From murals to stadiums to people-watching places, here's our catch-all list to live your best life here in the Valley in 2025.
From murals to stadiums to people-watching places, here's our catch-all list to live your best life here in the Valley in 2025.
In desperate need of screen-free programming for the kids over spring break?
The start of a new year brings the joy of crisp, white calendar pages not yet filled with plans, but Phoenix artist Lauren Lee is bringing a vibrant twist to the tradition.
When she pulls out her film camera, photographer Chole Huls aims to capture the “little moments” of life.
Artist Isaac Caruso weaves his love of travel and creating into a cohesive story about a girl living with Attention Deficit Disorder in his new children's book, Sam & Sara.
Photo by Aimee Smith Usually, when someone tells us to “smile” it causes us to roll our eyes, at best. But while viewing this mural by “Just” Giovannie, located on the back wall of the Cambria Downtown Phoenix, we can’t help but break out in a grin. By the time we read the “Smile” prompt in the conversation bubble, we already are. Photo by Aimee Smith This smiling face is the gatekeeper to an alley...
A new mural marketing the highly anticipated new music festival, ZONA Fest, has gone up at 901 N. Central Avenue in Downtown Phoenix. It was painted by Quinn Murphy and Jake Early, the duo known for the “It’s Another Beautiful Day in Downtown Phoenix” mural. Murphy’s Hamster Laboratories is a custom design studio that specializes in gig flyers and created the Zona Fest lineup poster. For more information about ZONA Fest, check out our blog...
Photo by Aimee Smith This colorful wall located on the side of Majerle’s Sports Grill was painted by Jake Early and Quinn Murphy. It can be seen while traveling south on Second Street, just past the convention center parking garage. A bright sun is the main focal point, but upon closer inspection, mountains and the Downtown Phoenix skyline appear. The title of the mural, “It’s Another Beautiful Day in Downtown Phoenix”, is a tribute to,...
The muralist, vehicle painter and graffiti maestro Javier Cordova has a core specialty: lettering. Cordova, who grew up in South Phoenix and goes by “Spawk,” sprays and brushes scripts around Phoenix, often tagging his curvaceous letters on murals and vehicles with gold leaf. His work appears in skate parks, bars, barbershop windows and even Phoenix Suns murals. But you’d never know it. Spawk doesn’t sign his work. “I’m doing it for me,” he says. “If...
Historically, "Upper RoRo" was the less developed half of the famed arts district, but thanks to a crop of upstart restaurants, shops and murals, it's buzzing with an infections new energy.
You will want to take a multitude of photos of these three expansive Tempe murals. Fill your camera roll trying to find the perfect angle to capture these beauties in their entirety or with closeups of all their charming details. Photos by Aimee Smith “Don’t Wake the Dreamer” by Lauren Lee (@mslaurenlee) is located at 505 S. Hardy. The dreamer reposes along the wall, a hand clutching a flower at one end, a...
Want to peruse dozens of murals in one short block? Check out Oak Street Alley. This stretch of Oak Street, between 14th and 15th Streets in Phoenix, contains several murals by notable artists. Soak in Aztec Smurf’s impressive aquatic creation. Bow down to Isaac Caruso’s ode to the Hindu god Ganesh. Enjoy Andy Brown’s eclectic offering. Walk alongside Thomas “Breeze” Marcus’ distinctive style. Gaze at Osiris Rain’s peaceful portrait. ...
The flowers are blooming along the Grand Canal, perfectly complementing the murals painted earlier this year during Phoenix Mural Fest. Take a stroll to enjoy the spring-like symbiosis while it lasts. @iamundefinedart Palo verde sprouts sanguinely from Tiesha Harrison’s portrait. @liliana__moraart The wildflowers in front of Liliana Mora’s mural match her painted white background and yellow accents. @arianaa_belen White oleander provides a frame for Ariana Enriquez’s colorful flora and fauna mural. ...
This week we are spotlighting three new murals in Downtown Phoenix. Photo by Aimee Smith By El Mac and Thomas “Breeze” Marcus This multi-story mural is located in the alley south of Monroe Street and First Avenue. El Mac is responsible for the portrait while Thomas “Breeze” Marcus tackled the surrounding detailing. The mural is a nod to the Indigenous history of Phoenix. The girl depicted is a real teenager from the Salt...
Our columnist explains why getting rid of problematic art – or artists – isn’t as simple as it sounds.