair Clipped for a Cure. Proceeds & Hair to Benefit: Flagstaff Cancer Center Fund
Pantene Beautiful Lengths Locks of Love. Featuring music by: Silent Colour, The Rounders, The Shifters, and Summit Dub Squad. 4:00-8:00 p.m. 928-556-1580 • orpheumflagstaff.com.

SUNDAY

Easter Eggstravaganza, Bushmaster Park. Easter egg hunt separated by age, face painting, egg decorating, and a visit from the Easter Bunny—all FREE. Our $1 raffles will be back and for another $2 you can jump all you want in a Bounce House! 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. 928-213-2300 • flagstaffaz.gov/recreation

Kid's Korner at CCA

2011-04-20T11:56:00.000-07:00

We always encourage teachers and educators to bring in their classes of any age to the gallery to experience each exhibit throughout the year. We saw a surplus of kids and teenagers in our space during the Youth Art Exhibition of last month, but it's nice to be revisited.

This morning we had a group of eager early-grade schoolers pour in through the double doors promptly at 11 am. Using their inside voices they expanded into the main gallery. Their collective calm maintained surprisingly well, until they entered the Jewel Gallery which is exclusively recycled art made by local youth. Inside voices quickly erupted into excitement as the kids recognized and critiqued other schools' work. It was quirky to see them become art critics once they entered a familiar subject matter. I didn't mind one bit overhearing their chatter, although their teacher did swoop in and reminded them of their fine-art manners. Commentary went from a loud chatter to an exasperated whisper. It was endearing, to say the least.

With this post, I'd like to remind everyone that an outing to an art gallery, museum or discovery venue kids, whether their your own or not, can be a very rewarding experience. Speaking from my experience at the front desk over the last year and a half, it seems the ratio between moments of satisfaction and awe and temper tantrums or meltdowns is easily a thousand to one, suggesting CCA has a calming and inspiring effect on young minds. But don't just take it from me! Bring the household with you next time.

I didn't have a chance to find the camera and snap a shot of this morning's crowd, but these shots of youngsters discussing and discovering during the Recycled Art Opening Reception will hopefully suffice. -Ren

Gone Fishing, Be Back In Three Days

2011-04-13T12:52:00.000-07:00

It seems our staff is about to embark on a live music-inspired hiatus. Since there are only six of us, and for better or worse we tend to like similar music, group decision making quickly gained momentum at one point in the middle of a work day a few weeks back and the end result was 2/3 of the staff buying concerts tickets for two shows in Phoenix this week.

If you'd like to take a minute, sample the band's we're going to go see live. I'm sure the indie and alternative music-types are well aware of the following, but explorative new-music-seekers will hopefully have found a new band to 'like' on facebook.

Local Natives (who are opening for) Arcade Fire (the multi-member symphonic wonder pictured above)

Cage the Elephant (who are opening for) The Black Keys (whom Ryan Heinsus of Flag Live considered not once, but twice during the short month of February in his column and is pictured below.)

With this blog post, I ceremoniously flip the 'open for business' sign over (referring specifically to me...at my desk - NOT to the Center itself, mind you) to reveal the message that I've 'gone fishing' for the incredible live music experience.

-Ren (And Joe [formerly of FCP], JT, and Robin)

PS - The Center for the Arts WILL (in fact) BE OPEN Thursday, Friday and Saturday and usual. We applaud Marja for running the show here herself. (Thanks Marja!)

I spy with my little eye...

2011-04-06T12:13:00.000-07:00

...Something that is RECYCLED! The 9th Annual Recycled Art Exhibition is taking shape in both of our gallery spaces. Study the images below and ponder what you think the piece really is:

All works entered must have been made by at least 80% recycled or found materials. It's always insightful to see the creative types make something really great from discarded junk or seemingly useless items.

The Opening Reception for the exhibit is Saturday, April 9 from 6-9pm - and it's free! During the reception, local artists Keith Huling, Robert Zappanti, Dawn Sutherland, Johnny Anaya, and John Rogers will be featured in a live performance-art composite along with Isolated Incident Performance Group and musical group Jazz Dimension III. Local writer Phyllis Thompson will also be performing one of her written works during the reception, as will NORAZ Poets. The works of art created during the performance will be auctioned off at the end of the reception. See you then!

-Ren

Upcoming events around town

2011-04-01T08:43:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd take a minute to highlight some unique events and workshops coming up soon!

Saturday, April 2 - Wet Felting 101 Workshop
with Tasha Miller Griffith,
nationally exhibited fiber artist & Purl in the Pines instructor
10am-3pm in the seminar room at New Frontiers
$65/person, which includes all materials for two projects
No experience required! Learn how to make wool fabric without sewing or knitting, creating both flat and 3-D objects. The skills Tasha will introduce will let you form everything from rugs to sculpture.
-Call Tasha at (928)853-9838 to register!

Tuesday, April 5 - A Celebration of Poetry and Language with Amanda Blanco
6:30 -8pm at the Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library
In Honor of National Poetry Month, the library will host an evening of readings and conversation about Latin-American poets and their Nobel Prize winning work.

And of course, tonight is First Friday! Get out downtown around 6pm and enjoy a splendid evening of good weather and great local art.

Music Lovers

2011-03-30T09:27:00.000-07:00

Spring is in the air, and the music is too - in a few ways. The music literally "in the air" at FCP as our staff constantly has something playing in the various corners of our gallery, theater and offices, collectively keeping momentum with the alternative and folk music scene.

Spring is also the dawn of a busier concert season for FCP too. We've got a variety of musical acts coming into our acoustically divine theater in the next two months:

Friday, April 22, 8pm: Fishtank Ensemble
-This modern gypsy-music quartet includes a Serbian slap-bass extraordinaire, an operatic lead singer who plays the musical saw sweetly, a violinist/guitarist who spends part of the year traveling in a horse-drawn cart with other gypsy musicians across Europe, and a guitarist who has a background in flamenco and heavy metal. Whew.
Purchase tickets: $12 in advance, $15 day of show.

Friday, April 29, 7pm: Adam del Monte
-Closing the Grand Canyon Guitar Society's 2010-2011 (and continuing the flamenco/gypsy vibe), Adam del Monte is classically trained Flamenco guitarist who has often played with other famed gypsy musicians in Spain, France and Ireland.
Purchase tickets: $15 in advance, $18 day of show.

Sunday, May 15: Michele Shocked
-I admit, I was in the dark about this one; at 26 years of age, my popular music history just skirted the era of Michele Shocked and people certainly have made sure I was aware of what I had missed out on. The alternative-folk singer and songwriter has dozens of albums and recordings under her belt and a large - loyal - following.
Purchase tickets: $25 in advance, $28 day of show.

May 20: Laurie Lewis and Tom Rozum
-In contrast, I'm proud to say Laurie Lewis WAS, in fact, part of my upbringing, thanks to my mom and dad's affinity for melodic folk and bluegrass music. The woman can croon, play the guitar and the fiddle and probably has a story or two to tell.
Purchas e tickets: $16 in advance, $18 day of show.

But there's more! In June, our Summer Concert Series returns in partnership with the Arboretum, with outdoor concerts at the Arb the first Saturday of June, July, August and September. So far we've booked:
Kimera (June 4), The Honey Dewdrops (July 2), Novo Mundo (Aug. 6), and LoCura (Sept. 3). In short, the above list is a mix a folk, flamenco and world music. Start planning your picnic menus now...tickets will be available in the next few weeks!

-Ren

Photography & Basketball

2011-03-22T16:37:00.000-07:00

Former FCP employee, Joe Cornett (Jr.) has been keeping himself busy since moving on from his AmeriCorps position with us. Aside from earning himself a Viola Award as the chosen Emerging Artist of 2011, he has a solo exhibition going up at Coconino Community College Lone Tree Campus that will open this Friday. Joe will be displaying new work from the series, Shooting Hoops: It's All The Same. This series is a photographic collection of rustic and homemade basketball hoops that Joe has photographed in the Southwest within the last 2 years. Also, on display is a collection of photographs from The Night series including night photography of urban environments in San Francisco, Phoenix, Alcatraz and more.

We're very happy for and proud of Joe now that he's flown the nest. He really does have a natural knack for creating incredible frames out of light and landscapes. But you don't have to take it from us, see for yourself on Joe's website.

Photographic Works by Joe Cornett

At Coconino Community College Lone Tree Campus

2800 South Lone Tree Road in Flagstaff

Opening Reception this Friday, March 25, 2011

5:00-7:00pm

Music, food and beverages (and Joe himself!) will be provided. Please stop by!

(Joe's photo: "American Dreams")

March is Youth Art Month!

2011-03-02T13:57:00.000-08:00

Every March, FCP commemorates Youth Art Month with our annual Youth Celebrate Art and Culture exhibition. In our main gallery, a couple hundred works art will show, brought in by art teachers from nearly all of the schools in Flagstaff - public, private, charter and the likes. The artists range from Kindergarten age to 18 years old. We do our best to legitimately celebrate as many aspects of local youth art as we can with performances and workshops too!

During the opening reception, Ballet Folklorico and the Coconino High School Dance Team will liven up our stage. (We'll also have an old fashioned popcorn popper on hand and some yummy refreshments to satisfy your child-like snack food craving.)

During the week of Spring Break (March 14th-18th), a half dozen local arts organization and groups will provide workshops at CCA. So far, we have confirmed that Flagstaff Youth Theater, The Masterpiece Art Program of Flagstaff, and Flagstaff Arts and Leadership Academy African Drum and Dance will be here, sharing artistic insights and allowing Flagstaff Youth to express themselves through a range of different outlets. The workshops will be from 10-1, Monday - Friday of that week, but check back on our website for a more complete itinerary and for which classes are best for which age group.

Complimenting the workshops and main gallery exhibit is an installation in our Jewel Gallery by Grand Canyon Youth titled "Read the Water: and it will speak." The installation features writing, visual art and photography created by teens who were on GCY's 2010 Grand Inspiration Program. What's really great about their installation is that the art was inspired by and created on the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon, or on the South Rim.

