Photo: Example of a Trash Bag Vertical Garden from www.lushe.com

CALLING ANYONE WITH OR WITHOUT A GREEN THUMB TO CREATE FANTASY GARDENS ALONG GRAND AVENUE FOR SEPTEMBER FESTIVAL

As part of this year’s upcoming 2nd Annual Grand Avenue Festival, slated to take place all day on September 25th, the Kooky Krafts Shop will be hosting a “Hanging Gardens, Woven Fences” project along Lower Grand Avenue. The $15 entry fee will be donated in its entirety to the Grand Avenue Merchants’ Association.

Hanging Gardens:  This component of the project will utilize existing trees along the street for installing temporary “guerilla gardens” which can be real or imagined. In other words, they can consist of actual living garden components or visual gardens created out of non-living materials, or a combination of both. Gardens can be hung from branches or wrapped around trunks in a non-invasive fashion (i.e without damaging the tree).  Participants are encouraged to use recycled or biodegradable materials whenever possible.

Photo: Urban Garden on a Chain Link Fence www.lushe.com

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Woven Fences:  The woven fence component of this project can be something actually woven through a fence, attached along the top of a fence, or created in advance and attached to a woven, concrete, wooden or wrought iron fence surface. Again, recycled materials are encouraged. Care must be taken not to damage the fence surface being decorated. All materials must be removed by the participant at the festival’s end (within 48 hours) unless the property owner expresses the wish to have it remain.

Artists/fabricators will be paired with property owners who would like to have projects installed on their trees or fences, with an emphasis on those that line Grand Avenue. A map of projects and participants will be provided to festival-goers. Participants are responsible for their own set up and break down at the end of the project.

If you are interested in participating, please email Beatrice Moore at muppetsrealmom@earthlink.net with a basic concept of your project, plus your name (or group name), address, email, and phone number. This information will be used to pair artists with property owners and the proper fence or tree for your particular project. Projects would need to be installed the day before, or early morning, on event day. For more information contact Beatrice Moore at 602.391.4016. Concepts can be mailed or delivered to Kooky Krafts Shop, 1500 Grand Avenue, Phoenix, AZ, 85007.

Photo: Examples of upside down gardening from Oryana Coop

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ABOUT KOOKY KRAFTS SHOP

The Kooky Krafts Shop was opened in the Fall of 2009 and specializes in “queer, quirky, fun and fabulous” crafts made by local artists and crafters. The shop also carries quirky vintage crafts and interesting, hard-to-find craft supplies. The store is located on the corner of Grand and 15th Avenue, on Grand’s most eclectic corner next to Bikini Lounge, Sweets & Beats, and The Trunk Space and is in the heart of the Lower Grand Avenue arts and small business district.

ABOUT THE GRAND AVENUE FESTIVAL

The annual Grand Avenue Festival celebrates the unusual history of this historic street and the small businesses, arts, and interesting adaptive re-use projects that line this angled corridor to downtown Phoenix. The festival highlights adaptive re-use of commercial buildings, neighborhood sustainability, and recycling – while showcasing the one-of-a-kind small businesses and art venues that populate Grand Avenue and the vicinity. There will be tours of historic and hybrid commercial adaptive re-use projects; art exhibits; performances; installations; fashion shows; music; and merchandise that relate to the festival theme. For more info about the festival contact GrandAvePhoenix@gmail.com.

As a fundraiser for the Grand Avenue Merchants’ Association (GAMA), the Bragg’s Pie Factory, 1301 Grand Avenue, will host the 2nd Annual Trashy Sculpture Show on Saturday, September 25 as part of the quirky 2nd Annual Grand Avenue Festival.  The Trashy Sculpture Show will be one of many events taking place during the all day event along the Lower Grand Avenue Corridor.

All work for the exhibit must be made primarily out of trash or recycled materials, with a limit of 3 pieces per contributor and an entry fee of $ 10 per piece.  Works can be for sale (or not).  The entry fees will go directly to GAMA, and if work is sold, 70% of the proceeds will go to the artist with 30% donated to GAMA.  Children’s projects are welcome; entry fees will be waived for school groups.

