Arizona Arts & Culture News: A summary of the leading media stories about the state’s arts and culture community

May 20, 2022

By Jessica Vaile

‘Desert Rider’ exhibit examines transportation, landscape, and Latinx and Indigenous identity / Fronteras

A new exhibit at Phoenix Art Museum called “Desert Rider” highlights a diverse display of art by Latinx and Indigenous artists of the Southwest.


‘This program is a thank you’: Veterans find friendship, creative outlet in art classes / Arizona Republic

More than 600,000 veterans and service members live in Arizona, and Mesa Arts Center is giving back through its Arts in Service program.


Bloom where you’re planted: How a south Phoenix farm harnesses Mother Earth / Cronkite News

Spaces of Opportunity, a partnership that includes Unlimited Potential, the Desert Botanical Garden and the Roosevelt School District, consists of small family gardens, a 10-acre incubator farm, and a farmers market.


New Scottsdale exhibit celebrates collaboration between students, artists / Daily Independent

“Visions ’22,” a new exhibition showcasing the skills and inspiration exchanged between students and professional artists, is now open in the Center Space gallery at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.


Brad Kahlhamer and the Amalgamations of Existence / Hyperallergic

The Tucson Museum of Art exhibition “Brad Kahlhamer: 11:59 to Tucson” is named for the time and place of the artist’s birth, but also references the 1957 film “3:10 to Yuma,” which was set in the American West.  


Veres conducting final parks series with Tucson Pops / Arizona Daily Star

László Veres has led the Tucson Pops Orchestra since 1992. His final concert will be June 12.


Gardening Etcetera: Local plant sale and garden festival / Arizona Daily Sun

The Coconino Master Gardener Association and the Museum of Northern Arizona are sponsoring a spectacular plant sale at the Colton Garden and Discovery Village on Saturday, May 21.


He tried to join the Marines. Then his life took a turn he never expectedCNN

Tony Valdovinos says it’s hard for him to watch the musical about his life. But there are many reasons he’s hoping you will. “¡Americano!” begins with one of the most painful moments from Valdovinos’ youth—the day he tried to join the Marines at his Arizona high school but learned he was an undocumented immigrant.


Phoenix Zoo welcomes new Bornean orangutan / ABC 15

Wgasa, the Phoenix Zoo’s new 16-year-old Bornean orangutan, arrived at the end of April and has been “getting acquainted with his new companion, Rayma.” Read more: Phoenix Zoo welcomes new Sumatran tiger


Shock rocker Alice Cooper is coming to Arizona license plates / Phoenix New Times

A new Arizona license plate will bear the image of rocker Alice Cooper, who has lived in Arizona for decades and founded the Solid Rock Teen Centers, which offer support, a welcoming environment, and free arts and music instruction for young people.


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