Downtown Phoenix will be filled with color, art and music this weekend for the annual Art Detour art walk. Since Artlink started it in 1989, Art Detour has been the original art walk of downtown, allowing participants to explore artists’ studios, visit galleries and immerse themselves into the art scenes Phoenix has to offer.
To celebrate the 30-year anniversary, this Art Detour will last five days — two days longer than usual — with the extra time devoted to the Creative City Symposium.
Here is a breakdown of the events happening this weekend:
Thursday, March 15: Art d’Core Gala
Art Detour kicks off with the Art d’Core Gala. This evening will be a night of celebration that will feature works and pieces from rising artists as well as members of the Artist Council from Artlink. Mayor Greg Stanton will give a toast at 7 p.m. and immediately following will be family-friendly activities. The Art d’Core Gala will take place at Warehouse215 at Bentley Projects at 6 p.m. Online tickets are $20 per person and $30 per couple. Tickets will also be available at the door for $25 per person and $40 per couple.
Friday, March 16: Roosevelt Row
Day one of Art Detour explores the vibrant arts culture that makes up Roosevelt Row. Art Detour participants can enjoy food, art and live music throughout the evening.
Places of Interest: Eye Lounge, Alwun House, FOUND:RE Phoenix, Jobot Coffee and Bar, The Dressing Room
Saturday, March 17 (day): Historic Grand Avenue
To kick off the second day of Art Detour, participants can explore Phoenix’s oldest downtown commercial district, known for its art studios, galleries and small businesses.
Places of Interest: Grand ArtHaus, Unexpected, Grand Avenue Records, The BIKINI LOUNGE phoenix, Novel Ice Cream
Saturday, March 17 (evening): Downtown Phoenix core
This evening event will preview the winning designs and submissions for Pedal to the Metal: Phoenix Bike Rack Project. These unique and creative designs were created and submitted by local artists taking part in the movement of the expanding bicycle culture. Refreshments will be available at this event, located at Cityscape.
Saturday, March 17 (evening): On Central- Downtown Phoenix Fashion and Art Weekend
For the first time, The Garment League will feature local artists and fashion designers through a variety of different collections, art pieces and exhibits near CityScape in this evening event. The Garment League will also put on a runway show in contribution to Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels, as well as to honor local fashion-industry professional Angela Johnson, who will receive the organization’s Fashion Humanitarian Award. Participants will be able to enjoy art, fashion and live music at this weekend event.
Sunday, March 18: Phoenix Warehouse District
The final day of Art Detour will wrap up at the location where Art Detour started. Participants will be able to explore the past, present and future of this district through galleries and museums and explore how it continues to expand with new businesses in the works.
Places of Interest: Adapt Gallery, Bentley Gallery, ASU Step Gallery, GouldEvans + Canary Studio, George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center
Sunday, March 18: Studio Tour
Participants will have the opportunity to partake in a guided tour of local working artist studios. This free tour will explore studios and exhibitions such as the Hjalmarson Clay Art Studio, Puppet Pie and The Artery. The tour will depart from Bentley Gallery at 2 p.m. and is open to the public.
Register for this tour here.
Monday, March 19 – Tuesday, March 20: Art + Architecture and Artists + Collectors
The Creative City Symposium is a two-day conference to talk about Arizona’s new wave of creators and thinkers. Day one will take place at Crescent Ballroom, where AZCentral will host a happy hour with keynote speaker Alexandra Lange. Day two of the Creative City Symposium will be at Phoenix Art Museum in Singer Hall. This event will close Art Detour 30 with a panel discussion of art curators, professionals and collectors. This evening discussion event will also feature Joshua Rose, editor from American Art Collector. Both events are open to the public. Tickets cost $10 for each.
Contact the reporter at smedwar7@asu.edu.
Sara Edwards was the executive editor of Downtown Devil. She is a graduate student at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Sara has additional bylines in Phoenix New Times, West Valley View, L.A. Downtown News and Boardwalk Times.
Sara is also the co-secretary for the Multicultural Student Journalists Coalition.
