https://www.phoenixmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Write-Here-Wright-Now-1280x720.jpg

Photo courtesy Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing   Revenge is a major motif in literature. Readers often delight in seeing their favorite protagonists vindicated – but how do writers use the idea of revenge to propel their stories forward and motivate their characters? How can that be done in a socially responsible way? Tempe-based writer Gionni Ponce will explore answers to these questions and more during a “Write Here, Write Now” workshop titled...

https://www.phoenixmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Making-a-Photographer_Rebecca-A-Senf-1280x720.jpg

Ansel Adams’ iconic photographs of the American West are among the most influential and memorable images of the natural environment, especially his National Parks photography from the 1940s. But his early photos shed light on his artistic development and his larger body of work, says Adams scholar Dr. Rebecca A. Senf, chief curator for the Center for Creative Photography at the University of Arizona and author of the book Making a Photographer: The Early Work...

https://www.phoenixmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Heard-Museum-Virtual-Indian-Fair.jpg

Gather with more than 300 Native American artists from more than 75 tribal affiliations – virtually, that is – during the 63rd Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair & Market. Beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, March 5 and continuing through 4 p.m. Sunday, March 7, visitors to the virtual festival can watch dance performances, listen to playlists of music by indigenous artists (courtesy of Tempe-based Canyon Records), and peruse paintings, baskets, jewelry, pottery, textiles, sculptures and...

https://www.phoenixmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Nat-Geo-Live_crop-1280x614.png

Dinosaurs, filmmaking, deep-sea dwellers and the migration of women – these topics will be explored in entertaining depth during the National Geographic Live Speaker Series. The events typically take place at Mesa Arts Center but will be online this year – which makes it no less exciting, says Randall Vogel, assistant director of Mesa Arts Center. “We’re excited to be part of such an inspiring speaker series,” he said. “National Geographic Live continues to make...

https://www.phoenixmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/AZ-Bach-Fest_LuteDuo.jpg

Travel the world to hear the music of Johann Sebastian Bach this month – virtually, of course. Featuring concerts in Poland, Minnesota and New Mexico, the 2021 Arizona Bach Festival brings the Baroque composer’s works to digital devices with a trio of performances by renowned classical music artists. First up: organist Aaron David Miller, who injects his passionate organ recital with wit and commentary that displays his absolute unashamed adoration for the instrument. You might...

https://www.phoenixmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Art-House-Gilbert-960x720.jpg

You might not be able to safely embrace your Valentine this year or go out on the town, but there are some pretty sweet activities you can enjoy virtually around Arizona. Not coupling this Valentine’s Day? No sweat – these online events are just as sweet for solo flyers. And they cost a lot less than a typical V-Day extravaganza – some are even free. Free Cooking Class Scottsdale-based real estate group The Rider Elite...

https://www.phoenixmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/20180131-portraits-josh_labaer-002-1280x720.jpg

Brains and booze meet again in this year’s A Sip of Science events. The spirited speaker series from the Biodesign Institute at ASU, which combines expertise on topics like viruses and plastic pollution with small bites and thematic cocktails, was previously held at various venues around the Valley. The three-part series will be completely virtual this spring, thanks to the coronavirus pandemic. Which brings us to the first topic in the series, “Innovating in the...

https://www.phoenixmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Creative-Movement-Slider-2.jpg

It might be too cold or coronavirus-risky for many kids to engage in activities outdoors and/or with their friends right now, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be physically active while doing fun things with their friends. “Read, Dance, Play” is a series of free, interactive workshops from The School of Ballet Arizona designed to keep kids smiling and moving while practicing their listening, reading, thinking and communication skills. Hosted online in a Zoom room...

https://www.phoenixmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/hrsj.jpg

No one could have predicted everything that happened in 2020. Projections for 2021 might be moot, too, but in the anything-can-happen spirit of last year, here are some tongue-in-cheek visions for the Valley’s music future. The clandestine desert-rave wave of the 1990s returns. With nightclubs closed amidst the coronavirus crisis, Phoenicians will once again venture into the desert for secret dance parties driven by DJs with generators and illuminated by glow sticks. Doot-doot. Arizona Hip...

https://www.phoenixmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Hoop-Dance-Contest-1280x720.jpg

Vogue called it a full display of “indigenous beauty and skill.” Atlas Obscura deemed it a “unique competition.” Many Phoenicians know it as “that big thing that happens at Heard Museum every year.” It’s the World Championship Hoop Dance Contest – and for the first time in its 30-year history, the entire event will be online only. The competition, which combines athleticism, artistry and tradition, features more than a hundred hoop dancers in several age...

https://www.phoenixmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Drumming-Sounds-drum-circle.jpg

We might be stuck inside, but that doesn’t mean we can’t get outside our heads. This week, we can journey into cyberspace to learn about historic building preservation and discuss a sci-fi plot and even get outside to bang a drum in a big, socially distanced circle. Taliesin Talks: Preserving for a Modern World Why does saving old buildings still matter? Preservationists discuss the importance of historical structures, how to balance the desire for conservation...

https://www.phoenixmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Phoenix-San_Carlos_Hotel.jpg

The New Year brings new hope for a less socially distanced cultural landscape as coronavirus vaccines roll out, but 2021 is still fresh and full of precautions. For those still playing it as safe as possible, here are two virtual events and one socially distanced event for indulging in Valley culture and history. SHFT: PLAYBACK On January 6 (and every Wednesday), Tempe Center for the Arts’ Facebook page is alive with the sounds of music. The...

https://www.phoenixmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Pinecone-Drop.jpg

Going out and gathering with the masses to ring in the New Year is not a smart or safe option for the 2020-2021 transition. But there are plenty of ways to virtually say goodbye to this longest of years and welcome the next (hopefully better) year.     Arizona History Happy Hour  Arizona’s “hip historian” Marshall Shore will host a happy hour live from the Arizona Heritage Center at Papago Park from 7 to 8 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. Shore will take guests on...