It was a possibility we had thought about for awhile, but then things happened super fast when Phillip got a new job. He started just over two weeks after being hired, before we even had a place to live.
Thankfully, friends let him crash on their couches his first week.
Moving weekend was kind of a mess. I wasn’t ready. I underestimated – everything. Even though Tucson is just an hour and a half south of Phoenix, this was the biggest move I’ve done. If you don’t count my semester abroad, it’s the first time I’ve had an address outside the county I was born in.
At the end of all that craziness, though, we were in our new apartment.
While we’re definitely still unpacking and settling in, we have our Tucson library cards and Quijote’s new tags are on the way. We’ve done our second Meet Me at Maynards walk – our first as Tucson residents – checked out the night market at Mercado San Agustin, visited the Tucson Botanical Gardens, and are trying out new places to eat, drink, and shop while regularly finding excuses to revisit the ones we were already fans of.
You guys found — and made — some great art during Local Art Loves earlier this year!
As you may recall, Local Art Loves is about sharing the art you love from your community. (It can even be your own work!)
This time, there were submissions from across the United States that included oil paintings, digital illustrations, sculptures, and more. I’m featuring those artists here, as well as adding a couple Arizona artists I love.
City: Marblehead, Massachusetts Medium: Oil painting Shared by: Sarah Moore (a.k.a. “Saguaro Sally,” vintage sign enthusiast) Subject: Neon sign for Skip’s Snack Bar in Merrimac, MA
Cactus art by Lora Barnhiser. Photo from my house.
When she was in the process of moving her studio to prepare for the birth of her babies, she announced a flash sale, and I called dibs on these adorable little cacti!
Later, the artist shared a couple more of her vibrant paintings – 16 (or makin’ a way outta no way) and Kandi Dishe, Starman.
“16 (or makin’ a way outta no way)” by Beck Lane.
• 16 (or makin’ a way outta no way)
Medium: Oil and oil crayon on aerosol on two 60″ x 72″ canvas panels.
Notes:
The title of 16 (or makin’ a way outta no way) refers back to the first group of Africans brought to the U.S. to be enslaved. We don’t know the names of the individuals on that original ship. We just know that there would be eventually millions more, and they were the first 16.
Coincidentally, the painting took 16 months to complete and was inspired by the events of 2016.
The woman in the center of the painting was modeled after Providence artist, dancer, and model Melanie Moore.
“Kandi Dishe, Starman” by Beck Lane.
• Kandi Dishe, Starman
Medium: Oil on aerosol on two 48″ x 60″ canvases. Subject: Portrait of Worcester, MA drag artist Kandi Dishe. Where to find it:Chasen Galleries
Painting of Frida by Caitlyn Ann Thomas. Photo from my house.
City: Tempe, Arizona Medium: Watercolor Shared by: me Subject:Frida the Fish
Notes:
After hearing that our betta fish had passed, our friend Caitlyn asked for photos. A few weeks later, she surprised us with this beautiful watercolor portrait of Frida. It was such an incredibly kind gesture and a lovely way to remember a little fish with a big personality!
Caitlyn and her husband Alex also make films as CharismaJinx Productions.
City: Providence, Rhode Island Title:Apex Medium: Oil on canvas, 23.5″ x 40″ Shared by: Sarah Moore Where to find it: You can see the final painting of Apex on the artist’s site.
Green Thumb and Green Thumb Too by Gary Lee Price. Photo: Susan Willis
Green Thumb [girl with pigtails, foreground of photo]
Green Thumb Too [boy, partly obscured in photo]
Medium: Bronze sculptures with planters Shared by: Susan Willis Where to find them: In front of Chasen Galleries in Carytown, an artsy neighborhood around Cary Street in Richmond, Virginia.
City: Haverhill, Massachusetts Title:Liquors Medium: Acrylic on panel, 18″ x 14″, framed Shared by: Sarah Moore Subject: Street outside ChrisPy’s Liquors + Lottery in Beverly, MA. Where to find it:Available for purchase. Contact the artist for more information.