In short:

Youth Celebrate Art and Culture exhibition AND "Read the Water: and it will Speak" will show March 12 - April 2, 2011.
Opening Reception is Friday, March 11 from 4-7pm (featuring performances, art and popcorn and The Youth!)
Spring Break Workshops - March 14th-18th, providing dancing, drumming and drama!

Here's a sneak preview of YCAC 2011!

Where do they all go?

2011-02-23T09:21:00.000-08:00

At 5:00 on Friday afternoon (THIS Friday, the 25th of February), all of the Joes, the Juds and the Charmanges will come off the wall. Imaginatively, I picture the lights shutting off in the gallery, and all of the characters from within the frames and from the sculptures become unhinged, leap to the carpet, grab their bags and waddle on home, leaving a noiseless void behind. Obviously it won't happen quite that way - but sort of, if you imagine the FCP staff and another helper or two as characters, prancing around over-sized boxes and wooden crates, diligently packing up the two gallery spaces like worker bees on a buzz of a late-afternoon coffee run and six packs of packaging tape.

But where will all the pretty paintings go? Truth is, they represent a variety of zip codes. (And even accents!) Joe Sorren's works are on loan to us from collectors all over the place. Several paintings including Interruption and By Day I Dream Of Night, live in New York or California. Because of Toast lives in Kansas, and Bump lives in Seattle. The Mushroom Hunter lives in the U.K. The other paintings are going their separate ways to Oregon, Colorado, Virginia, and Massachusetts.

As for the sculptures, Charlie and Me (the largest sculpture featuring the sitting boy and the stacked paper bags) is going to Jonathan Levine gallery in New York City. Spooning has a home with someone outside of Arizona, but the rest of the sculptures are moving in with Joe in Flagstaff until they find forever homes.

Many of Charmagne's work sold too and have forever homes of their own in Flagstaff. Word has it, she is working on new works.

Many thanks to Joe, Jud and Charmange for a month of intrigue! Your work has proved, as always, to be thought provoking - I've enjoyed working at the front desk catching everyone's comments and questions as they've grazed in the gallery. Let's do it again sometime!

Google Does Art

2011-02-02T11:44:00.000-08:00

Oops, Google did it again. You've heard of Google's Street View (some have even seen themselves on Street View, and are a better person for it), but Google is now advancing into the frontiers of virtual cultural enlightenment. Introducing: Art View! Also known as 'Google's Art project.'

Google says it has a number of a objectives that it's Art Project hopes to achieve; the technology monopoly hopes it's offering a an educational and insightful tool that is easily accessible and free. It also hopes to entice people to travel to these destinations of fine art while in the same token, serve as a virtual guide for those who are not able to afford to travel half way around the globe. I first learned of Google's Art Project while on my usual morning cruise of CNN. My initial reaction was honestly not that favorable, thinking that Google was cheapening a genuinely valuable experience as experiencing art in person. But low and behold, by the end of the segment, I felt I had only gotten a taste and now I do want to one day travel to explore art collections abroad. Add it to my bucket list.

What do you think of Google's advance into art exposure?

Check out Google's Art Project for yourself, currently offering 'self-guided tours' of art museums and collections in Washing DC, New York and all over Europe: http://www.googleartproject.com/

Welcome Winterfest!

2011-02-01T10:19:00.000-08:00

Winter weather arrived just in time for Flagstaff's Annual Winterfest to kick off. Even though the snow was short lived and we're left with the bitter cold and dry aftermath, there are plenty of events happening around town each week during the month of February. We may not be able to celebrate a winter wonderland like we were this time last year (which may be perfectly ok, really) but we can celebrate events that contribute to why Flagstaff is so great (and why we love life here despite freezing temps!)

Here's a shout out for what's happening around town this week:

Winterfest Beer Tapping at Lumberyard Brewing - 5:30 to 6:30 this evening (Tuesday, Feb. 1st)
Lumberyard brewing is unveiling an original and locally inspired Scotch Ale in honor of Winterfest. $1 off a pint of the Winterfest brew. Hooray Beer!
lumberyardbrewingcompany.com

Ladies Beer Club Meeting - Wednesday, Feb. 2nd, 5:30 -7:00pm at Lumberyard Brewing.
Lumberyard is 2 for 2 this week with a ladies-only event pairing beer with chocolates and fudge. And quite possibly a hunky brewer. (You don't have to be single to attend, but you do have to 21 years of age.)
lumberyardbrewingcompany.com

Four Squares for the Homeless - Friday, Feb 4th, 6:00-8:00pm at the Orpheum Theatre
Four Flagstaff chefs from Brix, Karma Sushi, Abineau Lodge and the Tinderbox Kitchen, will create a four-course meal using only ingredients contributed by the Northern Arizona Foodbank and the Flagstaff Family Food Center. Tickets are $65 plus four cans of food. Great food, for a good cause!
www.flagstaffshelter.org.

First Friday Artwalk - Friday, Feb 4th, 6:00-9:00 pm, Downtown Flagstaff
This monthly staple of Downtown FLG's social scene is also jumping on the chocolate bandwagon. Scan the ArtWalk map for tiny, printed chocolate hearts to know which venues are sharing their chocolate supply with the masses. However, ALL the venues participating have something great to see. Bundle up and we'll see you there!
www.flagstaffartwalk.com

Stories to Life: What's Love Got To Do With It? Sunday, Feb. 6th, 4:00pm, Coconino Center for the Arts
The final program of the Stories to Life 2010-2011 season is speaking to the language of love. Poetry by Sappho and Jimmy Santiago Bacca, Sonnets by Shakespeare and Meredith, a short story by Collett, and love letters written by Mozart and Isadora Duncan. Providing music for this production will be the Arizona Mountain Chorale. You'll be home in plenty of time to see the end of the Superbowl. (and it's FREE!)
culturalpartners.org

There are a gaggle of other fantastic events unmentioned above (including the sled dog races, Judy Collins at the Orpheum, and our own Joe Sorren and Charmagne Coe exhibitions). Click here to see a full calendar of Winterfest events, (Thank you Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce!)

Because of Joe Sorren

2011-01-27T12:37:00.000-08:00

When I was a senior at Flagstaff High School, I took a poetry class. One of our assignments was to cut clumps of words from magazines and fashion them into a cut-and-pasted poem or story, using a bare minimum of "filler" words or phrases to make each sentence cohesive.

Joe Sorren's paintings are without a doubt thought provoking, but reading the identifying titles of his paintings provoked poetic thoughts too (for me, at least). Tapped out below is a short, curious story using all the titles of Sorren's paintings, currently housed in our gallery. (Can you spot all 24 titles?)

I Had A Dream Last Night That I Punched You In The Face. We were in Dialog about a Tryst. We were to meet at The Dance Of All Hollow’s Eve, but I didn’t find you until In The Morning, In The Tide. There you were with Astraea, chatting about When She Was Camera and her Portrait of Isabell Romée. Roar, My Own Little Self for I was jealous (which is when I punched you in the face). In Exile, I ran into The Luthier with a Bump. Distraught, I inquired “Given The Difference Between No. 1…and Given The difference Between No. 2…” but with a wave came an Interruption and he said, “It’s All Because Of Toast” as he left to join Pinkmu On the Wind, M’am.

Later, The Overture was In Bloom While The Trucks On The Highway All Howl. I was At Tea with Roeishi and The Mushroom Hunter. We were Filling Little Thoughts With Little Ears when I awoke.

By Day I Dream of Night from now on.

El Fin.

-Ren

2011 Viola Award Nominations Are Announced!

2011-01-25T20:24:00.000-08:00

Here they are ladies and gentlemen! The nominees for Flagstaff's arts awards, the Viola Awards, have been announced. Five nominees in each of ten different categories have been announced. Click here for the full list.

Some highlights of the nominations? How about Jake Brookins, long time Flagstaff artist, educator and leader, with a current exhibition open at the Museum of Northern Arizona. Sadly, Brookins passed away in December. Brookins' accomplishments are many, but so are those of the titans also recognized as nominees for the Mayor's Award for Lifetime Contribution to the Arts: glass artist and man of generous spirit, George Averbeck; longtime super-photographer, John Running; his colleague in photography and world traveler, Dave Edwards; and longtime conductor and educator, Jon Eder.

How about the Leadership Award? There are some forces of nature in the Flagstaff arts community there! Karen Kinne-Herman has long supported the arts, through her roles on KNAU's Radioactives and the Flagstaff Cultural Partners Board of Directors, which is not to mention her strong support of FALA and other local arts groups. Laura Kelly (pictured, at last year's Viola Awards), Executive Director of the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra, has led FSO from trying financial woes, through the worst recession of our time, to a balanced budget and strong programming highlighting local talent.

Then there's Mike Frankel, longtime President of the Artists' Coalition of Flagstaff, who has mentored and encouraged just about every emerging artist in this town. Julie Sullivan has brought musical goodness to Flagstaff for years now and is one of the leaders behind last year's Viola Award winning Event, Pickin' in the Pines Bluegrass & Acoustic Music Festival. And Joni Pevarnik, wondergal of positive energy, has kept the Artists Gallery downtown running strong after it was on the verge of closing.

There's a loaded Outstanding Arts Event slate. It'll be a challenge for the Panelists to choose from amongst:

NAU's Classic Film Series, a long respected and enjoyed series that does far more than just screen films;
Stories to Life, the unique and creative program that combines classic literature and poetry with theatre and music;
MNA's Hopi Festival, Flagstaff's jewel of attractive summer festivals and the longest-running event of its kind in the world;
The Flagstaff Mountain Film Festival, which combines Flagstaff's love of outdoors, adventure and nature with it's love of film; and,
The ever-popular and always creative community art show, the Recycled Art Exhibition.

Check out all the nominees in all ten categories here.

In the coming weeks, we will post bios, photos and information on all of the 50 Viola nominees. So stay tuned! For now, though, let's celebrate these special 50 individuals, artists, leaders, organizations and events for their excellence and good works. Congratulations nominees!