The work should reflect a person’s ability to go out in the world in search of trash and discarded materials, fashioning discards into unique and interesting sculpture.  Creative, funky, fun, whimsical and unique are encouraged. The purpose of the show is to highlight the ingenuity and creativity used in finding and adapting trashy, throw-away materials into one-of-a-kind hand crafted sculptures.  Work that aspires to be “fine art” or work that is mass produced for sale elsewhere is discouraged.

The exhibit will be on display at the Pie Factory for the festival as well as during October and November for the First Fridays and 3rd Fridays of the month.  Work must be delivered to the site September 20 from noon to 4 pm.  All work that meets the above criteria will be exhibited.  For more information contact Beatrice Moore at 602.391.4016.

ABOUT THE GRAND AVENUE FESTIVAL AND GAMA
The Grand Avenue Festival celebrates the unusual history of this historic street and the small businesses, arts, and interesting adaptive re-use projects that line this angled corridor to downtown Phoenix. The festival highlights adaptive re-use of commercial buildings, neighborhood sustainability, and recycling – while showcasing the one-of-a-kind small businesses and art venues that populate Grand Avenue and vicinity. There will be tours of historic and hybrid commercial adaptive re-use projects; art exhibits; performances; installations; fashion shows; music; and merchandise that relate to the festival theme.  For more info about the festival contact: GrandAvePhoenix@gmail.com

The Grand Avenue Merchants Association is a group of citizens dedicated to promoting the Lower Grand Avenue corridor and who own property or maintain businesses along, or in the vicinity of, this historic section of Grand Avenue.

A silent auction benefit for No More Deaths will be sponsored by Phoenix Food Not Bombs, with art displayed in advance at Bragg’s Pie Factory, 1301 Grand Avenue, beginning on the July 2nd First Friday from 6 – 11 pm.

On July 16th, the $5.00 entry fee will include a silent auction from 6 – 9 pm; a delicious vegan meal provided by Phx Food Not Bombs shortly after the doors open at 6pm; and bands and D.J.’s playing throughout the night until 1 am. Bands include Los Mudros, Porches, Wizard Teeth and The Hunger Artists, with Djentrification spinning discs after the bands have performed. Proceeds from the art auction will go directly to support No More Deaths’ lifesaving humanitarian work.

About No More Deaths
Since the mid 1990s more than 5,000 men, women and children have died trying to cross the U.S.-Mexico border. No More Deaths began in the Spring of 2004 as a network of diverse faith-based groups, social activist groups, and concerned individuals who felt compelled to act to stem the tide. One of their many initiatives has been to leave water in the desert for those who have found themselves unprepared in crossing the treacherous desert between Mexico and Arizona.

You may have heard that the Roosevelt Row street closure is not happing in July and August, but we want you to know that the regular First Friday Artwalk is most definitely on! The Artlink map shows all the galleries and art spaces that will be open for both July & August First Fridays, so grab a copy, jump on the shuttle and see some art!

Here is a list of all the activities taking place in the Grand Avenue Arts & Small Business District for July First Friday. We hope to see you there!

Special Events & Studio Hours for July First Friday

New Work at Jordre Studio for First Friday
Stop by Jordre Studio this First Friday to see new work from Kyle Jordre.

Jordre Studio
1007 W Grand Ave
www.jordre.com

Celebrate Independence Day at Gallery Marsiglia
Long Dangling Earrings and Big Rings are in the “sizzling summer” showcase. Custom cut gemstones will be the focus. Special orders always accepted. Custom hats & hair accessories are 20% discount. Artist Annelisa Leinbach will display her “From a Different Perspective” wall art and Ann Shearing will show her digital photography series “The Cross,” as well as gift cards. Music by local “folk” musicians outside. Open 6 to 10 pm for First Friday.

Gallery Marsiglia
1018 NW Grand Avenue
www.gallerymarsiglia.com

Drink Specials & Live Music at Paisley Violin
Last Duchess will be playing outside starting at 8pm and Crooning Avant Garde, a Jazz trio, will be playing inside at 7pm. Linda Swinney is the artist of the month. Drink specials all night!