Notes:
Debbie Shirley describes her painting style as “contemporary realism meets roadside retro.”
City: Ocala, Florida Medium: digital sketches Shared by: artist
Wayne Smith participated in Local Art Loves by creating new digital sketches almost daily! His varied subjects included Rocky Mountain wildlife, a series of funny “advanced yoga” poses, portraits, and dessert.
Swedish princess cake by Wayne Smith.
• Swedish princess cake
Delightful-looking prinsesstårta (Swedish princess cake) on a gold tray.
• Killdeer sketch/study
A killdeer bird the artist photographed at Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park.
Goat yoga sketch by Wayne Smith
• Goat yoga
A meditation on why pets aren’t helpful for yoga poses.
The next Local Art Loves will be February 2020, and I’d love to see art shared from across the globe!
You can participate anytime by posting photos of art you find in your community (or create) using the hashtag #LocalArtLoves.
It’s free, open to all ages and abilities, and it’s happened weekly – regardless of the weather – for over 10 years.
In fact, we joined in for the first time on MMM’s 10th anniversary, when there was a big celebration and local bands playing all along the route.
We joined up in the middle, walking over from the Hotel Tucson, where we were staying.
The MMM path officially begins at Maynard’s Kitchen and winds through downtown neighborhoods — past restaurants, historic sites, parks, and public art.
There are designated 2-, 3-, and 4-mile routes you can follow. Or you can make adjustments and take breaks as needed.
In fact, breaks are encouraged. Several local businesses along the route provide water to MMM participants and lots of downtown restaurants offer discounts. So you could do part of the walk, stop for dinner or beers, and then continue on.
The point is to get out, get some exercise, and enjoy the local community!
— More Meet Me at Maynard’s Info —
How to join:
Register (once) online or in person at the information table in the courtyard behind Maynard’s.
Before each MMM you attend, check in (online or in person) and get your hand stamped at the info table. (While you’re there, ask about entering raffles.)
Start walking on your own or walk with a leader at 5:30 or 5:45.
You can walk, run, or take a yoga class ($5 at YogaOasis during MMM).
Leashed pets are welcome on the walk. So are unleashed kids.
To get Monday night restaurant discounts, make sure to check in and get your hand stamped at the info table in the Maynard’s courtyard.
Regular participants earn awards like t-shirts and hats. If you’re unsure where to go, look for people wearing the MMM shirts!
Closing ceremonies and in-person raffle winners are announced back at Maynard’s at 7pm.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video from the MMM 10th anniversary celebration, walk, and local bands — which I’ll post soon.
I’m hanging out with Quijote, who has decided the safest place to be is in our closet.
Initially, he played it cool – like the noise of the 4th of July fireworks wasn’t going to bother him. Then, all of the sudden, it was too much, and he began scampering wild-eyed around the house in a panicked search for the best hiding spot.
Even before Quijote, we didn’t always go to see fireworks. In the middle of the sweltering Arizona summer, it’s a good day for brunch with friends or swimming or barbecue or staying inside and crafting.
San Diego
Of course, we were way out of the house when we had our first Independence Day with Quijote on our San Diego trip a year ago.
It was a similar story, where he started out unfazed, and then suddenly switched to terrified.
We were staying at the Hawthorne Historic Inn, which has a deck that’s great for watching fireworks. Phillip found us a couple chairs and brought up some wine and snacks. It was so sweet and lovely until we realized Quijote was not going to be able to deal with noise after all.
We gathered up our stuff and climbed back down the wooden steps.
Phillip and I propped up pillows and sat drinking wine and watching tv in bed, while Q burrowed under the comforter.
Indiana
On the other hand, Phillip and I began one 4th of July on a red eye to Indianapolis.
We arrived, caught a few hours sleep, stopped by a square where there was a music festival we were too early for, and then drove to Madison County to see my extended family.