Cheers,
JT

'Interruption' Opens

2011-01-21T16:56:00.000-08:00

Interruption by Joe Sorren

It's finally here! The new Joe Sorren retrospective show opens in the Main Gallery at the Coconino Center for the Arts Saturday night. Featuring Sorren's paintings from 2004-2010, including several new works, the show also showcases sculptures made in collaboration between Sorren and Jud Bergeron.

Sorren will be in attendance at the Opening Reception, Saturday night, from 6-9pm. He will sign copies of his newly released book, Joe Sorren: Paintings + Sculpture 2004-2010 (pictured below), which will also be available for purchase at the event. Several giclee prints of Sorren's work will also be available for sale.

Check out this article in Friday's Arizona Daily Sun on Joe Sorren's new show.

Opening concurrent with Interruption is new exhibition by local artist, Charmagne Coe. The exhibition is titled Embark, and opens in our Jewel Gallery. Coe will be in attendance at the Opening Reception Saturday night.

The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. Click here for more.

The ArtWalk Machine (Part II)

2011-01-10T09:17:00.000-08:00

Note: This is Part Two of a series on the First Friday ArtWalk events in Flagstaff. Read part one here.

In this space last month, I introduced ArtWalk in Flagstaff as a machine that provides business and exposure for downtown, but also leaves some artists and galleries with some degree of uncertainty about the helpfulness of its impact. What does that mean exactly? And why would any artist question such a popular art event?

Well, for starters, some folks question if ArtWalk is an art event at all. One gallery owner I talked to said that he closed his doors for the event years ago, because “people only come for the food.” He said that when it first started, over 10 years ago, the event was populated by patrons interested in seeing and sometimes buying art. Now people come into his space looking for food and wine, and move on if they don’t find it. “ArtWalk,” he says, “should be about the art and not the parties.”

This isn’t the perception amongst all gallery owners, but it does exist. And it blurs into another question of what “real art” is, and what is a gallery versus a retail storefront. John Vanlandingham, owner of Black Hound Gallerie, a store that sells clothing and oddities in addition to providing framing, said that his store was kicked out of ArtWalk several years ago. “Because,” he says, “we were told that we aren’t a ‘real art gallery.’ What’s real art?”

In an act of defiance, Vanlandingham asked several of his staff members create their own original works of “art.” They put wet paint of various colors on their – ahem – bare asses, and then sat down on white foamcore. The result was a rather crude creation that clearly depicted a colorful outline of the body part involved. Black Hound then signed up for the next ArtWalk event, listing that they had special guest artists displaying work. Vanlandingham changed the name of the store for that one ArtWalk night to “Back Hound Gallerie.”

This was all in good fun, of course, but also represented some of the awkwardness that exists. While you might think it’s ridiculous for someone to kick a business out of the ArtWalk, you’re also probably not trying to make your living off of your art. Understand that ArtWalk brings many downtown bars and restaurants their busiest night of the month. They see more patrons and have more sales than any other night of the month.

Do those sales happen with art? Usually not (although there are exceptions). So imagine how hard it is, coming from the artist perspective, to see all the OTHER non-art-based businesses downtown rake in the sales during an event that is supposedly built upon the attraction of the arts. Imagine, from their perspective, watching popular art galleries like Echo Canyon and Grandon Art Gallery close due to lack of sales. In those shoes, you might also try to create weird rules to exclude anyone other than art galleries from participating in, and benefiting from, that event.

The reality is, of course, that they can’t. Nobody owns ArtWalk. The event has become it’s own machine, and each store participates in its own way. Nobody is going to change that patrons will treat it as a party, or force them to buy art.

And for some galleries, the equation is different. Joni Pevarnik, who serves as manager for the Artists’ Gallery, says that sales during ArtWalk are strong. But she recognizes the challenges that exist, and also has experienced some problems with food and alcohol. “So now we only serve non-alcoholic drinks,” says Pevarnik. “When school is in [session], we tone down the variety of food [we offer] as the college crowd seems to see it as a buffet.”

She also recognizes the complexity of an art event versus a party. When I asked her about restaurants and retail stores showing artwork during First Friday, she said, “It has two sides to it, doesn’t it? It adds to the draw of the event and helps the business community. The downside is that people may think of it as an ‘event’ rather than an ArtWalk.”

This exploration of ArtWalk will continue for the next few months in this space. Questions still remain. What do the owners of bars and restaurants think about ArtWalk and the issues raised herein? What about the patrons of ArtWalk – what are they seeking from the event? Stay tuned.

Cheers,

The ArtWalk Machine (Part I)

2011-01-10T09:13:00.000-08:00

It’s a machine. It rolls into town like a giant ball of magnetic energy, with an attractive pull of unbelievable strength. It powers through entire city blocks, and then indifferently moves on its way. It sucks up energy, but also leaves so much of it behind. We have precious little time to adjust once it has gone. We attend to what’s left from its wake, clean up its messes, collect its treasures, and try to get some rest. However, before we get that rest, we see the machine again, coming at us full speed. It’s time yet again to prepare for its arrival.

The ‘machine’ I’m talking about is the monthly treasure and problem that is First Friday ArtWalk in Flagstaff. Yes, I said problem. This story isn’t all pigtails and art sales.

Over the past few years, Flagstaff’s version of First Friday has blown up into a major monthly street party. The ArtWalk draws so many people in the summer months that our historic downtown has the feel of a street festival without the closed streets. People fill the sidewalks so full that others spill out onto the streets. Musicians and street performers take up corners and play raucous tunes, sing sweet songs, and dress in wild costumes that make us wonder. It brings downtown alive in a way that no other event can.

ArtWalk attracts locals in mass. They come out to see all their friends, like it’s a monthly reunion of townies. They come out to see new art and to support the artists who are their friends. And while locals love it, tourists are mesmerized by its magic. They see action and fun, art and music, and friendly faces smiling everywhere. My out-of-town friends visit for the first time and are dazzled: “I had no idea Flagstaff had such a vibrant art scene!”

ArtWalk should be downtown’s perfect business machine. Depending upon its location, a business could see five hundred people stroll through its doors during the three hour event. The exposure and marketing alone can be worth the effort, but for many locations, ArtWalk also equals a great sales night. John Vanlandingham, owner of the Old Town Shops adjacent to Heritage Square, says that ArtWalk “has done more for [the economy] downtown than any other single thing.”

However, from the arts perspective, ArtWalk in Flagstaff is far from perfect. We in the arts community have built a wonderful event that has unending appeal and is literally essential to the health of the downtown economy. And yet artists do not reap the benefits of ArtWalk like the retail stores, bars and restaurants do. In a tame economy, patrons will eat, drink and wear clothes, but most will not buy art. And the economy isn’t the only issue.

The arts community is divided as to the value of ArtWalk. There is a contingent of artists and gallery owners who believe ArtWalk isn’t about art anymore. Instead, they believe it’s become like a themed party with party-goers who don’t dress for the theme. Some folks in the arts community believe that artists should be placing their art in galleries, not in restaurants or hallways. Some gallery owners don’t even stay open for the event; they leave their doors locked and buildings dark. It’d be a stark statement if any of the revelers outside on the streets noticed. These gallery owners have grown weary over the years of attending to patrons who enter their space seeking only a free glass of wine and something to eat.

I ask that you don’t take the previous paragraph the wrong way. The arts community makes the ArtWalk what it is, through their enthusiasm, efforts and creativity. I’m simply pointing out some of the fatigue that exists.

And I like to solve problems. So, when I see a dilemma like this one, I try to fix it. In this case, however, there are no easy answers, no simple solutions that jump out to make the ArtWalk better serve the people who build its real draw and power: the artists. So, I’m going to try to step into the role of observer, and look at this interesting arts/business/economy puzzle from a variety of perspectives. Over the next few months, I’ll be examining the different aspects of the Flagstaff ArtWalk and talking with those who enjoy and benefit from the event, as well as those who have turned away from it or criticize it. Stay tuned.

Cheers,

15% Discount on Joe Sorren's New Book!

2011-01-06T08:31:00.000-08:00

We are offering a pre-order discount on Joe Sorren's new book, Joe Sorren: Painting + Sculpture. This pre-order is available for PICK UP ONLY (no shipping) for those of you who would like to pick up the book at the Coconino Center for the Arts. You can have Joe sign the book for you the night of the Opening Reception on January 22, 2011.

Pre-orders must be made by January 13. Order online or call us at 928.779.2300.

Charmagne Coe “Embark”

2010-11-24T13:15:00.000-08:00

Note: I write a monthly column in FlagLive. The column is a personal essay on a single work of art that catches my eye. This is the article published in FlagLive on Wednesday, November 24, 2010.

Charmagne Coe, "Embark"

Two lovers embrace. They move forward together, with flowers and color bursting all around them. Above them, sticky pink circles float like giant bubblegum balloons bounding upwards. A fireworks explosion of confetti seems to celebrate the magic of their love. At first glance, this is a joyous scene of two lovers who are reveling in the beauty of their path together.

But there is something dark in the center of the work. A black cloud of electricity hovers at the shoulders and head of the man. Closer inspection reveals that some of the ‘confetti’ is black. Something deeper is at play here. While the painting as a whole portrays more brightness and color than it does darkness, the central placement of this cloud brings me to hone in on its symbolism (this probably says more about me than the painting itself, but that should come as no surprise).

Coe does not portray a sense of foreboding, nor does she foreshadow a dangerous path for these lovers. The darkness lies behind the figures. This is not a path that leads to trouble; this is a path they walk as they carry their pain.

The darkness ever so subtly surrounds the couple’s bodies down to their feet, as their steps break into the glow of the flowery path that lays before them. A turkey looks on, perhaps as a symbol of the wild animal instinct within us all. To the right, gray stones lead into the dark cloud… as if to say that our darkness also emanates from something beyond us, something deeper that we do not have the capacity to fully know.

The dark cracked center of Embark speaks to the baggage we all carry with us into relationships. No one enters from a state of innocence. We harbor pain, judgment, and the ever powerful stain of experience. It is with us even as we enter into hopeful journeys.

