shopping By Amy Abrams
Art to Go The morphing of the museum gift shop. cottsdale artist Darcy McGrane, who frequently shops at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art store, admits what some are reluctant to confess.“I hardly ever spend time at the museum,” she says. “I’d rather go to the gift shop.” McGrane is one of the regulars—folks who find museum shops “irresistible,” or “wonderful places to unwind.”
ANTONIO BARTCZAK
AARON ABBOTT
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Two bright red porcelain drinking cups can be stored in the Vineau Carafe & Cup Set ($45 at The Store @ Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts). 8
Wavelength
With public and corporate funding dwindling or drying up altogether, today’s museums rely more than ever on retail revenue, since every penny earned goes to operating costs. Central Arizona’s museums have received accolades in this pursuit, elevating mere browsing to pure entertainment and raising the act of purchasing goods to the joy of collecting. The following museum shops carry cool merchandise and collectibles from all over the world that you won’t find at mega stores or strip malls. As added incentives, shopping at museums doesn’t require
admission, provides discounts for museum members and, specific to Arizona law, there’s no sales tax.
The Store @ Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts: Urban Edginess for Sale
novels. The urban edginess offers the sensibility of a New York or San Francisco boutique. Winding your way to the back—past small sculptures of musicians ($45-$50) and a display of handmade scarves ($55-$115), you’ll find out-ofthe-ordinary and often humorous items: a plastic purse painted as the spitting image of a chicken ($29); stationery supplies, including a folder prelabeled “Total Crap” ($10); and organizers for ordinary messes, such as take-out menus ($22). The jewelry display will make any girl go gaga, and there are good deals including spiffy, geometric necklaces ($40). If you’re looking for pleasure from usually pedestrian products, check out the boldly graphic black-and-white gardening gloves ($21.95). Right next door, the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art boasts an ultra-contemporary, circular museum shop with an accent wall painted bright orange. Wall clocks are kitschy … a Mona Lisa clock ($25) and a Dali clock ($35); postcards are pop … Madonna and Leonardo DiCaprio. While you’ll find home décor pieces and jewelry that make unique gifts, the shop is heavy on books, carrying a diverse collection of art, architecture, pop-culture, photography and design titles. You’ll also find a first-rate assortment of books and toys for kids that has amassed a devoted following of parents and grandparents.
ultry female vocals, piped
Sin from the sound system, set the mood for shoppers at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts store. This sophisticated spot sells hip books (Bob Dylan: The Essential Interviews, Rock Tease: The Golden Years of Rock T-Shirts), high-minded CDs (Charlie Parker, Scott Joplin) and decidedly “in” graphic
The Store @ Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale; 480-874-4644; scottsdaleperformingarts.org The Store @ SMoCA, 7374 E. Second St., Scottsdale; 480-874-ARTS; smoca.org/about_visitor.php