We ended the day outside a different hotel, watching fireworks and fireflies and mysterious orange lights that were floating across the sky.
When you’re with ones you love, you can have a good time whether you’re standing in an open field or hunkering down in a closet.
Given the limits of space and time, I can’t go to every event that catches my eye when I walk by a poster in a shop window or see a message from an artist I follow or get sidetracked online while I’m looking for something else.
So I share them with you.
Because maybe you’ll just happen to be in central Indiana during the Elwood Glass Festival (see #17). Or D.C. for the Art Book Fair (#21). Or maybe you’ll decide to take a detour for a wood oven workshop in Italy (#37). Maybe one of these 44 things is right in your neighborhood.
But, even if I can’t be there, it makes me smile to know that all around the world people are making things and enjoying community festivals and finding new meaning in old traditions and eating good food.
June 23-25 or July 5-7 Sterling and Lake Clark National Park (Meet at Homewood Suites in Anchorage)
3-day photography tour in bear country, where you can view about 20-40 bears each day with Lisa Langell plus an additional photography instructor. Includes all meals, transportation (including round trip sea plane flights to/from lodge) and lodging (1 night in Sterling and 2 nights in a lodge adjacent to Lake Clark National Park.) $2695 per person
July 13, 14, 20 + 21 from 10am – 4pm Alaska Blooms Peony Farm, Wasilla
Visit peony fields an hour outside of Anchorage during peak bloom time to wander garden paths and take photos. Admission: adults $10 / free for children under 12
Editor’s Note: An Instagram post with big bunches of peonies caught my eye just as the season was wrapping up last year. Alaska isn’t the first place that comes to mind when I think of flower farms, but those long summer days produce some striking results!
Now – Jun 27
McClelland Library (Exhibit Hall), Phoenix
Traveling exhibit of twenty-three informative panels on the history of Irish immigrants and their descendants across Latin America from 1611- 1968. Tickets $10 (free for ages 6 and under).
Now – Jan 29, 2020 DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun, Tucson
The exhibit will commemorate artwork by Ted DeGrazia that was featured in Arizona Highways magazine. Museum admission: adults $8
May 31, Jun 28, Jul 26, Aug 30, Sep 27 from 6-10pm MSA Annex, Tucson
A market under the stars the last Friday of the month (May through September) with local vendors and MSA Annex shops open late.
EN: MSA Annex is a newer sister property to one of Phillip and my favorite Tucson hangouts, Mercado San Agustin. The Annex is about a block away and features local businesses in repurposed shipping containers. A night market is great for avoiding the Arizona sun in the heat of the day – and shop local!
Jun 6 + 13, Jul 11 + 18 at 11am Washington Activity Center, Phoenix
View and discuss a series of films on a theme over 4 sessions. Ages 16+. Fee $4 + Recreation Pass.
EN: I don’t think I’ve seen a cinema appreciation class at a city rec center before. We’re not always aware of all the great resources that exist in our own cities!
Jun 15, 6–9pm JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort + Spa, Tucson
Mexican food festival featuring food demonstrations and education, live music, and weekend stay-cation packages. A 23-mile area that includes the City of South Tucson, downtown and lower midtown Tucson is home to a high concentration of diverse Mexican restaurants, many of which are family-owned and decades old. It’s known as the “Best 23 Miles of Mexican food in America.” Festival admission $65
Jun 30 – Jul 8 statewide
Week-long celebration of local Arizona businesses. Shop local and save 20% with a Golden Coupon, which you can download from Local First Arizona’s site or pick up at one of the hundreds of participating businesses.
EN: “Independents” Week! The week of July 4th! Get it?!
Aug 3-4 Museum of Northern Arizona (MNA), Flagstaff
Traditional and contemporary art for sale, artist demonstrations, authentic food, musical performances, heritage programs, and hoop and social dances. Daily admission (2018) $12
Now – Sep (estimated) Huntington Art Gallery, San Marino (Pasadena)
Watch the process of conservation work on the iconic painting The Blue Boy (ca. 1770) by Thomas Gainsborough each Thursday and Friday, 10am – noon + 2-4pm and 2-4pm on the first Sunday of the month. This is one segment of Project Blue Boy, which is ongoing from September 22, 2018 to September 30, 2019.
