Travel & Adventure in Arizona

Artlink says it’s the nation’s largest self-guided art walk, but whatever it is, Phoenix First Friday is certainly interesting. One member of the group who joined me there at the street fair, starting at Roosevelt and Central, last night suggested, as we passed some tented exhibits, “Um, they must misunderstand — medical marijuana isn’t law yet in Arizona.”

Funny. But that ought to clue you in — the crowd is a more youthful one.

But, here, let me show you how the night began and ended — in pictures:

The manager at Hula’s on Central gave me these two $5 drink coupons after I found plastic in my Mai Tai. To make these pay off, I’ll have to be sure to  go during Happy Hour, Mon-Fri, beginning at 3:30 p.m. (till 6 p.m.). That’s when they sell the signature tropical cocktails for this price. But I’ll have to leave a tip. Since my guess is the plastic just came from the ice bag, I’ll probably give it a go.

Arizona Governor Jan Brewer was in Washington, D.C. this week, explaining to President Obama why she thinks Arizona needed the controversial immigration bill to become a law, and what she now needs from him (federal government action?). Her action has stirred up anger across the board. One young man, a New York University college student home for the summer, decided he’d express his viewpoint on the matter in a t-shirt. He was selling them last night, and he’ll be back again in July and August. Of course, he’s not an illegal. But if you want to buy one of his shirts and learn more about this politically-driven fashion statement before the next First Friday, visit Polis Tees.

Right next to the t-shirt booth was something unbelievable. Talk about making a statement! In the picture above is a man — a real, live man — dressed only in underwear, covered in what looks like blood — and wrapped in cellophane. The only way he’s breathing is through the hole punched out underneath his nose. Let me tell you, the temperature last night had to have been in the 90s. He didn’t have water to drink, but his counterparts standing around passing out their vegan brochures about being kind to animals sure did. Their brochure states in large letters: BOYCOTT CRUELTY! Um, okay.

Now this is art I can look at. It was part of the refrigerator art exhibit that opened last night at After Hours. The exhibit is an SRP-sponsored event promoting appliance recycling. It’ll be open Mon-Fri, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., through the end of the month. Called the Fridge-a-Thon, the exhibit showcases 15 ways an appliance can be turned into art.

IF YOU GO:

What: Artlink’s First Friday

When: First Friday of every month, 6 p.m.-10 p.m.

Where: Throughout downtown Phoenix

Web site: http://artlinkphoenix.com