Steamrolled Art

Steamroller prints

Wandering through art spaces opened for Phoenix’s annual Art Detour event, my friend Anne and I stumbled across Steamroller Sunday.

Steamroller printmaking

Artists had carved large designs into plywood and covered them in ink. A steamroller rolled over the top, pressing the inked designs onto sheets of canvas.

I started taking video of one artist getting his stamp ready and ended up recording the whole process, because, really, how often do you see art being made with construction equipment?!

You can check it out (condensed to 1 minute) above or on YouTube.

Steamroller print art

PS While you’re there, feel free to subscribe to Travelcraft Journal’s channel!


Microblog Mondays: Write in your own space

Art Detour: Printmakers Manny and Janet Burruel

Phx First Friday art by Burruels

Phx First Friday art by Burruels

This weekend is Phoenix Art Detour 2018 with open galleries, performances, and special events throughout the Downtown Roosevelt Row and Grand Avenue arts districts.

If you’re familiar with Phoenix Fridays, think of Art Detour as a 5-day, super-sized First Friday.

Phx First Friday art by Burruels

One of the unique spaces where there will be art on display is Olney Gallery, which is inside of Trinity Cathedral at Roosevelt and 1st Ave.

Continue reading “Art Detour: Printmakers Manny and Janet Burruel”

January 2018: Eruption

Volcano at AZ Science Center

Volcano at AZ Science Center

Since we couldn’t work a Naples/Pompeii visit into our Italy trip (another one of those trade-offs) even though I’d always wanted to go, I basically lost my mind when I read there would be an exhibition with artifacts from Pompeii at the Arizona Science Center here in Phoenix. Pompeii was coming to me!

Pompeii AZ exhibition

One of the events surrounding the exhibit was a simulation of the historic eruption of Mt. Vesuvius with lava flows projected onto the outside of the building, and smoke, bursts of flame, and “ash” coming from the top.

It was quite the spectacle. But I was honestly more moved by the exhibit inside, by household items that look just as they did when they were in use nearly 2000 years ago and by the tragic fate of people who possessed them.

The exhibition was very well done, putting the items in context with wall-sized photos of the architectural site and video reconstructions of the city.

It is in Phoenix through May, and I believe it will be on tour for awhile. I would definitely recommend seeing Pompeii if it comes to you.

 




Microblog Mondays: Write in your own space

MLK Day: Where to Volunteer in Phoenix

dramatic sunset light on the top of south mountain in phoenix

I was looking to see what kind of service projects were planned in my community for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and I found a bunch at handsonphoenix.org! I’ll share a few you might be interested in below.

 

Step Up

 

You can sign up on the site to volunteer if you’re over 18. Check the individual project for age restrictions and waivers required for younger teens and kids.

If you live outside of the Phoenix area, you can search nationalservice.gov for opportunities in other states.

 

Phoenix

Sort and Pack at St. Mary’s Food Bank

Jan 13, 8-10am
St. Mary’s Food Bank, Phoenix
Sort, pack, and distribute food for other nonprofits and families in crisis at St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance.

  • Feel free to bring donations of cereal, canned goods, bottled water, and/or pet food with you to the project.
  • Due to health codes and safety reasons, a volunteer dress code is in effect. (Closed Toe Shoes, shirts with sleeves, pants, etc.)

 

Garden Volunteers at the Japanese Friendship Garden

Jan 13, 8-11am
Japanese Friendship Garden, Phoenix
Help with either non-technical duties (like cleaning up trash) or technical garden maintenance (like precise pruning of plants).

 

Puppy Pals at Animal Care West Valley Shelter

Jan 13, 9-11am
Maricopa County Animal Care Services, West Valley Shelter, Phoenix
Spend time with adoptable pets. Walk dogs or brush and pet cats.

 

Project Vitamin C with City of Glendale

Jan 13, 9am-12pm
Sahuaro Ranch Park, Glendale
Help pick citrus from the park’s trees to donate to local food banks.

 

MLK 2018: Trailblazing at South Mountain Park

Jan 14, 10:30am-12:30pm
South Mountain Park, Phoenix
Assist with projects, such as tree trimming, maintenance, graffiti removal, trash pick-up, and painting. Details will be emailed to volunteers after sign up. Ages 18+.

 

Vets in Need Outdoor Refresh

Jan 15, 8am-12pm
Avondale
Join volunteers in painting the exterior of the home of a Veteran in need. Training, project supplies, light snacks and water will be provided.

 

Be a good person

MLK Jr. Celebration Parade

Jan 15, 8:30am-12:30pm
Mesa Convention Center (outside) / Downtown Mesa
Help with parade contestant check-in and parade route guidance.

 




Dog photo is of Mulder (ID#A4027230), who’s available for adoption at Maricopa County Animal Care + Control – East Valley Animal Care Center. Copyright ©HLP Inc.