Free admission with advance reservation 1st Thursday of every month, 10am–5pm.
EN: Usually art conservation work happens in some museum back room or secret basement, so it’s really awesome that much of this yearlong project is open for public viewing – especially since it’s such an iconic painting!
Jun 1 – Oct 5 (Saturdays), 8am-1pm Golden Library, Golden
Held every Saturday, except for July 27 (Buffalo Bill Days) in the parking lot just west of the Golden Library.
August 2, 9, 16 + 23 Parfet Park, Golden
Friday night music and a family-friendly movie on a giant inflatable screen under the stars at Parfet Park at 10th Street and Washington Avenue in downtown Golden.
7pm: Bands
8:30pm: Movie
Food will be available to purchase food from local vendors and food trucks, or you can bring a picnic. (No alcohol.)
Seating: Bring blankets or low-slung chairs.
Leashed dogs are welcome.
EN: I like the idea of having local bands play before an outdoor movie night!
Aug 16-18 Elwood
Festival celebrating the town’s heritage of hand-blown art-glass produced at The House of Glass and Carol’s Legacy Glass. Activities include factory tours, a parade, carnival rides, arts and crafts, food, collectibles, bus tours, demonstrations, photography, a quilt show, contests, and the Vintage Rollers Car Show. Free admission.
Live bands and other entertainment at the Jim Knoop Amphitheater at Callaway Park. Friday 7-9pm: Helpling, a singer/songwriter from Elwood. Saturday 7-9pm: Magnolia Soul, a group based out of Anderson, Indiana.
Free bus tours available daily 12-4pm with stops at Carol’s Legacy Glass and the Historic Elwood Opera House.
Crafts + Commercial Market tents open Friday 12-10pm, Saturday 10am-10pm, and Sunday 10am-4pm.
EN: Although we weren’t there during the Glass Festival, we got to see pieces being made at The House of Glass and tour the Historic Opera House when we visited Madison County, Indiana.
Now – June 23
Nevada Museum of Art, Reno
94 works by contemporary Aboriginal artists from Arnhem Land. Traditionally, these poles (named lorrkkon or larrakitj) marked the final point in Aboriginal mortuary rites. Today, they are made as works of art. Museum admission: $10 (free for children under 5)
Now – Aug 17 Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art, Las Vegas
Exhibition exploring form and function through ceramic vessels from West Mexico. Suggested voluntary contribution: $5
Now – Sep 20, 2020 New York Avenue (east of the White House)
Public art space featuring changing installations of contemporary works by women artists. Currently on display is Huellas y cicatricez (Traces and scars), four totemic sculptures by Mexico City-based Betsabeé Romero that speak to themes of human migration and the natural environment. The structures are constructed from carved tires with gleaming metallic paint and interior lighting.
Jul 7, 12-5pm National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA), D.C.
40+ artists will sell art books, zines, comics, and other work. Free admission to both the Fair and Museum.
Jul 9-28 Southwest D.C.
Showcase of both unjuried and curated shows. 94 productions in seven venues with 13 stages — all within walking distance of each other in SW DC. 60% of the participating artists reside in the DC Metro area. Single ticket $20
Now – Jun 9 Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA), Bainbridge Island
Installation of Artist’s Books, a lesser-known art form, which may combine drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, gluing and binding, sculpture, photography, textiles, creative writing, and storytelling. While many university libraries have artists’ books in their Special Collections, BIMA seeks to make the art form more visible to the public. Free.