Paisley Violin Cafe
1028 W Grand Ave
www.thepaisley.com

Ambient Studio Featuring New Works by Daniel Shepherd
The ambient studio will be open, featuring new work by Phoenix artist daniel shepherd. Stop by and enjoy an oreo.

the ambient studio at La Melgosa
1023 W Grand Ave
www.theambientstudio.com

Kick-off 4th of July Weekend at Phoenix Fall Space!
The place to be for First Friday Art Walk is Phoenix Fall Space Gallery/Studio on Grand Ave! Artist reception from 6 to 10 pm. Live music in the courtyard by classic rock band 3rd Rock AZ. Come out and join us for a Grand celebration! New art by Jimi Girdner & Denise Fleisch.

Phoenix Fall Space at La Melgosa
1023 NW Grand Ave
www.phoenixfallspace.com

Snow Cones and Savings at ShopDevious.com
This First Friday stop by ShopDevious.com to cool off with a snow cone! Also, buy one, get one free in the boutique!

ShopDevious.com Beauty Lounge & Boutique
1229 NW Grand Ave
www.ShopDevious.com

Opening Reception for “No More Deaths” Silent Auction
Opening reception for “No More Deaths” silent auction will be held at Bragg’s Pie Factory on First Friday. The silent auction and benefit dinner will be held on July 16 from 6 to 9 pm. Proceeds from the art auction will go directly to support No More Deaths’ lifesaving humanitarian work.

Bragg’s Pie Factory
1301 W Grand Ave

Calling All Cat Lovers! Moderncat Studio Open for First Friday
Moderncat Studio, located in Bragg’s Pie Factory, offers a variety of unique handmade gifts for cats and cat lovers. Open from 6 to 10 pm on First Friday.

Moderncat Studio
at Bragg’s Pie Factory
1301 W Grand Ave
www.moderncatstudio.com

Stock Up on Sapna Cash and Save!
Sapna will be serving delicious, healthy meals until 10 pm on First Friday. Now offering Sapna Cash – buy $20 of Sapna Cash and get $2 free! Can be redeemed anytime.

Sapna Cafe
at Bragg’s Pie Factory
1301 W Grand Ave

20% Off at Kooky Krafts for Local First Indie Week
Kooky Krafts Shop will be exhibiting new needle-felted animal heads by Amanda Williams, whimsical dinosaur creatures by Beatrice Moore and the usual assortment of eclectic handcrafted items by local artists and crafters. The shop is participating in Local First’s celebration of Indie Week with 20% off any wreath over $40 Friday night and Saturday. Regular hours: Fridays from 5 – 11 pm and Saturday noon to 11 pm. Check us out on Facebook!

Kooky Krafts Shop
1500 W Grand Ave

“March” & “Light Paintings” Artist Reception at The Trunk Space
First Friday artist reception featuring “March” by Steve Jansen & “Light Paintings” by Holly Sheppard. “March” utilizes the 1840s-invented cyanotype photographic process while “Light Paintings” showcases modern digital light-painting techniques.

The Trunk Space
1506 W Grand Ave
www.thetrunkspace.com

Sweets & Beats Open for First Friday
Come and check out all the new items in the store – an entire rack of great vintage clothes, puppets, cd’s, purses, lamps, odds and ends, and more! Open regular business hours 5 to 11 pm on First Friday.

Sweets & Beats
1504 W Grand Ave

Mark your calendar! The 2nd Annual Grand Avenue Festival will be held on Saturday, September 25, 2010! You won’t want to miss this day of art, music, fashion, and more celebrating the vibrant culture of the Lower Grand Avenue arts & small business district. We had a great time last year and this year will be even bigger and better!

If you would like to get involved in the Grand Avenue Festival, please email GrandAvePhoenix@gmail.com. Planning committee meetings will be held on the third Wednesday of every month at 5:30 pm. Email for meeting location.

Don’t miss “Fashion In Motion V” on First Friday, May 7 at ShopDevious.com. This indie fashion presentation takes place along Grand Avenue in front of ShopDevious.com, showcasing local fashion designers and items from the boutique. 8 to 10 pm.

ShopDevious.com Beauty Lounge & Boutique
1229 NW Grand Ave
www.ShopDevious.com

New works and large installations by Brez, Lalo Cota, Ishmael Duenas and Page. New prints available by each artist. Opening reception on First Friday, May 7, 7 to 11 pm. Music provided by DJ Element & Emgee.

