Art-izona

Since we're both culture vultures of the highest order, it only made sense for AmyH to show off Phoenix's artistic side. Here's just a sampling.

This is the brand spanking new Tempe Center for the Arts on the shores of Tempe Town Lake.

I took a little tour of the inside and visited a Roy Orbison exhibit. Bonus: clean public restrooms!

Here's an example of the fine public art that can be found around the city. This is a recently unveiled statue in a trendy new part of Scottsdale. It represents the Pony Express post, handing the mail from one rider to another.

This is the art museum at Arizona State in Tempe. I thought the architecture was quite striking.

I spent a pleasant couple of hours wandering around inside. I was practically the only visitor. There was a provocative and intriguing exhibit of pieces from the private ceramics collection of the Besser family. Many of the works featured weird, grotesque portrayals of animals. Here is a crucifixion scene with greyhounds.

According to the panel, the artist, Adelaide Paul, is commenting on the martyrdom and suffering of animals at the hands of humans.

There was an artist-in-residence named Josh Greene working on a social studies inspired project with the museum. I dropped by his area, but a handwritten sign said he had gone out for lunch. He had this mobile hanging by his desk in the gallery where he was working.

The caption on the picture at the bottom right with the two boys says, "Jump in. The water is warm." Note spreading yellow puddle. *snerk*.

To the left is a photo of a homeless guy holding a sign that says, "NINJAS KILLED MY FAMILY, NEED MONEY FOR KUNG-FU LESSONS."

Naturally, I also went to the world-famous Heard Museum in Phoenix, but that was before my luggage had arrived. Since I didn't have my camera charger, I couldn't take any pics that first day.