It’s subtle, but the man has a look of sadness on his face. Some of the black electricity cracks away at his upper body. With her own darkness staining her legs and wheeled feet, the woman looks hopeful but knowing. She does not join with this man blind to the challenges they face. Their gaze hints at a powerful resolve.

"Embark" does not simply ask us to watch two lovers as they enter into a pure space of connectivity or marriage. This is not Valentine’s Day. Love does not ‘cure’ our troubles, but it must accept them. The burdens we carry – from our pasts and the realities of daily life – are very real parts of the lives we lead and the love we share. Our darkness is essential to our humanity and comes with us wherever we go. This truth does not stain our love; nor does the darkness spoil this remarkable work of art. Rather, it makes the colors brighter and the embrace all the more glorious.

Cheers,
JT

The Power of Art

2010-10-26T12:37:00.000-07:00

I write a monthly column in Northern Arizona's arts and news monthly publication, The Noise. My column is called "Letters from the Creative Bureaucrat." Here follows the column as published in the November issue... (pick up a copy of The Noise, too).

My job is mostly an office job. Even working at an arts center, with art shows, concerts and fun performances, I sit behind a desk and computer a majority of any regular day. And so every now and then I have to get out of this familiar space and experience an artistic epiphany away from home.

I just returned from an epic journey to Los Angeles with my two friends (and co-workers), Joe and Robin, my girlfriend, Beni, and my son, Harper, to see The Arcade Fire in concert for two nights. The group is a indie rock band that plays a sort of anthem-like orchestral rock that has some Bowie and Talking Heads influence, but really sounds like nothing else. Violins, accordions, xylophones, keyboards, guitars and organs create a wild and ferocious sound. They have a pretty strong following – their most recent CD, The Suburbs, recently hit #1 in the US on the Billboard charts – but I wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve never heard of them. Music in the internet era is strange. A band can hit #1, sell out its two L.A. concerts in under an hour, and go on a sold out worldwide tour – yet the majority of America probably doesn’t know who they are. Mainstream status is only afforded to the Lady Gagas of the world.

I wonder about mainstream status in the arts industry. Some of the mainstream work that stays at the top of the charts feels more like commercial toys for purchase than art. That’s part of what I admire about a group like Arcade Fire. They create great music first, and have a solid business plan second. They don’t appear affected by giant egos, and they don’t care about making big marketing splashes or capturing a ton of corporate sponsors.

The concerts were unbelievably moving and felt like a kind of communal live music spiritual happening. It’s clear The Arcade Fire are less interested in entertaining their audiences with fluff like elaborate costume changes or fancy stage sets and pyrotechnics. They instead focus on their message and create a communion of sorts with their audiences by giving everything of themselves to each performance. Several members of the band ran hurriedly back and forth on stage, sometimes in the middle of songs, switching up and playing a variety of instruments. Towards the end of the night, most of them were drenched in sweat. I wondered what kind of physical training they do to prepare to go on tour. Combine that manic energy with powerful, beautiful music and 6,000+ fans singing along in unison, and you have the recipe for magic.

When I got out into the lobby after the second concert, Beni and I found Robin, Joe and Harper, and we gave each other giant bear hugs of joy. Towards the end of the long, 8-hour drive home from L.A., exhausted, emotionally spent, and weary from the car ride, all of us decided to each choose our favorite songs from the two concerts and listen to them before we arrived in Flagstaff. As we listened to each song, I kept turning the volume up louder and louder, until there was nothing else to hear. We were singing along at the top of our lungs, dancing in our seats, and sharing one final moment of glory from an incredible journey before we returned home.

Two days later, back home, back at work, everything feels different. On Monday morning, Robin comes in to the office, we both just look at each other and smile. What more could be said? In the afterglow of the immersive concert experiences, we felt more empowered than ever before and more connected to one another. It is possible for music – and art – to change us. It’s like we had gone off to some spiritual camp in the mountains and had come back with a better appreciation for the little things in our lives, and especially the music and art that surrounds us each and every day. This kind of power only comes from something special, from an artist dedicated to a higher call.

We came back feeling alive with music and love in our hearts. Forget the sarcasm that exists in our day-to-day grind, leave behind the cynicism that keeps us from dreaming. The world is full of hope and wonder again. The amazing is possible.

That’s the power of truly great art.

Opening Reception - Touching at a Distance

2010-09-30T07:58:00.000-07:00

The Opening Reception for the new fine art figure drawing exhibition was a huge hit. Attended by over 300 patrons, the reception featured live drawing demos, music by Clair Anna Rose, sushi and wine. After the opening, Craig Yarbrough performed a wonderful solo concert of classical guitar. Here are some photos from the Reception...

One of the artist's rendering of the model.

Two of our drawing artists work during the Reception.

Shawn Skabelund, the exhibition's Curator, also took part as a drawing artist for the Reception.

Before the crowd filled the gallery, a couple gets a chance to take in some of the elegant drawings in Touching at a Distance.

Touching at a Distance - Opens Saturday

2010-09-22T12:19:00.000-07:00

The new exhibition of fine art figure drawings, Touching at a Distance, opens this weekend with a Reception at the Coconino Center for the Arts.

The Reception is open to the public and set for Saturday, September 25, from 6-8pm. There will be live drawing demos, as some of the artists whose work is featured in the show will be on hand and drawing a model during the Reception. Live music will be performed by Clair Anna Rose, and sushi (from Karma Sushi) and wine will be served. Following the Reception, at 8pm, there is a concert by Viola award winning classical guitarist, Craig Yarbrough.

Touching at a Distance is an elegant exhibition of figure drawings by alumni and students from Arizona's three main state universities: NAU, UofA, and ASU. The show's curator, Shawn Skabelund, is adjunct faculty in the School of Art at Northern Arizona University.

Check out some images from the exhibition below. We'll see you Saturday night!

Opportunity

2010-09-14T13:22:00.000-07:00

We have a lot of opportunities for artists right now. They are current Calls for Entry out for the It's Elemental exhibition and the Fine Crafts Sale. Plus, we have posted a Request for Proposals for exhibitions in the Coconino Center for the Arts. That's right, you can dream up your own exhibition for consideration in the Main Gallery, or the smaller Jewel Gallery, at CCA.

These opportunities, and a couple of others from around the state, can be seen by clicking here.

Letters From the Creative Bureaucrat, September

2010-09-01T09:51:00.000-07:00

I write a monthly column in Northern Arizona's arts and news monthly publication, The Noise. My column is called "Letters from the Creative Bureaucrat." Here follows the column as published in the September issue... (pick up a copy of The Noise, too).

Perhaps Flagstaff loves the arts a little too much. In fact, I wonder if our collective love of the arts makes it difficult for us to hear honest, and critical, feedback.

Don’t get me wrong. I am an arts guy. I work in the arts, love the arts, and advocate for the arts. I believe in supporting the arts and surrounding myself with art. I believe that everyone should own art (and they do, whether they recognize it or not). I respect Flagstaff a great deal for the support that is showered upon the arts community.

Art is a highly subjective field. When an artist creates a work, they never know if one person will like it or another person will hate it. Oddly enough, there is more agreement about what is bad art than there is about what is great art. Case in point, there is an entire museum dedicated to bad art: the appropriately-named Museum of Bad Art (MoBA). I dare you to check them out online and then declare of any of those works “good art.” But I already know you won’t. We can usually agree on what is bad.

But great art? That’s another story altogether. Some of the finest museums and galleries display big-time exhibitions with established artists, and many people will wander through these displays, saying things like “I don’t get it.” Art critics, professors and artists themselves usually do not agree on “great art.” Often, once an artist gains critical mass and popularity for quality work, that’s when other artists tend to write them off (although they may be lying to themselves).

Here in Flagstaff this dynamic is the mirror opposite. The artists in our community support the other artists here. A new exhibition opens anywhere and it is met with high words of praise. A new artist comes on the scene, and his/her work is welcomed as ‘the next great thing.’ Art events, such as festivals, fairs, plays and the popular ArtWalk, are met with enthusiasm and high regard. Musicians are revered.

I’m not suggesting this is a bad thing. I believe artists deserve praise for being bold enough to imagine, create and deliver a vision into the world. Even if we may not like the work, the artist deserves praise for courage. And I believe that emerging artists need praise the most, because as they are new to the scene, they are most at risk to walk away from it. I believe all of this is true.

Where, though, is there room for critical commentary? The media in a small town like Flagstaff is stuck. They can’t get away with writing a critical review of any art. In a town where media and artists hobnob at the same events, and see each other on street corners (or on Facebook), how can you give a work of art a challenging review without being met with scowls?

While I love that the arts in Flagstaff are supported, there is unfortunate outcome to this. It’s difficult for an emerging artist, or any artist, to receive critical feedback that will help to develop his/her craft. University level classes can help with this, but what of the artist who is long since removed from school? If an artist is producing ordinary work, showing in a few spaces around town, and caught in the web of positive affirmation that exists in Flagstaff, how will the artist improve the scope of his/her work?

I’m not suggesting we change the dynamic all that much. Flagstaff has a good thing going for it. But I do recognize that critical feedback is essential to an artist’s development. Artists must seek outside input – from artists, gallery owners, and others in other communities – and specifically ask for critical comments. And they should remember that the critical comments are far more valuable than the praise.

I suggest that we all have the courage to speak our minds about what we see, what we like and what we don’t like, in constructive ways. After all, an honest assessment of one’s work can provide the real fuel to shake things up and make great art. Even if we do disagree about what is great.

Cheers,
JT

Comments at Grant Celebration

2010-08-27T11:51:00.000-07:00

Last night we hosted a celebration of the Art & Science Fund Grant program, as the grant awards were announced for the first time. Twenty-seven local arts, culture and science organizations received funding. The grant program is administered by Flagstaff Cultural Partners, and funding comes from the BBB Revenues at the City of Flagstaff.

A few folks in attendance asked me to share my comments from the event. Here they are:

We are here to celebrate and recognize these 27 different organizations that dedicate themselves to making Flagstaff a better place to live. You provide quality arts cultural and science experiences to our community. Funding from the City of Flagstaff is a clear validation of your work. The City – and by the City I mean it’s staff, elected officials and its residents – understands the value of your efforts. That’s why long ago they built a BBB revenue stream and applied some of it to the arts, culture and science.

