Live Performances & Art Exhibits In Phoenix

First Friday, October 4 – 26, 2024

Monsters Menagerie is a juried art exhibit, creaking the doors open for the grotesque and profane art in a variety of media from local artists. Demented creative works from menacing dark noir fantasies, satirical political demons, to monstrous and blood-curdling creations that scream for attention. Even politicians aren’t exempt from these artistic depictions of the social demons among us. Monsters Menagerie isn’t just an exhibit; it’s an experience that encourages visitors to confront these monsters who may be deeply unsettling, while also exploring the deeper societal issues that give rise to these artistic creations.

Exhibit viewing: Tuesday – Friday, Noon – 6pm. Free.

Saturday, October 26, 2024

The Silver Anniversary of Alwun House’s annual fundraiser and costumed ball.

TICKETS and reserved tables – click HERE!

Doors creak open at 7pm to performances, continuing into the wee hours. It’ll blow your mind while tickling your spine. Spinning gnasty gnarly grooves for the evening will be All Hail Pan. The blow-out killer stage show opens with spirited musical ballads by the Blood Feud Family Singers, with up-tempo down-hearted waxing poetic-philosophical country-fried hostility for sentimental haters promising you a frolicking horrific time. Following a brief stage emotional breakdown, the stage will come alive again conjured up by VaVaVoom Studio with performances that blur the lines between scintillating and gory, a bit scary and a lot sexy, stirring in a dash of erotic with a twisted decadence and depravity inducing spinal erections, then tossed in together to appease the tease, resulting in unusual levels of onstage morbidity. Those hungry monsters in attendance will be satiated with Racks and Balls food truck serving up delicious balls and bbq racks from various monstrous sources. Elixirs du jour will flow: VooDoo Ranger is bringing his special ales and be sure to imbibe in the Spider Venom to inoculate you from the werewolves. 21+

Esa Es La Tirada (A Long Shot)

Fernando Cabrera Gonzalez will showcase his artistic evolution over the years since his first exhibit in 2016. You need to see this gallery filled with his bright use of color and layered symbolism throughout the exhibit. “Esa Es La Tirada” is a Mexican saying meaning “That’s the goal.” It embodies his goal as an artist, creating the vision for future works. Overcoming fear is the central thread driving the theme of this exhibition. Fighting fear and self-doubt while creating, he’s developed a process involving subconscious and conscious actions. And he’s developed his own expressive use of brushstrokes and colors to create an abstract underpainting, then progresses from there consciously bringing images to life on canvas i.e. using the battle of the cockatiel and snake as a metaphor, encouraging viewers to face their fears with courage in order to attain that which we desire most, freedom.

November 29, 30 & December 1  

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS: https://filmfreeway.com/ANightOfMisfitFilms/tickets

A Night of Misfit Films Festival showcases three nights of films from across the country and internationally. Each night dedicated to different genres. Friday night(11/29/24) is showcases horror & Sci Fi. Saturday evening (11/30/24) features comedy & drama. Ending Sunday evening (12/1/24) with international fare following with the awards ceremony.
The ninth A Night of Misfit Films Festival is presented by Full Figure Productions and founded by Dineta Williams-Trigg a filmmaker and actress and directed with Gauthier Raad, A Night of Misfit Films came out of a desire to see more diverse content in the Valley of the Sun community. The festival celebrates the artistic talent of all filmmakers and artists by focusing on original content that has not been screened at other festivals.
A Night of Misfit films is in association with the Lebanese Independent Film Festival – LIFF, WIFF – The Worldwide Independent Film festival and Fantasy Film Festival in Paris.

First Friday, December 6, 2024 – First Friday, January 3, 2025

Come play in the glow, with gallery lights off, art emits light installed throughout gallery and into the gardens. Infused interactive light installations creating a transcendent aesthetic experience. Selected artists displaying imaginative integration of mediums, from functional to conceptual; light-boxes, lamps, art shrines, video, interactive light installation, neon, LED, fire, mixed media. If it glows, flickers, flashes, video, neon, shines in a darkened room. With one room dedicated to UV reactive arts. See the art glow, flicker, flash, and shine in this darkened gallery.

Exhibit viewing: Tuesday – Friday, Noon – 6pm. Free.

February 14 – March 14, 2025

Exhibit dates: February 14 – March 14, 2025
Opening reception: February 14, more info TBA

As the crown jewel of unconventional art experiences, the Exotic Art Show has earned its reputation as a daring spectacle that captivates the senses. Now in its 41st year, it stands as the country’s longest-running exhibit of erotic and exotic art. Showcasing over 40 local and regional visual artists in this infamously provocative, playful, sensual or audacious, uninhibited passions that push the envelope.

