If you’re curious about what’s going on in the local arts community, we curate a monthly list of what’s new and noteworthy, from new exhibits to upcoming shows.
Photography Exhibition Candidly Captures Artists and Their Cats
A new photo series will be displayed January 7 through January 14 at Abe Zucca Gallery in Phoenix, featuring photographs of local creatives with their beloved feline companions. Aptly named Artists and Cats, the concept features portraits of more than 20 artists at home with their cats, plus a dog, a bird and a few surprise pets. The show was conceived and created by art curator, cat lover and candid portrait photographer Philip Talarico and participating artists include Eric Cox, Abe Zucca, Tato Caraveo and Erica Clark. The images will be available for sale during the show. An opening reception with refreshments and appearances from the artists will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. on January 7.
Tango Argentina Twists and Turns into Madison Center for the Arts
A lively new production brings eight of Argentina’s best tango dancers and musicians to Madison Center for the Arts in Phoenix on January 13 and 14. The one-of-a-kind show combines traditional tango dancing with a contemporary narrative to show how the art form has evolved. The dancers will perform alongside a quartet of live musicians trained in the art of tango.
Chandler Center for the Arts Kicks Off the Year with Positive Programming
The Gallery at CCA presents Radical Happiness, a collection of mixed media works created by Tucson-based artist Lex Gjurasic during the pandemic. The exhibition is unique in that the artist used unexpected materials that she already had at home, including Styrofoam, house paint samples and mortar. Gjurasic developed the series as a way to relieve the anxieties and uncertainties of quarantine and coronavirus. She says creating the series was “like a visual Prozac” and sustained her sanity throughout the pandemic. Radical Happiness will be on display from January 15 through April 9. An in-person opening reception will take place on January 15 from 4 to 6 p.m.
Theater Works Introduces New and Reinvented Programs for 2022
Theater Works at the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts is expanding its creative team and launching new and exciting offerings this year. Theater Alive Kids and Theater Alive Teen teach aspiring, young actors a wide variety of disciplines including acting, voice coaching, movement and stage presence. New staff include director Meija Eller, music director Kathleen Berger and choreographer Paul Pedersen. The company, now in its 37th season, is also back to live theater, debuting new and reimagined programs and series. “We’re coming back and can’t wait to turn the spotlight on live theater and our revitalized educational programming,” Theater Works’ managing director Cate Hinkle says.
Art and Science Intersect at i.d.e.a Museum
Imagine, Design, Build! focuses on the art and science of architecture. feature 40 works of art by 15 artists from four different states and six different countries in a variety of mediums including paintings, sculptures, fiber works, videography, LED lights and photography. In addition to the exhibition, numerous interactive activities will be available in the gallery so guests can imagine, design and build their own creations through various materials and techniques. The exhibit runs from January 21 to August 6.
Performance Artists Explore Important Issues at Contemporary Dance and Film Festival
Choreographers, filmmakers and dancers will join forces January 28 and 29 at 7:30 p.m. at Tempe Center for the Arts to explore important topics from fake news to gender identity through a festival called Breaking Ground. Each performance uses the medium of movement to examine each issue and will be held “in the round” to create a fully immersive experience for the audience. The carefully curated lineup includes dance performances and the screening of two fascinating dance films.
Event Celebrates Women’s Artistic Contributions to the Western Lifestyle
Art of the Cowgirl is the premier event for female western artists to hone and showcase their craftsmanship. The five-day, family-friendly event starts on January 19 and runs through January 23 at the Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Centre in Queen Creek. Its mission is to assist emerging artists to celebrate cowgirls and their contribution to the western genre. A fellowship program serves to provide education in traditional cowgirl trades. A live art auction will take place on January 22 at 5:30 p.m. and features tack, silver, gear and other artworks. Workshops include silversmithing, writing, rawhide braiding, photography, moccasin making and more.