And in Flagstaff, we have a very supportive community. People love and value the work you do. They tell us so. They come out to your programs, they tell their friends, and they truly appreciate what you put into this town.

And yet, I know… and we all know… that it’s not enough. The support is incredible, valuable and needed. But we face enormous issues right now in our work. The economy is showing no signs of a short-term bounce back. Money is tighter, attendance is down, and financial security feels less secure than ever before. We appreciate and greatly need the support we have, but we face an uncertain future.

What you do is creative work. When you are on stage, or in studio, or working with people, your work shakes things up and gives people a sense of hope and excitement. You are not afraid to create new and different approaches with your programs and the messages that your work communicates.

This is one of the values of cultural work… we aim to show people their own world, but from a different perspective than they have witnessed before. We open eyes, open minds and open hearts. And this comes from our ability to think outside the box in terms of what we present to our audiences.

Now, in these times, it is more important than ever that we utilize that creative spirit and apply it to the business side of operations.

We cannot cling to existing sources of revenue… and not only must we constantly seek new sources of revenue, we must also look at ourselves honestly. We must ask where we can do things differently, become more efficient, or build completely new ways of approaching how we finance our work.

We must be fearless in this regard. Hold no aspect sacred. Don’t be afraid to throw out the old ways of doing things and start over again with a completely new model. Look at things in new ways. Ask outsiders for input about the most inside aspect of your operations. Try new things. Be bold.

Shaking up the business side of your organization does not mean you are shaking your foundation. Yes, business is important – it’s essential in that it gives us the ability to do our work more effectively, but it’s not our foundation.

What you do in terms of your programs – in the places where you impact people and their lives – that’s the real foundation of your work. It’s in the standing ovations, or the laughter of your audiences. It’s in the young dancer realizing her own ability. It’s in seeing Jupiter through a telescope for the first time or being touched by a beautiful piece of music.

You impact people with your creative spirit. Keep it flowing and thanks for making Flagstaff a truly unique community.

Cheers,
JT

Letters From the Creative Bureaucrat, August

2010-08-03T16:52:00.000-07:00

I write a monthly column in Northern Arizona's arts and news monthly publication, The Noise. My column is called "Letters from the Creative Bureaucrat." Here follows my column in the August issue. Be sure to pick up a copy of The Noise and read all the other great articles therein.

Here’s a question for you: do artists need struggle to create good work?

In June, I participated in one of my favorite events, the 12th Annual Tsunami on the Square performing arts festival in Prescott. There is no other event in the Southwest quite like it, when so many artists, performers and folks come out, dress in colorful, strange costumes, dance in a parade, and basically get their weird on.

With my 25 years of experience in various towns in Arizona, I have come to one conclusion about this amazing event: It could only happen in a town like Prescott. It could only happen in a town with the right mix of political and social antipathy towards the arts, amidst a strong arts community that represents the counter-culture to the prevailing powers in the community.

Let me be clear that I love Prescott, and I know many supporters of the arts there. But I must be honest. This is a town where a mural that depicts Latino schoolchildren is met with hostility, racial slurs, and threats of removal by town government simply because there is a Latino child represented in the mural. When I worked in Prescott to advocate for municipal funding to support arts and culture, I was vilified in the local media and cursed at by elected officials. So with all apologies to those Prescottonians who do indeed support the arts, I love you, but you are in the minority.

Tsunami represents the party for the counter-culture in Prescott. It is the one time each year that we come out with a fury of giant puppets, kid-friendly shows, weird offbeat humor and entertainment, and wild antics like pyrotechnic theater that literally lights the entire stage on fire. It is the Prescott arts community, seizing their chance to be in the spotlight to show their town that arts and culture are meant to breathe life into a community. Partly it is a huge celebration, but also Tsunami serves as a huge middle finger to the establishment in that town.

In Flagstaff, where I have made my home for the last 3+ years, it’s quite different. Here the arts are largely supported by the community, elected officials, and the powers that be. Art in Flagstaff is not only met with pride and celebration, but also appreciated all the more if it represents diversity and sustainability like the Prescott mural does. The City of Flagstaff invests over a quarter million dollars each year to support local arts and science organizations. Coconino County built the Coconino Center for the Arts, and handed it over to the arts community to make it a vibrant community art center. Flagstaff loves the arts.

I might take some heat for saying this, but Tsunami would probably not happen organically in Flagstaff. There’s not as much to push back against. Trust me, we have our share of oddballs and counter culture enthusiasts, but heck, some of them are “the powers that be” in this town. The Flagstaff arts community is represented and supported well. (Is it perfect? Certainly not. We need people to purchase more art, for one thing. However, there is clearly a different vibe. Come out on any First Friday and you’ll see what I mean.)

And so it begs the question: Does the better art come from a struggling artist, or from a supported artist? Are Prescott artists, in all their push-back glory, more likely to create compelling work of value, work that challenges us to look at the world differently – more so than a supported artist in a town like Flagstaff? After all, Tsunami on the Square was given its name because a tsunami was “the event least likely to happen in the high desert,” just as unlikely as an eclectic, visionary counter-culture performing arts festival happening in a frontier conservative western town. From struggle comes compelling and beautiful art.

The answer is probably not so simple. We see enough in our lives on a national and international stage that provides fodder for push back no matter the community you call home. Additionally, even in a “supportive” community like Flagstaff, there are issues or happenings that can provide fuel for great work, like the snowmaking debate or the tragedy of the Schultz Fire.

The point, I suppose, is that great art does come from a desire to express or make change. Whether that change is for a whole community or one individual, art at least partly exists to make us believe that things can be different. And better.

Cheers,
JT

FCP Top Five Local Llive Music

2010-06-28T15:46:00.000-07:00

While the FCP to five is usually a topic of heated and diligent debate that consumes at least one weekly staff meeting per month, this month we made peace easily over one topic: the five have a rather large, mushy soft spot in our hearts for live local music. With unanimous agreement there, we hastily moved on to arguing our personal picks.

Here are the five local bands that you will find at least two-fifths, if not more, of the FCP staff enjoying while on stage.

Dave McGraw and Crow Wing - Dreamy folk rock

The Shindaggers - Sweaty garage rock at its finest

Sambatuque - Worldly rhythms and beats that make you move yo' feet!

The Skansters - Reggae and Ska for every venue, for every body.

Voluntary String Band - Stay Classy, Flagstaff

What is YOUR Local Live Band? Who is missing from our list? Tell us!

Summer in Flagstaff

2010-06-18T08:57:00.000-07:00

Does it get any better than summer in Flagstaff? Arts and culture comes alive in the summer (it's alive in the other seasons, too, but summer's got a totally different feel)... the weather is beautiful, the nights are cool... Consider that the coming weekend is a "slow" one in comparison to some of our busier big weekends, and look at the options for this weekend in Flagstaff.

Flagstaff Music Festival - Featuring tons of local musicians, the Flagstaff Music Festival is pretty much the perfect activity for the weekend. Hang out on Heritage Square, take in the tunes and sip a tasty beverage or three.

A Vast Difference - Theatrikos' new production sounds like a funny one. I haven't seen it yet (I will), but I've not yet come across one of their plays that isn't worth the time, especially their comedies.

Henry Rollins - This one could be pretty cool. Something different altogether. Henry Rollins, of Black Flag and solo music fame, will be performing his special brand of spoken word commentary / humor / etc.

Native American Contemporary Art Exhibition - I'm biased, but this is one of the best art exhibitions I've seen in quite some time. Here at the Coconino Center for the Arts, 22 Native Artists present contemporary works with colorful, haunting and humorous images.

Flagstaff Music & Wine Festival - Wine, and lots of wine. Plus music. Need I say more?

Oakhurst - These guys sound goooood, from their promo: "Take a string band and swap out the fiddle player for a groovy drummer and you're well on your way to understanding the sound of Oakhurst."

All this, on just a random weekend in the middle of June, in Flagstaff. Just wait until we really pick up speed, starting with the 4th of July...

Cheers,
JT

The FCP top 5 - Local Sandwiches

2010-06-01T17:11:00.000-07:00

Lunchtime is a coveted experience here at FCP and we often deliberate as a group what one will consume during the noon hour. Because of our love of lunch and for the local establishments that provide savory specialties, the FCP staff decided that a debate of our favorite sandwiches in town was in order. We convened during two different lunch breaks, each of us offering tastes of our favorite sandwich from local famed eateries. A total of ten delectable stacks of meat and/or veggies, cheese, tasty condiments and bread were sampled and discussed. Here are the five that made the final cut:

Pulled Pork with Cherry Chutney (Cuvee 928)

The Reuben, made with corned beef, sauerkraut, swiss cheese and Russian dressing on dark rye bread (particularly from Main Street Catering)

House Roast Turkey, made with smoked gouda, roasted red peppers, romaine lettuce and pesto mayo on a croissant (Daily Fare Cafe)

Overnight Beef Brisket with Caramelized Onion dipped in Blue Cheese Fondue (Cuvee 928)

The Cherise, made with turkey, peach chutney, sprouts, bacon and havarti cheese on sourdough bread (Main Street Catering)

These are the grinders that have satisfied our taste buds lately. It's almost certain there's a sandwich out there within city limits that hasn't been given a fair trial. What is your favorite sandwich made in Flagstaff? Tell us!

Who loves fresh eggs?

2010-05-21T08:47:00.000-07:00

Wyandotte, Barred Rock, Buff Orpington, Araucana- the rumpless tufted blue-egger.

Who has these exotic names you ask? Compost processing, fertilizer producing, bug pecking lil' cluckers. These feathery delights could be your new neighbors!

My friend Hope and her mom Denise own Willowbrook farm in Camp Verde, AZ. They order their chicks from Privett Hatchery in Portales, New Mexico,and we will be picking up 8 fuzzy chicks from them next week! Order your chickens today! For local feathered friends check out Olsen's Feed & Grain, they will order chicks for you in 25 chick batches and have all the supplies you need for your new hens. Privett Hatchery in Portales, New Mexico, has several varieties of chicks that will come to you, chirping through the mail.

