Grand Avenue’s rich history will be explored this month at the Frontal Lobe Gallery in the exhibit “The Lone Diagonal in A Grid Town: What’s Grand About Grand Avenue,” which will open at December’s First Fridays Artwalk.
Most of the exhibit consists of then-and-now photographs, featuring mid-1900’s hotspots along the diagonal road. Large black-and-white vintage photos are accompanied by smaller, colored modern photos of approximately 15 different locations along the street. Some burned down, many became unused and very few still host similar businesses to what they once did.
“I hope the public and the city will continue to appreciate the last and oldest commercial district left downtown,” said Beatrice Moore, the gallery’s director.
The gallery itself is located inside what once was Bragg’s Pie Factory. The space then split, with a portion of it becoming the current Bragg’s Factory Diner. The factory is one location included in the then-and-now display of the exhibit.
Photographers capture these essences, compelling stories of vintage memories, throughout the space. Alongside the photographs are old maps, postcards, matchbook covers and other miscellaneous material that have been gathered from decades ago.
When the chance came about for Catherine Slye, a local photographer, to participate, she was given an opportunity to provide context to a street that people, according to Moore, don’t necessarily pay attention to.
“I find these things beautiful and worthy of documentation,” Slye said. “In my own way, I’m making a social statement about what I think is important and valuable (and) what I agree or disagree with.”
In the room full of photographs, one piece in particular makes a bold statement as it hangs from the ceiling: an old teal-and-white striped metal umbrella that was once used poolside at the Desert Sun Hotel. The hotel had become a functioning motel until it closed six years ago, partially burning down.
Moore owns eight total properties on Grand Avenue, including Frontal Lobe Gallery, and rents out her spaces to local artists. She said that the revival of the street will show that it is important to preserve.
“(Grand Avenue) history is not well known,” said Moore. “People need to be educated about the neighborhoods so they’ll appreciate it and not tear it down.”
Moore offered the spot to curator Douglas Towne about a year ago. The inspiration to dedicate an exhibit to Grand Avenue came about from Towne’s extensive knowledge on the history of the street before the highway was put in.
“It’s all about promoting Grand and getting people thinking differently about it,” Towne said. “Most people look at (Grand) and think, ‘That’s a shady street.’”
During the setup of the exhibit over the past few months, he said, many passers-by stopped by the open window in front and verbally admired the historic elements.
Towne currently serves as the editor of Arizona Contractor & Community magazine, which recently published an edition of the magazine dedicated to the history of Grand Avenue. Copies will be available at the exhibit.
“The Lone Diagonal in A Grid Town” will be open on select days within the next month: Saturday, Dec. 6 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 19 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.; and Friday, Jan. 2 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Contact the reporter at kkondrat@asu.edu