This mesmerizing exhibit is not only a feast for the eyes but also a vital fundraiser for Phoenix’s Alwun House, contributing to the flourishing arts and cultural scene of the community. Every brushstroke, every sculpture, and every piece of art on display is a testament to the power of creativity to inspire, challenge, and elevate.

The Exotic Art Show is a special fundraiser for Phoenix’s original Alwun House nonprofit arts organization, since 1971. Like a provocative ballet, it has become Alwun House’s equivalent of the “Nutcracker,” enchanting audiences and benefiting our community nonprofit arts & cultural center. More info TBA. $4 Viewing Tuesday through Friday Noon to 6pm. (starting Feb 18).

The Shape Of AZ/MEX Commenting On The Shape Of AZ/MEX

Tucson artist Jimmy Descant, is a self-defined Severe Reconstructivist, creates fascinating live assemblage art specializing in a style called “Western Futurism.” In this series Descant takes on a variety of socio/political statements to create dialogue about America and its migrant policies, past, present, and future; as well as the insults and damages done to Native Peoples’ land and history along the border.  Descant creates these sculptures in front of an audience, sometimes incorporating musicians, poets, dancers, DJ’s, etc.

Opening Reception: Friday, March 14, 6-10pm

In these performance art constructions, he seeks to convey a yin/yang of the good/evil acts and intentions of corrupt/incompetent government, isolationists, negative forces, in juxtaposition of volunteers, humanitarians, positive movement, and intellectuals’ passions of Arizona, the Peoples, the border, and the river’s and culture’s dividing lines.

Using vintage found objects all screwed into found plywood to build up a whole theme, Descant then finishes the show by using an angle grinder to cut off the protruding screws in back, thrilling the audience with fire and heat. Severe instant art in one of a kind contemporary events and statements.

First Friday, April 4 – April 11

Alwun House believes in the importance of the arts throughout the educational levels. We are proud to present Salon des Enfants for the past several decades. Salon des Enfants is Phoenix Elementary School District’s Juried Youth Art Show & Sale. There will be approximately 300 juried pieces made by students in the 5th through 8th grades, representing 13 Schools, and 13 teachers. Art is displayed Salon-style, and sold right off the wall; including sculpture, ceramics, painting and photography. All art sold for $25 right off the wall, on a first come basis, replaced with yet another piece – with 100% going to the student artist.

OPENING RECEPTION: Friday April 4th @ 4-6pm
The public is invited to witness firsthand the enthusiasm and pride of downtown’s first Elementary School District’s colorful Art Departments and performance programs perseverance in the face of cutbacks in funding. A public presentation of the performing arts exact schools & performance TBA.
Exhibit will be open for First Friday 6-10pm

Exhibit dates: April 18 – May 9, 2025
Opening reception: April 18th, 6-10pm

With Good Friday symbolically commemorating a death, it seems like an apropos time to review how we deal with loss and then celebrate the life we had together. Good Grief invites viewers into a profound exploration of loss and transcendence, celebrating and accepting loss and grief as a cycle of life and an expression of love. Through vibrant paintings inspired by her research and collection of stories with a goal to inspire curiosity that leads to constructive conversation and tears of joy. This exhibit transforms personal grief into a shared journey of reflection and connection.

Each canvas tells a story, (available with a posted QR code telling the story) prompting dialogue orbiting around grief and loss, supporting mental health amidst loss and fostering community resilience. The exhibition creates a safe space for people with different backgrounds to unite together with inevitable experiences we all share. To experience grief from loss is to know love in some form. By embracing the inevitability of endings, Tifa Holman crafts a sanctuary for empathy and understanding, celebrating the transformative power of love in the face of mortality. Join us in exploring the intersection of imagination and emotional healing, where every brushstroke invites us to cherish life’s fleeting beauty.

Gallery Viewing: Tuesday – Friday, Noon – 6pm, Free

Vibrant Visions: An Exploration in Color and Emotion

Exhibit dates: May 16 – June 13, 2025
Opening reception: May 16th, 6-10pm

Christia Kafalas’s exhibition takes the viewer through a celebration of color, movement, and emotion, offering a sensory journey that will leave a lasting impression. This exhibit provides the perfect opportunity to showcase her vast array of styles and technics. And a perfect opportunity for you to expand you art collection with these modestly priced artworks. From painterly graphics to abstract to flow arts glazed to perfection. Whether you are a seasoned art enthusiast or a casual viewer, you will thoroughly enjoy this collection of artworks. Christina’s Vibrant Visions promise to inspire, uplift, and ignite your imagination.

Gallery Viewing: Tuesday – Friday, Noon – 6pm, Free