As farm land disappears, (who can afford that much land anyway?) Urban chickens are popping up in neighborhoods and downtown locations near you. Coops can be made from recycled pallet wood, pvc pipes, you name it, you can use it. Check out some of these coop plans for your backyard chickens. Chicken coop in your landscaping an eyesore you say? Check out Garden Coop, for their kit coops that are very appealing as well as functional.

Local Lore: The stairs to nowhere

2010-05-20T12:43:00.000-07:00

As you round the corner of Aspen Avenue and San Francisco Street in lovely downtown Flagstaff, you are sure to run into a bit of a mysterious eyesore. Encased by fencing is a construction zone and a gaping hole, exposing the historic depths of downtown Flagstaff. As a long time, loyal part time employee of Babbitt's Backcountry, located on said corner, I started to log the slow deconstruction of half of our iconic corner by how many Friday shifts passed, multiplied by the countless inquiries of curious shoppers and passerby. There is a notion that any construction heard or seen in downtown Flagstaff must translate to "change;" Something new is coming in or something old is being restored. Could the one and only historic Babbitt General Store Building be next? Slowly, information leaked that a staircase was to be put in. But that only prompted a second tier of questioning. "Stairs to what?" Let me take this opportunity to settle what every Babbitt's Backcountry employee has been trying to suggest for weeks now. The stairs will lead to...(dramatic pause!)

...The basement.

Shockingly, curiosities were still not satisfied. Which instigated a rumor mill to start turning. While I will certainly not criminalize my fellow wise-guy/gal coworkers, I will repeat a few of the better fibs (read that correctly - FIBS) that have been directed at persistent questioning from the other side of the counter: "Jim [Babbitt] is putting in a Martini Bar." Or "We're going to open up a museum of dusty collectibles" (referring to our aged, outdated gear, displays, overstocked postcards and Babbitt relics that have been stored in the basement for years...) Of course there was the suggestion that there were newly installed chains down there and we were going to take on the feat of punishing shop lifters ourselves.

Truth of the matter is, no one really knows why the stairs are there. At least right now. I imagine the real cause for a decent into our dusty, disheveled basement from the outside world will reveal itself in due time.

In the meantime, I'll be taking suggestions for what to tell the summer crowds when they ask where the stairs lead to. Other than "down."

FCP Top Five Flagstaff Summer Events

2010-05-05T10:57:00.000-07:00

Aaahhhh, summers at 7000 ft. Even though the solstice doesn't arrive until June 21, it seems that seasons change as soon as the last snowflake has drifted down to earth (which should be any day now...) The staff at FCP is anxiously awaiting for the weather to turn for good. We've even started planning our agenda for the next few months. Below are the five events that you'll most likely see us at, embracing warm weather and celebrating the shedding of winter wear.

Flagstaff Open Studios
Patio Parties at Flagstaff Brewing Co.
Farmer's Market at City Hall and St. Pius parking lots
'Movies on the Square'
Concerts at Pine Mountain Amphitheater
(notably the Prairie Home Companion 'Summer of Love' tour stopping at PMA August 21!)

Of course, it goes without saying that summer up here has more to offer. An honorable mention goes to Flagstaff Hullabaloo, making it's debut at Wheeler Park July 10th as a "celebration of all things Flagstaff."

Where around town will we see you this summer?

Letters From the Creative Bureaucrat, May

2010-05-03T07:46:00.000-07:00

I write a monthly column in Northern Arizona's arts and news monthly publication, The Noise. My column is called "Letters from the Creative Bureaucrat." Here follows "part two" of two part series on the BBB as published in the April issue column... (click here for "part one").

It’s crunch time, folks. If you live in Flagstaff, you will be (or already are) looking at a ballot due May 18 that contains five initiatives for your consideration. Thankfully, I’m here to help you sort out one of these initiatives: Prop 401. Last month, I promised I would debate myself over how I will vote on 401, the initiative to renew the BBB tax.

So without further adieu, I’ll launch into split personalities – for the good of the community:

Haven’t you been paying attention? There are protests all over the country – and four initiatives on this ballot are tax proposals. I’m struggling enough to pay my mortgage and my bills. We’re tired of this Recession. We’ve had enough and we simply cannot take it anymore.

I understand your pain, but Prop 401 doesn’t hit Flagstaff residents all that hard. On average, 73% of the tax is paid for by visitors to Flagstaff. The BBB is collected on purchases of lodging, alcoholic beverages, and restaurant dining. It’s smart business for a town to collect from the visitors who enjoy its many benefits.

It is also important to note that Prop 401 is a renewal of the BBB tax revenues – it is not asking for a tax increase. Voters first approved the initiative in 1988. The tax rate remains the same, and is pretty small, charting in at 2%.

And we use this funding for good: it serves residents — with funding for Parks and Recreation: ballparks, skating rinks, and the Flagstaff Urban Trails System. BBB revenues support tourism dollars that go into promoting our town. BBB supports arts, science and culture programs both tourists and residents enjoy: the Museum of Northern Arizona, Lowell Observatory, Flagstaff Symphony, Theatrikos, Flagstaff Open Studios, KNAU, events on Heritage Square, Pickin’ in the Pines and the Celtic Heritage Fest, to name a few.

Funding for non-profit arts and culture groups? What kind of charity are we giving out here? Those groups should be able to survive on their own in the free market, or be allowed to die.

Man, that’s cold. But I don’t totally disagree with you: arts and culture organizations should be able to survive. And they do, with or without government support. But Prop 401 is about more than that. It’s about a smart investment in programs that aim to support our community socially and economically, without taking profit.

The truth about investments in the culture of our community are this: every dollar local governments invest into arts programs will pay back $7 in local, state and federal tax. Moreover, those tourists who help keep Flagstaff above the fray in the midst of a huge Recession: they don’t come to towns where there’s nothing to do. When we promote Flagstaff, we are making a promise to those folks that this town is a great place to be. We must also deliver on that promise. Investing in arts and culture gives everyone great programs that build community and keep tourists coming back for more.

That isn’t charity. It’s smart business.

If you want to build a strong local economy, you reduce taxes so the free market can do its magic. With lesser taxes, people have more money to invest in their businesses and to make purchases.

No doubt there is value to the free market. However, a local government also works much like a business – a business that builds a strong local economy for every one of its residents. So much of Flagstaff’s economy thrives from tourism. When the BBB brings us more visitors, or invests in programs that attract residents to come out and engage the community, aren’t we building a stronger free market?

Case in point: compare Flagstaff to Prescott. Both cities position themselves as tourist destinations and as places rich in history and culture. Only Flagstaff has a true dedicated BBB Revenue stream that invests strongly in tourism, the arts, parks and jobs. Prescott, with a much smaller investment, is seeing double-digit losses in tourism revenue during this recession, while Flagstaff is weathering the storm.

Prescott historian and long-time culture advocate, Elisabeth Ruffner, recently bemoaned to me how envious she was of Flagstaff’s BBB program. She felt that Prescott would have so much more going for it – in terms of visibility and viability – if there was a dedicated BBB stream. Prescott’s a great town and deserves to be ‘on the map’ the way Flagstaff is. Prescott’s local businesses deserve it, too.

Fortunately, Flagstaff has that going for it. For all of us. We can’t let go of what makes us special.

Cheers,
JT

Danger Is My Middle Name

2010-04-30T15:32:00.000-07:00

My favorite author (and maybe yours) will be reading tomorrow evening at the Scottsdale Center for the Arts.

David Sedaris was in Phoenix last Spring reading from his latest book, When You are Engulfed in Flames. I was truly disappointed not to be able to go see him. My dearest friends went and said the tears were flowing from belly aching laughter. That's my favorite. The kind where you can't breathe because you are laughing so hard. After the reading they looked at the hours long line for the book signing and decided to go grab dinner and come back.

They drove over to the Cornish Pasty Company, picked up food for themselves, and an extra Pasty for David Sedaris. It was getting late and maybe he was hungry after all that talking? The line was shorter when they returned, but they still had to wait. The Pasty was sitting in the bottom of Brooke's purse, becoming less warm, a little less flaky and a bit more soggy. As the people in line in front of my friends dwindled, the thought crossed Brooke's mind that maybe she shouldn't present the Pasty, perhaps David Sedaris is a germaphobe? Or was that his sister?

It was finally their turn. There was no one in between my friends and David Sedaris except for Brooke's perfectly round, pregnant belly. They instantly hit it off swapping bizarre stories and David Sedaris proceeded to name their unborn child. Danger as his middle name. The Pasty stayed at the bottom of Brooke's purse.

A week later I received for my birthday, my very own copy of When You are Engulfed in Flames. I flipped open the cover and thumbed through to the title page where to my delight I discovered a little drawing of a bird, with a conversation bubble saying simply, "Hi!", followed by Sedaris' signature. It's my favorite.

Military Vernacular

2010-04-28T16:26:00.000-07:00

This weeks Goodness come from a photographer by the name of Ryan Hendon. Growing up a military brat, Hendon spent many of his childhood days traveling or moving from military base to military base living in such places as Hawaii and Germany. While studying at the San Francisco

Art Institute, Hendons ideas started migrating away from his portfolio that he originally came to grad school with which consisted of black and white photographs of the contrast between new housing developments and older, historical buildings in Philadelphia. He began photographing both objects and spaces that were related to warfare.

His imagery now contained still life's containing gas masks from World War 2 and military fatigues. Hendon also started to photograph turret foundations and bunkers that pepper the coastline of the San Francisco bay area that were originally placed as military strongholds to protect America from the Japanese forces during World War 2. Hendon uses formal compositions that allows the viewer to focus on the form of the remaining foundation also enabling the viewer to experience the powerful presence over the land that the turrets once

protected.

Also, during a disc golf outing, Hendon stumbled along a garage sale that contained over 200 top secret aerial images from World War 2. These black and white images were photographed from bomber and scouting planes and recorded paratrooper drops, actual bombings of enemy territory and battleships at sea.

