Phoenix - Imogen Departs & Third Friday

Wren: "I do believe not a day has gone past where we haven't made some wonderful connection."

We checked out Third Friday this evening, the somewhat edgier 'open galleries' alternative to First Friday's Art Walk -- thanks to a tip from Byron's friend Chris Danowski. We cruised down Roosevelt, East of Central, and pulled up at the Modified Arts Gallery, where people were milling about outside. "Converging Trajectories: Crossing Borders, Building Bridges", curated by Ted Decker, was showing inside. A gaggle of beaded chickens, hanging painted pillows, a video of a man masturbating to the (real-time) audience viewing the video (are we art-goers the real wankers?), a photo of crumbling Grecian ruins but out of sand. I was drawn from one piece to the next; curious, delighted.

Handed a pamphlet on the exhibit by Sam Chung, I struck up a conversation and it emerged he'd made the two beautiful Korean-inspired porcelain vases by the window. He pointed out the curator -- that gentleman over there with the white hair in the blue shirt. Ted was the long-time curator at the Arizona State University Museum, and three years ago resigned to branch out on his own. He's been back and forth to Brazil over the course of the past 7 years, and 3 years ago dedicated himself to putting together this show of local artists whose work he admires.

Justin Germain is a recent (?) MFA Art History grad who Ted is encouraging to pursue his dream of turning Phoenix into a center for Green / Sustainable/ Creative Interventionist Art. Justin is organizing his first show in February 2011, and it looks like there may be a match with Wren's work.

Wiping the sweat from our brows (the gallery had a few fans going, but Phoenix continues to bake even after dark), we migrated to the gallery next door which everyone kept telling us did have functioning A/C: the Eye Lounge. One artist's exploration of 'being out in the wilderness' (in a Biblical sense), through stereotypical Southwestern desert tropes (cacti, kokopelli, etc) and a puppet show; a painter's series of miniature wood-block portraits of her artist friends; and a darkened room-full of 6"x6" photographic prints on vellum illuminated from behind by candles, very romantic. We enjoyed a cold beer while watching a hand-puppet snake tempt Jesus with waffles and bagels, perused the arty store at the back (which is the front, during the day), but didn't stay too long.

++++++

Imogen left today. Her last wish was to set foot in a WalMart, so we made a pilgrimage en route to the airport. "George" is an Asda brand Brits enjoy, but Americans get that and many more. It wasn't even an especially large WalMart, but it did the trick. Disappointingly, the datebook Imogen wanted to buy as a souvenir (each country's datebooks have their own peculiarities) was on recall (a datebook on recall??), the cashier informed us, and would not be processed by the register.

++++++

Journal: W&I up earlier than me, but had an extended breakfast together. All much better rested and  in much better spirits. Final packing by Imogen, then excursion to the WalMart (& T-Mobile & Starbucks) by Exit 2 off of 51N. Got to the airport 2 hrs early for Imi's Southwest flight to LA, and browsed the airport shops. Flight delayed till 2.35pm. It's a long flight (Phoenix - LA - Toronto - London) for a 16 year old to be taking on her own. / Wren and I spent the afternoon on  downloading photos and admin -- tallying receipts for gas and car rental and accommodation and food, and comparing our expenses to the budget. Seems we're within bounds, which came as a huge relief. / Then Third Friday, from 7-10pm. Finally, some late night computering. / I am in much better spirits tonight.