Art Detour 25: A look at artists that helped to shape the Phoenix art scene

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Though the many downtown art spaces we covered last week provided the physical space for the local art scene to grow, it is truly the people who make a place worthwhile. Each of the below faces has contributed something unique and valuable to Phoenix’s art scene since the inception of Art Detour. This list encompasses gallerists, painters, photographers, performers, property owners and sculptors. While there are certainly many vital figures missing, we feel this array provides a diverse set of men and women who have affected Art Detour’s past, present and future. Read story

Craft store owner and property revitalist breathes life into lower Grand Avenue

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If Grand Avenue were a street on the Monopoly board, Beatrice Moore would be its owner. But instead of identical, characterless little red and green plastic houses lining the roadway, each unique structure has an interesting story to tell, just like the woman behind their preservation. Read story

Restaurant slated to open in Grand Avenue's Bragg's Pie Factory

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A new restaurant will be taking over the small retail space inside Grand Avenue’s Bragg’s Pie Factory mid-February, bringing with it familiar vegan and vegetarian food and for the first time, pie. Read story

Mayor, panel discuss budding entrepreneurship in downtown Phoenix

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The Downtown Devil Discussion on Tuesday focused on entrepreneurship in downtown Phoenix, including ASU Downtown’s effect on businesses and parking problems near local shops. Read story

Community leaders try to revamp Grand Avenue as area recovers from recession

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Grand Avenue is still recovering from the recession and finding its voice as a go-to street, leading to turnovers for businesses but also a determination from community leaders to move the neighborhood forward. Read story

Discussion highlights community, student concerns about gentrification

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ASU held a discussion between students and community developers on the effects of gentrification in downtown Phoenix. Read story

Grand Avenue plans future with help from EPA

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A workshop held last week laid out plans to make Grand Avenue more pedestrian friendly and culturally unique. Read story

Mutant Pinatas offer opportunity for all to be artists

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Over 100 piñatas were for viewing purposes only at the 5th Annual Mutant Pinata Show held Friday at Bragg’s Pie Factory. Read story