Hendon is currently working on photographing military spaces that are now being used for things unrelated to the war. He also still keeps his eye out for the "Military Vernacular" during his travels.

To view more of Ryan Hendon's work please visit www.ryanhendon.com/. Keep an eye for Ryan Hendon. You may be seeing his work is big name galleries and biennials in the future.

Flagstaff needs a few things

2010-04-26T12:02:00.000-07:00

I grew up here til I was 18 and I must say that after coming back when I was 26, I was happy to see that some changes had taken place. Most of these changes that I talk about have to do with restaurants because I enjoy food Don't get me wrong, I love the local-ness that Flagstaff has offer. You can't beat NiMarco's or La Fonda on a Friday night and there's nothing better than Martannes or La Bellavia on a weekend morning. However, for someone who often goes out to eat, it's good to have plenty of options. Some of the new recent additions I enjoy are Diablo Burger, Mama's, Taverna and Pita Jungle, I'm not into PHX Flagstaff however, there are still a few things that this mountain needs.

1. We need a really good chinese food restaurant. If there's one already here, let me know.

2. We need a bowling alley on the west side so that those of us who live on the west side can walk home...

3. We need Tex Mex Mexican food restaurant like Baja Fresh or Qdoba

4. Two Words...Cornish Pastey. This place is phenomenal. I'll probably write

a whole blog just about pastey's at a later time but they are basically a handmade gourmet hot pocket and they'll

make your day.

5. Trader Joe's

6. A Jewish deli

7. A Chic Fil-A that's open on the weekends and has a drive thru.

8. A high speed quad on the mountain.

9. Buffalo Exchange needs to come back

10. We most definitely need the Grandon Art Gallery

Let me know if there is anything that I'm forgetting.

My Own Top Five - Recycled Art Exhibition

2010-04-18T16:14:00.000-07:00

We post a monthly Staff Top Five here in the Culture Club. And the Recycled Art Exhibition has it's own awards program, a panel of good people recognizing a half dozen outstanding pieces in the show. These things are nice enough. I respect them.

But I want to do my own Top Five of the Recycled Art Exhibition, because, well, it's just that cool of an exhibition.

In its 8th year, the Recycled Art Exhibition showcases the most vivid aspects of the imaginations of Flagstaff's residents. Here below, in no particular order, are my favorite pieces in this year's show (please forgive my poor photography):

Nancy DeBlois' Maiden Japan is one of the most striking pieces in the show. You first get a glance of it out of the corner of your eye - you think that someone has been standing silently watching you. Nancy repairs mannequins for a living actually, but creates mesmerizing artwork with them, too.

Curtis Smith's Lazer Tazer is almost impossible to photograph, but it's the perfect Marvin the Martian weapon, complete with a real crystal from which I am sure it draws it's earth-destroying power.

Brian Painter's Going Mobile might be the most brilliant work in the show, just for the statement it makes. It's hard to see here, but that's tricycle holding up a Saguaro cactus with a spigot spewing water, holding up a platform on which rests a mobile home and small plot of fake grass. Draw your own conclusions.

Here's where the creepiness really sets in. Psychic Resonator, by Tim Thomason, seems to be a science experiment gone horribly awry. Bunnies and babies morphed, skeleton blondes, spiders with barbie doll heads... it's all very Mike Frankel-esque.

Andrea Hartley has been entering her unique monsters made of socks into the Recycled show for a couple of years. But this year's submission, Sock Monster, takes it to a whole new level of madness and brilliance. I can only show half of the piece here, but the monster-face-bra should be enough to just begin the narrative of a must-see work.

Rebecca Borowski's George The Inner Tube Elephant is just that: an elephant made out of inner tubes. A simple work of art, actually. It's just that it comes out looking like a cross between a midget elephant and the Gimp from Pulp Fiction.

The Recycled Art Exhibition remains open through May 15 at the Coconino Center for the Arts. There are artist demos and workshops on April 24, May 1, and 8. Click here for the schedule.

Cheers,
JT

I am a poet. And I do know it.

2010-04-15T09:33:00.000-07:00

Much to my delight

at first morning's light
NPR did cite
that April is National Poetry Month, did I hear that right?

After wiping the sleep from my face
to my computer I raced
And sought from Google my fate
that today I would indeed be in a poetic state!

When I draw circles, they resemble pears
A decent painting of mine is rare
Only thing centered in my photos is the air,
But me, write a rotten poem? Now that's a dare.

A month's worth of vernacular to deliberate
to help pick your fave wordsmiths to celebrate
Or script your own words to dedicate
Practice poetry, it's never too late!

Like Nobody's Watching

2010-04-12T07:30:00.000-07:00

I don't dance.

I just don't do it. I'm not good at dancing, I don't look good doing it, and did I mention that I'm really really bad at it? When I dance, I'm so white it's blinding. I've permanently destroyed the retinas of several otherwise innocent victims, just by dancing in their view. So yeah. I don't dance.

Anyway, that said: let's set the stage. Saturday night, Coconino Center for the Arts, and the Fishtank Ensemble are rocking the place with some dance-alicious vibes the Center hasn't seen since the last Boulder Acoustic show. Fishtank's music is fun, upbeat, different, funky and demands that you move in some way. Even for a white boy like me, I had to move a little to their beats. I bobbed my head around and stuff. Fortunately, no one died.

Given the audience in attendance, the heads bobbin', and some of the folks I knew in attendance that wanted to dance, I expected half of the audience to move into open spaces on the stage and dance. But no one did.

Well, I found this curious. But my good pal, Kim Seiferth, found this downright distasteful and was on a mission to fix it. So she says to me that we need to go down there, on the stage where everybody can see us, and start the dancing. My perfect response: "huh?" She says that we need to get all dramatic, each of us walk down the two flights of stairs to the stage level, simultaneously, and do a quick synchronized dance that will get everyone on their feet and dancing.

To which I responded further and with deeper insight: "say what?"

I put up some very heavy resistance to this idea, enough that Kim went away and I was relieved. Then, a song or two later, Joe Cornett says to me, "That girl is looking for you. She wants you to dance." Oh god, I think, she's not backing off. And I know enough about Kim - her being spunky and uppity and fun and all - that she was not going to let this idea go. So, despite my efforts to hide somewhere that she'd never find me again, she found me and pushed. And pushed and pushed, until I insisted that we add two more people to our plan. (This was my way of stalling so it wouldn't happen, but stalling is all it accomplished.)

Kim, Joe, myself and Diane Immethun all went into the lobby and hatched our plan. Here's how it played out.

Kim and I at the top of one flight of stairs, Joe and Diane at the top of the other flight. We walk down at the same time, get to the bottom and on stage, turn towards each other and have a moment of stare-down. Everyone can see us now. The band is in the middle, playing their song, we are staring at each other at opposite ends of them. So dramatic.

We walk, in tandem, towards one another, all dance-styled. Staring each other down, we circle each other, and play it up for the audience. We are doing this, by the way, right in front of the band. We have stolen their thunder, whether it was appropriate or rude I don't know, but now everyone is cheering us on. The band's singer, Ursula, told us later that she forgot her cue to start singing while we did our theatrics, because, well, we were doing our theatrics.

In a word, we shocked the band. After circling each other twice, we dancers each went into the corners of the stage - I waved at the audience to come down and join us - and began dancing to the tunes. Within seconds, dozens of people were littering the stage and dancing the rest of the night away. Feet stompin', elbows flyin', bodies twirlin'. It was a poetic, flat-out undeniable moment of awesomeness.

So I danced. In front of everyone, with a few dozen people dancing along with me. On the stage in the corners, we were somewhat in the dark, but there was enough glow that everyone could see us dancing. For three songs, until the band finished their set before they came back from a raucous standing ovation demanding an encore, I stayed and danced. And let's repeat: I'm not good at this dancing thing. I probably stunk up the joint and made everyone around me look like dancing all-stars. But I didn't care. I was having fun. I was happy that our scheme worked, that we got people out of their seats and dancing to this amazing show, and created a moment that I know we won't soon forget. And the music was infectious and made me want to move. Did I make a fool of myself? Yup. Did my teenage son, among others, look on and think "Wow, he is one god. awful. dancer. and crap, now I'm blind"? Probably.

Did I care? Nope.

Cheers,
JT

Waking to Beauty

2010-04-02T14:02:00.000-07:00

Someone told me once that when you wake up the first thing you see should be something beautiful.

Each morning when I transition from dream state to morning light, I stare into the dreamiest blue eyes.
Not present but in some faraway place. Wondrous strange. A glimmer of light in the distance.

This is the brilliance of Mathilde Gatinois MacCormack.

Check out Mathilde's new paintings at West of the Moon Gallery during the month of April.

Dust off your french and talk to Mathilde tonight at First Friday Artwalk, 6-9pm.

FCP April Top 5

2010-04-01T11:44:00.000-07:00

In scenic Northern Arizona, it's easy to understand how the natural, yet beautifully eclectic landscape can compel someone to create. It's hardly a coincidence that the Flagstaff art scene thrives when almost any window in town frames a scene worth seizing. Keeping things local and focused on all-things-art, FCP pooled a list of Northland artists we think best capture the essence of nature near or far, be it with paint, a lens, or even the human body.

Joella Jean Mahoney
Alan Petersen
Shane Knight
Bahe Whitethorne
Human Nature Dance Theatre

Add to our our list! Please comment below on your favorite local nature artists.

Letters From the Creative Bureaucrat, April

2010-03-30T07:04:00.000-07:00

I write a monthly column in Northern Arizona's arts and news monthly publication, The Noise. My column is called "Letters from the Creative Bureaucrat." Here follows "part one" of two part series on the BBB as published in the April issue column... (pick up a copy of The Noise, too).

I love lists. I will make “top five” or “top ten” lists for just about anything: favorite movies, best cocktails at a party, favorite holidays, worst actors of all time… the possibilities are never-ending. In fact, I could create a list of “top ten interesting lists to spur fun debate with your friends.”

