Photos courtesy of, in order: Lawn Gnome, Eye Lounge, monOrchid Gallery, Dr. Diabolic and Frances.
MonOrchid Gallery
Recommended if you like: Colton Brock, reimagined cityscapes, circus surrealism
Tonight, curator Justin Germain makes his debut in the space’s main gallery, presenting a duo show from two of Phoenix’s more established artists, Laura Spalding Best and Dino Paul. Paul has been a professional graphic designer for more than 30 years, but only began exhibiting his colorful surrealist paintings last year. Best, on the other hand, has been showing across the city for more than a decade, and this show will represent the latest in her tradition of deconstructed urban scenery.
- Time: 6 to 10 p.m.
- Cost: FREE
- Location: MonOrchid Gallery — Roosevelt and Second streets
ghostsgiantsgenerals
Recommended if you like: primitivism, Royal Robertson, mythologies
Alongside two group shows in the main galleries, Christopher Jagmin is this month’s guest artist at Roosevelt Row mainstay Eye Lounge. Inspired by the mythological drawings of ancient human history, and indicative of the choicest elements of American outsider and pop art, Jagmin’s encaustic works seek to tell stories. Inside the gallery’s Project Room, Jagmin does just that, leaving a jumbled narrative to be decoded by the viewer.
- Time: 5 to 10 p.m.
- Cost: FREE
- Location: Eye Lounge — Roosevelt and Fifth streets
Dr. Diabolic & Nerd Nite Phoenix Present a Very Merry Sci-Fi Christmas Show
Recommended if you like: quirky holiday special, B-Movies, Kitschy Culture
A Christmas holiday show and Star Wars – need I say more? All done up in the Dr. Diabolic style, the event will feature highlights from the legendary Star Wars Holiday Special – known as one of the worst holiday movies, complete with Princess Leia singing and a cheesy storyline. A Darth Santa & Mandalorian Merc Christmas Photo booth will be available for use, so don’t forget your lightsaber and ugly sweater. Star Wars aficionado Dustin Diehl will also be speaking. The event is collecting new toys for a Charity Toy Drive.
- Time: 7 p.m.
- Cost: $5
- Location: Whiteman Hall at the Phoenix Art Museum near McDowell Road and Central Avenue
A Lawn Gnome First Friday to Remember
Recommended if you like: Rat Race, prizes, Etsy creations
The third monthly instillation of the Lawn Gnome scavenger hunt thanks to Jobot Coffee. Be sure to select the most pompous downtown activist for your team and zig-zag through the First Friday crowd to find all the motifs and tropes. Quickest team to return gets $25 to Jobot. Also at the publishing store will be artworks including Brian Harrison’s Buddhist-inspired beaded jewelry and soft and nostalgic collage and oil specialist, Lindsay Eller’s work.
- Time: 7 to 10 p.m.
- Cost: $1 for scavenger hunt list
- Location: Lawn Gnome Publishing near Roosevelt and Fifth streets
Crafeteria
Recommended if You Like: artisan goods, Kooky Krafts, one-stop-shopping
Back for its seventh year, the frances-hosted Crafeteria brings together the best all-local, handcrafted goods Phoenix has to offer. Over 40 vendors will be offering letterpress practical art, clothing, stuffed animals, soaps and scents, accessories and much more. If that weren’t enough, expect food from the legendary Short Leash Hot Dogs, and live music from the scenesters at Stinkweeds.
- Time: 6 to 10 p.m.
- Cost: FREE
- Location: Medlock Plaza — Central Avenue and Camelback Road
Events compiled by Connor Descheemaker and Domenico Nicosia