24. Pigment-Making Workshops with Heidi Gustafson
Jun 1, 10am-3pm: Island Pigment Foraging Workshop on Whidbey Island. Gather natural mineral colors from sandstone, glacial clay, green earth, and sea-weathered minerals on various coastal and forest walks. Fee $200
Aug 10-11, 10am-3pm: 2-Day Intensive Earth Pigments at Heidi’s rural studio north of Bellingham. Learn to make pigment from ethically foraged mineral materials, like ochre, soil, clay, dirt, and rock. Includes one day of field work in a Cascade mountain landscape, one day of learning to process minerals according to their particular properties, and your own set of personal earth pigments. Does not include transportation or lodging. Fee $460.
Jun 22-23, 11am-5pm Seattle Center Exhibition Hall, Seattle
Urban Craft Uprising aims to build a local community of artists, crafters and designers through events where indie crafters and artists can connect with their fans. Free admission.
Jul 11-14 Bellingen, NSW
4-day boutique music festival in a historic riverside town in New South Wales with over 60 acts in multiple venues. Adult single-day passes $60-80 (+ processing fee).
Jul 19, 20, 21 from 10am-5pm
Manitoulin Island
Self-guided tour of diverse artist studios, which includes photographers, painters, sculptors, and potters from across Manitoulin Island. The route is a scenic drive across the largest freshwater island in the world.
Jul 20, 9am-4pm: Felted Landscape Workshop. Make a large felted wool “painting” of a landscape scene. Learn different techniques for various trees, moons, sunsets, northern lights, flowers, etc. and then how to mount your artwork when you take it home. Students must bring small sharp scissors, 2-3 large bath towels, and a piece of cushion foam (at least 2” thick and 24” x 16”). Other materials provided. Beginners and experienced felters welcomed. Fee CA$110
Jul 21, 10-2 pm: Needle felted Hummingbird Workshop. Learn the art of needle felting and make two or three 4” hummingbirds with clay beaks. Includes a felting kit (felting foam and felting needles), wool, clay, and glass eyes for 4” hummingbirds. Students must bring small sharp scissors and a multi-felting needle holder. If you do not have one, you can purchase one at the class for $15-$20 each. Beginners and experienced felters welcomed. Fee CA$70
EN: I follow Tuckamoor Wildcrafts on Instagram, and they make the cutest little felted animals! Those little hummingbirds are so adorable, I just had to share the workshop info with you!
August 1-4 Whitehorse (+ surrounding areas), Yukon Territory
Festival showcasing the Yukon’s culture, local food, and culinary experts. EN: I’m so fascinated with far northern places – such different climates and cultures than the hot desert I call home. I think I actually spotted this event last year, but they didn’t have the dates up in time for last summer’s happenings list.
Aug 9-11 Victoria Park, Downtown Regina, Saskatchewan
Celebration of music and community that seeks to be a forum for positive artistic, social and cultural development in Regina and Saskatchewan. Tickets: single night CA$70 / general admission CA$148 / free for children under 12
Aug 7-13 Kakslauttanen
Sculptors, painters and other artists from around the world seek inspiration in northern nature and create works of art that will stay at Kakslauttanen on view for future visitors.
Grande Galerie de l’Évolution in the Cabinet de Réalité Virtuelle (Virtual Reality Room), Paris
30-minute immersive virtual reality journey into the time of the giant animals that populated the earth after the extinction of the dinosaurs. Ages 12+. Advance registration is highly recommended. Tickets may be purchased on site if available. €5 + Galerie admission
The titanoboa snake, the giant rhinoceros (baluchithère), the megalodon shark, and the giant sloth (megathère) are modeled in 3D with realistic 360° scenery.
A paleontologist explains the reasons for each animal’s size and discusses the mystery of their disappearance.
EN: I happened to see this right after reading an article about these huge caves in Brazil that were most likely carved by giant sloths or other now-extinct animals. I’d love to be able to see them – even if it is through virtual reality goggles.
34. Les Bals des Pompiers (Fire Brigade Balls)
Paris
Bastille Day parties hosted at a dozen fire stations throughout Paris as fundraisers.