Closing reception Third Friday, May 21.

Bragg’s Pie Factory
1301 W Grand Ave

Saturday, May 22, 2010; from 9:30 – 5:00 pm
“Making Hand Pulled Prints from Digital Photographs”
Instructor: Barbara Burton

This unique method of using digital images, an inkjet printer and basic printmaking methods yields incredible prints. You will shoot your own images, create a transfer plate, and print, modify, print again. Even if you’ve never printed before, this workshop is worth taking. Basic printmaking methods with be taught, printmaking tools provided. Bring your digital camera with a usb connection. If you wish, you may bring your laptop.

Cost: $95 (material included)
Note: Class limited to 6 students

Register at TiltGallery.com

Announcing the first “Coffee, Cookies & Crafts” independent craft event to be held at Bragg’s Pie Factory on Saturday, April 24 from noon to 5:00 pm. This free event will be a celebration of local, independent art and crafts, with activities for the whole family.

The afternoon will offer a variety of activities including local vendors selling handmade goods, crafting demos, kids’ crafts, and a craft supply swap. Attendees will get to enjoy a pop-up coffee lounge with free coffee provided by Conspire and free baked goods from local bakeries Urban Cookies, Elemental Sugar, and Rikki Cupcake.

Crafting demos will include YUDU demos by Sarah Spencer and Cyndi Coon, lotion making demo with Strawberry Hedgehog, how to make a sustainable gift basket with ZonieBaskets, and more.

The CraftyChica, Kathy Cano-Murillo, will make a guest appearance. She will be reading from her new novel, Waking Up in the Land of Glitter. Books will be available for purchase and for a book signing. The first fifteen people will get free CraftyChica glitter.

The craft supply swap is open to everyone. Attendees are invited to bring old craft supplies and swap with others. Tables will be provided for the craft swap. Kids’ crafts will be organized throughout the day in a special area. Kids will be able to take home their very own creations. There is no charge to participate in the craft swap or the kids’ crafts.

Local vendors will include 824, Alarmingly Charming, An Owens Original, Cherry Forever, Crazy Chix Jewelry & Accessories, hodgepodgebaby, Kenzie Noelle Designs, Melanie Whitley, Moderncat Studio, Paper Expressions, Safety Third, Stanley Moon’s, Starving Artist Bazaar, Space Cadet, Star de Luna, Sticker Club Girl with Sassy Bee Designs, Strawberry Hedgehog, Urban Adornments, Willo Wire Jewelry, ZonieBaskets, and more. AZ Lost Boys will also be selling their handmade cow sculptures for the Cow Project, with all proceeds benefitting the AZ Lost Boys Center.

“Coffee, Cookies & Crafts” at Bragg’s Pie Factory is presented by Moderncat Studio, Lucky 15 Paper Arts, and Sticker Club Girl and is being sponsored by MADE Art Boutique, Practical Art, Local First Arizona, Conspire Arts Cooperative, Kooky Krafts Shop, and Blueberry Deluxe Boutique.

Bragg’s Pie Factory is located at 1301 W Grand Avenue in downtown Phoenix. For more information, please email coffeecookiesandcrafts [at] gmail [dot] com or visit the official “Coffee, Cookies & Crafts” page on Facebook.

April 16, 2010 (Third Friday)
7–9 pm
(performance begins at 7 PM and will last 1 hour. Audience can come and go.)

1341 W. Woodland — PHX
(southeast corner of 15th Ave and Van Buren, in the backyard)
www.firstbackyard.blogspot.com

In this 2nd event for First Backyard, we also welcome Join and Cast Ventures, a Phoenix Art Community publication where Artist Book meets a Participatory Zine. They’ll have parachute games, participatory guide handouts, and of course snacks. Get your submissions off your hands and into ours! Join and Cast’s official, super fun-time, give us your art, party.

About “taking a long time to get somewhere”:
For this piece Urso recorded herself doing something for 1 minute, then stretched the video out to an hour, then will perform the action at the 1-hour pace during First Backyard. Video of both the real time action and the slowed-down footage will be shown while she performs the task.

About First Backyard:
First Backyard brings creative people to my backyard once a month to witness innovative, new performances, artworks and sound—encouraging an alternative voice and providing an addition to the gallery setting.