The Phoenix Parks and Recreation’s Center for the Arts announces the call for local African-American artists to submit their two and three dimensional works in all mediums, for the 10^th annual juried exhibition “African Vibes of the City” Art Show that will take place Feb. 1 to 22, 2008. The opening reception will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Feb. 1.

The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department sponsors this exciting juried exhibition at the Center’s Visual Arts Gallery located at 214 E. Moreland, where art lovers can view some of the best African-American art in the city.

This exhibit is open to all African-American Arizona artists. To enter, artists 18 years of age and over can send up to10 slides or photographs of their most recent work (no glass mounts) completed in the past two years, a $20 non-refundable entry fee (check or money order made out to “The City of Phoenix”) and a self-addressed envelope to The Phoenix Center, 1202 N Third St., Phoenix, AZ 85004. The entry deadline is 5 p.m. on Jan. 18.

For more information, contact event coordinator Teddi Hall at 602-262-4634

Coup de Grace Gallery invites you to view our ever growing, ongoing exhibit of the works of Chris Hardy, a self-taught Phoenix born artist.

Chris' art defies categorization.  Initially one can see the influences of Warhol with his repeated use of iconic subjects.  But, unlike Warhol's work, Chris' work is unpolished, raw, and even naïve.  In Chris' work there is no "factory" aesthetic, but rather the reflection a solitary artist; struggling with his visions and his materials.  It seems somehow appropriate that Chris has selected the term "Suburban-Folk" to describe his style.

But, standing alongside the pop/folk aspects to Chris' work is his emphasis on transposable features.   Many of his works invite the viewer to become participant in his art.  It's something that is better experienced than described.  And to experience it in the company of the artist, with his detailed descriptions and explanations is both engaging and heart-breaking.

The Gallery will be open from 6 to 10 PM on Friday, February 1st, from 1 to 5 PM, the following day and at other times by appointment.  The Gallery is located at 707 S 3rd St, just south of the Downtown Phoenix Warehouse District and just across 3rd St from the Bentley Projects Gallery.  The Gallery can be reached by e-mail at cdggallery@hotmail.com .

Kickoff the Super Bowl weekend at one of Central Phoenix's great Jazz Clubs with special guests Little Charlie and the Nightcats.  Doors open at 8 PM. 

more details online

Whether you are a local resident or a Super Bowl Visitor, come down to the south side of Downtown Phoenix this Friday night and check out the Art.  We have a very brief itinerary lined up for you to maximize your time and your appetite. 

1. Start your tour at the Royal Coffee Bar at the corner of 2nd Ave & Jackson, grab some great brew, check out their Exhibit "Painted Articles of Such Styles".  The RCB is open from 7 to 11 PM.

2. Head on over to 3rd St & Grant, just a few blocks south of the Warehouse District.  At 215 E Grant, you will get to experience the Bentley Projects Gallery, a converted historic laundry building with world class art.  The Bentley is open from 6 to 9 PM.

3. Step across 3rd st to The Coup de Grace Gallery at 707 S 3rd St, to see the work of local artist Chris Hardy and others plus "live music".  Coup de Grace is open from 6 to 10 PM.

Call 602 373 3725 if you get lost or need additional information.

Patti LaBelle will be performing at the Phoenix Symphony Hall.  Friday night, Feb 1st. at 7:30 PM

Get tickets online

Marion Meadows hosts musical performances by Norman Brown, Bobby Lyle, Althea Rene, Brian Bromberg, Chip Shearin, Rohn Lawrence, Will Brock, Jay Rowe and Jabari. Presented by the 100 Black Men of Phoenix.

Friday, Feb 1st at 8 PM

Info online