Here's Your Guide to September First Friday in Phoenix

There's plenty to explore during September First Friday, including art created by incarcerated women, art reflecting queer identities, and art enhanced by augmented reality. Here's a roundup of exhibits and events to help you plan your Friday night (and a friendly reminder that some creative spaces are requiring face masks).

Exhibitions

Diego Pérez
Matthew Goodall
9 The Gallery

You can explore two exhibitions at 9 The Gallery. The “De Chile, Dulce y de Manteca” exhibit features works by Diego Pérez, whose paintings often blend humor, art historical references, and social commentary. The “In Another Way” exhibit features work by Matthew Goodall, whose paintings often blend layered human forms with pop culture references and geometrics. First Friday hours are 6 to 9 p.m.

‘Gaytablos’
Arizona Latino Arts and Cultural Center

Head to the Arizona Latino Arts and Cultural Center to see works that reflect both queer identities and the retablo tradition comprising small devotional artworks. The exhibition is part of a larger long-term project, which will bring additional events including artist talks and a film screening to the center. First Friday hours are 6 to 9 p.m.

‘Call Me Ishmael’
Five15 Arts @ Chartreuse

Artist Michael Pierre Price examines “the nature of reality, consciousness, and existence” in this exhibition that includes a 33-minute musical soundscape as well as an interactive component comprising augmented reality animations that are accessible by using the Arloopa app on a smart phone or tablet. First Friday hours at Five15 Arts at Chartreuse are 6 to 9 p.m.

‘The Quarantine Girls’
Exposed Studio & Gallery

Artist and hair stylist Ron Abansado is showing works from his "Quarantine Girls" series created in response to COVID-19 and its personal, community, and societal impacts. Abansado’s drawings are parodies of women and fantasy creatures wearing masks, which reflect the ways these face coverings have become part of a new normal. First Friday hours at Exposed Studio & Gallery are 5 to 8 p.m.

‘Safety Zone’
Eye Lounge

For this solo exhibition at Eye Lounge, Amy Sansbury Manning is showing works that include iconography of the built environment, using geometric designs influenced by Islamic tile work and Talavera tiles. With these works, Manning invites viewers to “consider the boundaries between order and disorder.” First Friday hours are 6 to 9 p.m.

‘Summer Blend’
First Studio

See works created in diverse mediums from cold wax to metal bedsprings at First Studio, where the “Summer Blend” exhibit includes works by John David Yanke, Barbara Bagan, Kyllan Maney, and Cindy Schnackle. The exhibit highlights a wide range of styles and subject matter. First Friday hours are 6 to 9 p.m.

‘Salon des Refusés’
The Icehouse

Artist Lucretia Torva organized this group exhibition, taking inspiration from the famed Paris Salon in the 19th century, which rejected works by artists who’ve since reached legendary status. Here, she takes issue with the selection process of a particular annual exhibition in Phoenix, showing works by artists whose work has been submitted for consideration but not chosen. First Friday hours at The Icehouse are 6 to 9 p.m.

'The Women of Perryville'
Olney Gallery

Olney Gallery at Trinity Cathedral is showing art and craft by women who’ve been incarcerated at Perryville Women’s Prison. After acrylic paint was added to the list of contraband items in early 2021, these women turned to alternative materials such as eye makeup to create an eclectic range of artworks. First Friday hours are 6 to 9 p.m.

'Through the Lens'
Sisao Gallery

Sisao Gallery is showing photographic works by three artists who explore architecture and abstraction. Featured artists include Johnny Kerr, Joanna Proffitt, and Natalie Wheeler. First Friday hours are 6 to 10 p.m.

'ADMIXT ARTS'
Step Gallery

ASU Step Gallery is presenting works by BIPOC writers and artists whose work often considers the immigrant experience within the borderlands as well as the desert environment. Highlights include collaborations between creatives working in several areas, such as fiction, poetry, printmaking, ceramics, photo-collage, and more. First Friday hours are 6 to 9 p.m.

'1000/Pulls'
Xico Arte y Cultura

Xico Arte y Cultura is showing works by Louis Giordano, whose paintings and silkscreen prints frequently incorporate retro signage, mid-century modern design, desert life, and other things he encounters during his everyday travels. First Friday hours are 6 to 9 p.m.

More First Friday Destinations

Alwun House Art Park

Look for artisans showing and selling their wares at the Alwun House Art Park, where the First Friday lineup also includes live music and food trucks. They’ll have wine and beer available for purchase, as well as on-site COVID-19 testing provided by Embry Health. First Friday hours are 6 to 10 p.m.

Cahokia

Head to Cahokia for an O'odham Artist Market organized by Cahokia member Zachary Walter. The market will feature more than 10 artists, including Angelo Cortez, Tiffany Enos, Chadwick Pasqual, and Melissa Yazzie. The 6 to 10 p.m. event also includes a food sale, and live music at 9 p.m.

Heard Museum

Heard Museum has free admission during First Friday hours, which are 4 to 8 p.m. The museum’s Coffee Cantina and Books & More shop will be open from 5 to 7 p.m. Visitors can explore several ongoing exhibitions, as well as additional exhibitions including “All at Once: The Gift of Navajo Weaving.”

Phoenix Art Museum

Phoenix Art Museum has voluntary donation admission during First Friday hours, which are 3 to 7 p.m. This month, First Friday offerings include the premiere of a filmed dance performance titled In this moment. The piece was choreographed by Kleiton Sistelos, who drew inspiration from the exhibition “Fearless Fashion: Rudi Gernreich.” Tickets are available online.