Phoenix might seem like the place to escape at this time of year — but the art scene this July might say otherwise.
Art lovers can enjoy dinner and a show at Arizona Broadway Theatre or learn about French culture through music at the Musical Instrument Museum. Some of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most precious belongings are in Phoenix for the summer, making his home —Taliesin West — the perfect place to stop and cool off. And, you won’t want to miss the museum exhibitions featuring the work of textile artist Diedrick Brackens and sculptor Angel Cabrales, as they’re nearing the end of their runs in Scottsdale and Mesa.
Though many people have been vaccinated, the COVID-19 pandemic is still a concern. Some indoor spaces request visitors wear masks, maintain physical distancing or take other precautions. Be sure to call or check the website of the venue you plan to visit to see what safety precautions might be in place.
Here are some of the must-see arts events for July.
Printmaking at Xico
Join Xico for an open studio printmaking event on July 11. There are eight spots for local printmakers, but anyone can come and watch these artists create their work.
In addition, Xico will be hosting the work of pop art artist Roberto F. Salmon through Aug. 6. Integrating both ancestral and contemporary imagery, Salmon — also known as Papayon — will be featured in the solo exhibition “Disruptive Art” at Xico’s 829 Studio downtown. Visitors must call ahead to schedule a tour or attend the final reception on Aug. 6.
Details: Xico Inc., 829 N. 1st Ave., suite 101, Phoenix. 480-833-5875, xicoinc.org
‘Gilligan’s Island,’ ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ at Arizona Broadway Theatre
Arizona Broadway Theatre shows are back, with two plays headlining the month of July: “Gilligan’s Island” and “Little Shop of Horrors.” “Gilligan’s Island,” based on the popular TV show, will run until July 11th, with “Little Shop of Horrors’ premiering on July 16 and running until Aug. 11. Tickets are $43 to $99 and visitors can attend the show – or for a few extra bucks, dinner and a show.
Details: Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W Paradise Ln, Peoria. 623-776-8400, azbroadway.org/
Frank Lloyd Wright’s life at Taliesin West
Those who love Frank Lloyd Wright – or those who are the least bit curious about the famous architect – should make their way to his Scottsdale home. This summer, the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation is unveiling Wright’s hat and cane – two of his signature accessories. There will also be additional items from his private collections on display, including Wright’s Buddhist artifacts and Chinese screen paintings. The hat and cane will be on display until Aug. 29.
Visitors can take the new “Guided by Wright” self-guided audio tour — which uses recordings from Wright himself – or book an “Insights Tour,” which is a 60-minute guided tour.
Details: Taliesin West, 12621 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., Scottsdale. 480-860-2700, franklloydwright.org
Summer season shows at Phoenix Theatre Company
Phoenix Theatre Company’s summer season offers a pair of plays for July.
“Daddy Long Legs” is a musical Cinderella tale about a smart young woman, Jerusha Abbott, with a mysterious benefactor who sends her to college. The story is told through a series of letters Jerusha writes to her patron. The play runs through July 18.
Following that will be another musical, “Pump Boys and Dinettes.” This story, set in a gas station and a diner in Grand Ole Opry country, features a lively country music score. This production runs July 21-Aug. 22.
Details: Phoenix Theatre Company, 1825 N. Central Ave, Phoenix. 602-254-2151, phoenixtheatre.com
Experience France at the Musical Instrument Museum:
The Musical Instrument Museum will host its annual Experience France weekend July 10-11. Museum curator David Wegehaupt will give an in-depth look at notable instruments, makers and centuries of different musical traditions displayed in this exhibition. Visitors can also make their own French side drum, listen to a local musician play the accordion, as well as hear the Arizona ZAZU West ensemble perform jazz manouche, a French musical style popularized in the 1930s by musicians like guitarist Django Reinhardt.
Details: Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix. 480-478-6000. mim.org
Rudi Gernreich at Phoenix Art Museum
Fashion icon Rudolph Gernreich, also known as Rudi, was a steadfast believer in the idea that gender didn’t matter when it came to style. Gernreich created many gender-nonconforming designs seen today including the thong, monokini and pantsuits. More than 80 pieces of Gernreich’s ensembles, original sketches, personal papers, videos and audio are on display in the Phoenix Art Museum exhibition “Fearless Fashion: Rudi Gernreich.” The show on view until Sept. 26.
Details: Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix., 602-257-1880, phxart.org
‘Ark of Bulrushes’ at SMoCA
Enjoy “Ark of Bulrushes” featuring works from Texas artist, Diedrick Brackens. Best known for his vibrant woven tapestries that tell the stories of being Black and gay, Brackens’ artwork will be on display at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary through Aug. 22.
Details: Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, 7374 E. 2nd St., Scottsdale. 480-874-4666. smoca.org.
Art in Focus: Highlighting women at ASU Art Museum
This exhibition features works on paper, ceramics, baskets and wood objects made by women. Featured artists include Betye Saar, Faith Ringgold, Sandra Ramos, Maria Martinez, Rose Cabat and Louise Nevelson.
This exhibition runs through Aug. 15.
Details: ASU Art Museum, 51 E. 10th St., Tempe. 480-965-2787, asuartmuseum.asu.edu
Angel Cabrales at Mesa Arts Center
The El Paso-based sculptor reimagines history in a sci-fi-inspired parallel universe. Titled “The Uncolonized: A Vision in the Parallel, Cabrales shows a world where the western hemisphere was never colonized. Through Aug. 8.
Details: Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St., Mesa. 480-644-6500. mesaartscenter.com.
Reach the reporter at [email protected]. Follow her on Instagram @sofia.krusmark