Here in this fertile literary world of The Noise, for both this month and in May, I intend to wax on about a little thing called the BBB. And I intend to do so by using lists, regardless of my own inner voice that warns me that lists are a little lazy when it comes to writing a column (you’ll forgive me, I hope).

The first list, here and now, will be to expound upon the benefits and values of the BBB. No, I’m not talking about the Better Business Bureau. I’m talking about the City of Flagstaff’s Bed, Board and Booze tax revenues, which contribute heavily to setting Flagstaff as a shining example of a community in Arizona (one of the few) that is willing to invest in arts and culture, among other things.

So to the task at hand: Just what do the BBB Revenues do for Flagstaff? Here are five important highlights…

1. The BBB Revenues are an investment in the strength of our local economy. “Investment” is the key word. These are not programs that simply make us feel all fuzzy inside (although that does happen). BBB funded programs create jobs in the creative sector (arts, tourism, science, economic development), encourage visitation, and help to attract and retain business and the creative class. BBB funding fortifies our local economy, which is why Flagstaff has not suffered as heavily during this national recession as some other communities.

2. The BBB provides funding for art and cultural programs throughout the Flagstaff area. These are quality programs that make the arts accessible to everyone, such as (watch as I employ the “list within a list” technique):

Free concerts and performances on Heritage Square and elsewhere, Festivals such as the Celtic Heritage Festival and Pickin’ in the Pines,
Youth art and theatre programs that give local youth healthy avenues to express themselves and build confidence,
Dry Creek Arts Fellowship’s program to provide arts workshop to local cancer patients, and the P.E.A.C.E. Project that uses theatre to teach healthy relationships to local youth, and,
Many more arts, culture and science programs that YOU enjoy (like this very publication).

3. The BBB encourages greener living. Did you know that BBB Revenues directly fund the FUTS (Flagstaff Urban Trails System), a city-wide network of non-motorized, shared-use pathways that are used by bicyclists, walkers, hikers, runners, and other users for both recreation and transportation? There are over 50 miles of these awesome trails, with a total of 130 miles planned.

4. The BBB funds tourism attraction. Tourism attraction means a stronger local economy and helps to drive larger audiences to arts and cultural programs locally. Festivals, concerts, art galleries (and thereby local artists), and local businesses all benefit when we have the ability to attract visitors. Especially during a challenging nationwide economic recession.

5. The BBB funds Flagstaff’s beauty. That’s right, BBB supports beautification and public art efforts. Don’t downplay the importance of beauty… it is one of the essential reasons that so many people see Flagstaff as an attractive place to visit and live. Trees and mountains don’t do it on their own – we have built a small city here, and it is important that we work to develop beautiful parks, urban design and public art that serve to fit into the natural surroundings.

I could list another five benefits easily, but space is limited. In short, the BBB is a huge part of what makes Flagstaff so special – and part of what is keeping us afloat during tough times.

And I haven’t forgotten: the second list I will create on the BBB – this is your teaser for next month’s thrilling episode – will be a debate, with myself, about whether or not the BBB should be renewed via election by Flagstaff voters on May 18. Don’t fret about that one – I perform admirably in conversational battle with myself all the time. Just ask my neighbors.

A "tag" of my own...billboard Style

2010-03-23T12:07:00.000-07:00

For those of who have been to San Francisco, you know that there are a lot of wall murals and graffiti all over the city. Some of them are commissioned and legal while others are done by the rogue artists who illegally spray paint where ever it seems fit. The graffiti culture is huge in big cities and many of them consider their medium just as important as other mediums. Artist's like Banksy have made careers out of grafitti installations in London and throughout the world. I noticed a specific space in SF that was asking to be used so I slowly started thinking about creating a "tag" of my own.

There was a billboard in Western Addition that every time I had seen it had either been blank (all white) or tagged by a graffiti artist that made a huge mural out of the blank canvas. I walked or drove past this billboard a few times a week and for months I was itching to make something of it...finally it went down.

At 11:30 one morning in the broad daylight I infiltrated the billboard with two friends, Rob and Krissy. Rob was there to help with the installation and Krissy was there to document. That day the billboard was consumed by a large spray painted mural that said something that I couldn't read, probably someone's street alias. Rob and I wore "onzy" painter suites so that it appeared that we worked for Clear Channel (the company that owns the billboard) and headed up the ladder with a bucket of white paint and rollers. This was a front so that no cops would get involved. We then painted over the tag that was there so that we had an all white canvas to work with.

A few interactions happened. While we were painting a man came up and asked how he could get a job painting for us. We told him we were a small company that was independently owned and that he should try Craig's List. He replied "oh that's a good idea" and then walked away.

The second man to talk with us was the owner of a building across the street from the billboard. He was mad that "our" company (Clear Channel) hadn't come to paint the billboard sooner and that he had been calling us for months to take care of the graffiti. Our response was "well, we're here now." The man shrugged, told us in a grumpy tone that it would be tagged again by tomorrow then walked away.

Spray Paint has never been part of my repertoire when it comes to making artwork...photography has. Thinking about how artists are essentially selling themselves and their ideas led me to think of a billboard as doing the same for a product or company and I wanted to combine the two thoughts. I was also thinking about the billboard as a presentation or gallery space for artwork so I decided that my tag would be one of my own 20x24 inch framed photographs.

The image depicts a house in Lake Tahoe that has a garage door carved into a landscape scene with Pine Trees, Eagles flying and an Elk. The subject matter of the image isn't as important, because the installation is more about the interaction of fine art and the billboard space. The frame was screwed into the billboard so that tearing it down would be cumbersome. I included a temporary phone number, in order to receive calls and record any dialogue that might be created around the piece.

Would someone tag over the photo that night? Would people think this was just another Clear Channel add? Not sure what was to come next we left and I decided that I would come back periodically throughout the next few days to see what came of it.

That night we went back to see if anything had changed. While we were driving past the piece we noticed a guy (mid 20's) with take out food in his hand looking up at the image. He quickly looked both ways, put the food down and skimmered up the fence towards the platform of the billboard. Unable to park quickly I drove around the block to find the first addition to the piece, a tag that had been done below the photograph.

As time passed, the space started to transform into other things and I slowly started learning the underground language of the graffiti culture. I had heard that if someone tags over the top of another tag or mural that it is a form of disrespect. In turn, I learned that if someone tags around your piece, then that is a way a showing respect and appreciation towards your work.

A few nights later, another artist who uses stencils to tag his alias, made three tags in red on the left side of the photograph and three tags in black on the right side. At this point I was extremely happy that other artists were essentially adding to the space and complimenting the overall aesthetic of the piece. This billboard space was becoming a collaborative. Another few nights passed and then an artist with the alias "Anti" filled the bottom corners with two tags.

The piece had a mind of it's own and turned into something that was never planned or anticipated. In the end the space turned into a collaboration between 5 artists of different mediums. No one ever met, no discussions between artists were ever made. A total of 3 graffiti artists put their work around the photograph which I think added to the overall aesthetic and impact of the work. As a lot of graffiti often does, this collaboration was finally painted over by an artist with the alias "CEAPS." Although the photograph was painted over, the frame was still embossed off of the billboard surface.

Keep an eye out for billboards that look a bit extraordinary. There is one being prepared as we speak...

The best thing to come out of a fish tank since sushi!

2010-03-17T12:11:00.000-07:00

As I've already blabbed on our facebook page, our Spring line-up at CCA is decorated with electrifying examples of good music and genre-crossing local art (e.g. Solo Duo, live/all local paint-jazz-dance performance at The Recycled Art Opening Reception, Boulder Acoustic Society...and the FISHTANK ENSEMBLE!) The group was a little but of a bugaboo to me a couple months ago; I started to hear about this musical "experience" referred to as "Fishtank" followed by chronicles like "legitimately old-timey gypsy," or "tosses his bass in the air like a circus clown." A few of these recounts were described to me by those who were lucky enough to see Fishtank Ensemble last summer at the Arboretum, when the group proved that local monsoons can't keep a good band down - it merely moved them inside.

Also puzzling is the groups moniker. Here at work, I was aware months ago that I would eventually do press for "Fishtank" and I assumed it to be the name of an event, or some annual occurrence. A great article was passed on to finally bring me into light. In short, the members of Fishtank Ensemble trekked some serious mileage between Eastern Europe and the States to find each other at a studio deemed "the Fishbowl" for its mostly glass exterior. The ensemble had a greater knack for making music and attracting crowds than it did for naming itself. According to history (er, the internet), when pressed for a name at a show, it was only fitting that the band's leading lady-vocalist reportedly "blurted" the alias 'Fishtank.' And it stuck.

In case you're still just as clueless as I was about how Fishtank Ensemble looks, feels and sounds, you're in for a treat. In short, Fishtank plays gypsy music but also restores gypsy fashions, customs and musicianship in modern times and can play a myriad of instruments with only four sets of limbs. They also put on a hell of a show. Still not convinced? Come experience Fishtank for yourself here at CCA on April 10, at 7pm!

Sometimes you just gotta say, Someday....

2010-03-11T19:44:00.000-08:00

I consider myself a pretty laid back vacationer. I’m not one of those people who plans an agenda and sticks to time slots. In fact, that drives me crazy. If someone wants to go to the beach, an M’s game, visit a great aunt, then great! I’m down. Lately though, I’ve been daydreaming of a completely selfish vacation. An art only vacation (well not only art, but with that purpose in mind).

This is my promise to myself. Someday, I will take a vacation that is purely for the love of art. I will not visit any family members. I will not bring my husband, daughter or dog. Unless of course they want to come, but there will be no compromises in this vacation, and I sure will not feel guilty for wanting to go to just one more gallery before lunch or visit every single exhibit at the Getty. I’ll do what I want and it will be glorious.

I’m about to take off for Los Angeles in the morning, and though I will undoubtedly have a great time with my parents, sisters, grandma and friends, I most likely will not see any art. It will be just out of my reach, as usual, because that’s not what this quick trip is about. This trip is about sharing the new Baby-Love with the family, and I love that, its just not art.