EN: I shared this last year, because I think the idea of an annual dance held in a firehouse was pretty cool. I’m sharing it again because I think Paris firefighters deserve an extra shoutout for fighting the Notre Dame blaze, while saving so much of its art.
Aug 2-5 Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford
Food and music festival with over 80 local and artisan vendors, outdoor concerts with an international line-up of rock ‘n’ roll artists, food and drink workshops, events and classes.
La Tavola Marche inn and cooking school in Piobicco, Italy.
Jun 21 – Sep 7 Verona amphitheatre, Verona
Festival with five opera performances, one concert, one gala night, and a ballet in the spectacular setting of the Verona amphitheater.
37. La Tavola Marche Classes
Piobicco, Le Marche
Jul 3-6 or Sep 4-7: Wood Oven Workshop. Includes 3 nights’ accommodations, welcome dinner, Wood Oven class with snacks, wine + handmade apron gift. 3 dinners, 1 lunch, breakfast daily. €1080/couple or €864/single
Oct 15-20:Made in Le Marche: D.O.C. Wine Tour, Artisan Meat and Cheese Market Trip, Craft Beer Tasting + 3 Cooking Classes. Includes 5 nights’ accommodations, welcome dinner, 3 half-day cooking classes with meals, wine + handmade apron gift, 1-day wine tour with lunch and transportation, Pizza Night Dinner, Apecchio market tour and tasting, breakfast daily. €1025/person (Price based on double occupancy.)
EN: This is the place where we stayed, hiked, and took a cooking class in the countryside. I highly recommend it!
July 20-28 Recanati, Le Marche
An immersive program for both new and experienced authors with the purpose of fostering community. Conference consists of writing workshops, readings, panel discussions, and craft talks in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Tuition $875 (does not include airfare or lodging)
There will be a free day to explore the City of Recanati and the surrounding Region of Le Marche.
The Gallery Hotel has discounted rates for writers attending the conference.
Jul 31 – Aug 4 Marrakech + Ait Bouguemez (“El Valle Feliz”)
5-day expedition to experience the art and craft of Marrakech and artisan villages in the Atlas Mountains, organized by Duduá (which is dedicated to teaching traditional craft techniques in Barcelona) and local guide Hafida. €1100 (including IVA). Includes transportation within Morocco, room and board (except Sunday lunch and dinner), excursions, workshops, and tours. Does not include airfare.
Activities: Visit rural artisan towns, attend a tapestry workshop with local artisans, visit textile and agricultural cooperatives, take a cooking class with a Berber family, and tour a rose distillery.
Lodging in a historic restored kasbah.
Once-a-year trip with a group limited to 9 people.
Jul 10-14 Northern Troms, Norway
28-year-old international festival focused on fostering pride in the art and culture of the Sámi and other indigenous peoples through music, film, seminars, workshops, art, literature, and theatre. Adult day pass 800 NOK / weekend pass 1,400 NOK
Camping is free.
Takes place annually in the coastal Sami Gáivuotna – Kåfjord municipality in Northern Troms.
Riddu Riđđu means “little storm on the coast” in Sami language.
July 7-29 Águeda
Music and street art festival with a mission to showcase both established artists and new musical projects. There are local handicraft vendors, concerts, performance art, DJs Public art in the city of Águeda includes the Umbrella Sky Project, an installation with thousands of umbrellas over the city’s streets.
Sep 28 – Oct 6 Shetland Islands
Annual nine-day festival of of Shetland’s textile heritage with classes, knitting, spinning, dyeing, weaving, tours, exhibitions, open studios, teas, talks and tours.
By @foulawool via Shetland Wool Week
The Happenings List is my handpicked list of events for people who love art, craft, and culture. I edit event descriptions for length and clarity and do my best to make sure everything is accurate at the time I’m writing it. (Of course, it’s possible that it’s not.)
Let me know if you go to anything on this list!
See captions for photo credits. Uncaptioned photos by Phillip or Stephanie Liebold.
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