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THE INSIDERS
For the design-obsessed: There is just so much here that is worth visiting, but first thing’s first: Be sure to plan some time to explore Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West, the ASU Gammage auditorium and the David & Gladys Wright House. Phoenix Urban Design Week and Modern Phoenix Week are also must-sees. Take it to the streets: There are some really incredible public art installations in town right now. If you have the time, take in Janet Echelman’s Her Secret is Patience in Civic Space Park, the Tempe Town Lake Pedestrian Bridge (be sure to go at night), and the James Turrell installations at SMoCA, ASU Tempe and Phoenix Art Museum.
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3 THE ENTREPRENEUR TIM MCELLIGOTT
Ones to watch: Arizona artists Lauren Strohacker and Kendra Sollars, of Animal Land, are really making a name for themselves. Their company sits right at the intersection of creative documentary, environmental activism and video-installation art, and has already exhibited with Scottsdale Public Art, Phoenix Art Museum and at the Arizona Biennial in Tucson.
What’s trending? More than ever, we are seeing an increased demand for locally produced original art that gives an impression of the artists’ surroundings and establishes a very concrete sense of place. This trend not only supports the local arts community, but it is also becoming a point of pride where inhabitants of the city can bring these pieces into their homes and be reminded of why they love their city so much. The perfect day is… A daytime hike up Camelback mountain, followed by a visit to the Desert Botanical Garden and a stroll through the Musical Instrument Museum. There would also be shopping at Stinkweeds and Practical Art, finished off by dinner at Tuck Shop and then watching the sun dip below the horizon from the roof of the Clarendon Hotel. Tim McElligott is the owner and founder of Phoenix startup Curator Engine, whose mission is to connect local artists with clients and community partners. When he’s not working to make a difference in the art world, he’s fueling a secret passion for backpacking in thirdworld countries and Annie Leibovitz.
4 THE ARCHITECT KEVIN B. HOWARD
What’s intriguing you now? New technology in glass and synthetic material. Frank Gehry’s new Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris is a great example of the cutting-edge looks that can be achieved with the latest innovations, like the new ultraviolet-blocking glass from Italian company Sunglass s.r.l. On your radar: I recently went to the opening show of an artist named Robert Barber at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Tucson. He was raised here in the city and has been painting his entire life, but no one has ever seen it. He’s 93 years old now, and he’s just phenomenal. Material of the moment? There are these large porcelain sheets that have come on the market recently that I’m dying to use on a project. They can be used on floors or walls, and they make the typical tile grid completely disappear. It’s really promising. I’ve always wanted to be tasked with... Designing a truly excellent bus stop. There are so many of them in Tucson that are just uncomfortable and not visually pleasing in the least. I’d want to build a series of these structures that would not only provide suitable shade, but also be so cool-looking that they would inspire people to ride the bus. Don’t miss: If I had just one day to spend in Tucson, I’d do it in Sabino Canyon or Mount Lemmon. When people come here, it’s because they’re drawn to the beauty of the Sonoran Desert. I, myself, am constantly inspired by it both personally and in my architecture work. Ones to watch: I love working with the landscape designers at The Garden Gate. Trevor Johansen and Trey Gers are very talented and completely genre defying. I also love Plants of Distinction for specialty flora that you can’t find anywhere else. Kevin B. Howard is the founder and principal of an eponymous architecture firm in Tucson. Many would be surprised to know that although he calls the desert home, he’s an avid surfer, taking yearly sojourns to California in an attempt to catch the perfect wave.
Images: From top: Works like Stratum by Zachary John Valent and Pipeline by artist Lara Plecas are examples of the art available from local talents on curatorengine.com. A peek at some recent projects from architect Kevin B. Howard’s contemporary desert portfolio.
TIM MCELLIGOTT HEADSHOT AND PHOTOS: COURTESY CURATOR ENGINE. KEVIN B. HOWARD HEADSHOT AND PHOTOS: COURTESY KEVIN B. HOWARD ARCHITECTS .
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Hip hood: It seems like every day Phoenix tastes better, sounds better and looks better; it’s incredible. People are building, innovating and developing. I live on Roosevelt Row, and it feels like there is new construction in nearly every direction. There’s a burgeoning density that brings with it more resources, amenities, vitality and tourism.
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7/27/15 6:47 PM