photo by Claire Lawton (2012)

Mural by Rose Johnson

​If you take a drive down 16th Street in Phoenix, you might notice a few coats of fresh paint on sections of the Mercer Mortuary building at 1541 E. Thomas Road. 

The mural was originally painted by local artist Rose Johnson and a group of students in 1998. It's in her signature style; large, stylized figures of all colors and races overlap. Their hands carry a waving rainbow flag, form peace signs, and release white doves across eight panels that wrap around the building. 

The mural was (and is) a symbol of peace and unity that was painted long before the area became known as Calle 16, where bright murals by local artists pop up on a regular basis.

Almost 14 years after Johnson finished the mural on Mercer Mortuary, the paint is chipping, and tags occasionally cover the faces and blocks of pastels.

It was on one of her daily commutes to work that a Phoenix resident named Rebecca DeWitt noticed the mural's deteriorating state and decided to make a few phone calls. 

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Jeremy Andorfer, Vangelis Productions

John McClain, left, and Bill DeBusk in In the Devil's Frying Pan

​History is written by the winners, they say. Memoir is even more selective, having generally been preserved by people who are not just literate, but literate in a language the victors understand (which weeds out quite a few), and often by those who think interesting things have happened to them (with some wonderful and instructive exceptions).

In Lori Vander Maten's script for Desert Foothills Theater's In the Devil's Frying Pan, one of several official Arizona Centennial theatrical events, these vicissitudes make for a first act that leaves the odd impression that Arizona's territorial history consisted almost entirely of violent encounters between white settlers and native Apaches (the latter of whom are depicted as sympathetically as possible, considering the accounts being shared). 

The Apache Wars were a significant period in the history of both sides, but an overview that focuses mainly on armed conflict has to be leaving out a lot of other stuff.

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Courtesy of ASU

bell hooks

​Wiggle into those smarty pants, here are five lectures that'll stretch your brain in Feburary.

bell hooks @ ASU West
Author and activist bell hooks skewers the Oscar-nominated, racially controversial novel-to-blockbuster The Help in a lecture in the University Center's La Sala ballroom at ASU's West Campus on Tuesday, February 14.

Through a lens examining race, class, and gender, hooks will discuss the impact of The Help and its role in reinforcing societal oppression. Admission is free, and the event, which begins at 3:30 p.m., is open to the public. See more here.

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Ian Wender

The Burning Man from 2011's edition of the event.

​When Tempe artist Ian Wender learned he didn't land tickets to this year's Burning Man this year, he started to fume.

"I got really, really angry when I found out I wasn't getting tickets," says Wender.

The painter and photographer is a Burning Man regular who's gone to the annual arts and cultural extravaganza in the Nevada desert six out of the last seven years, and was hoping to attend yet again in 2012.

An email from Burning Man's organizers nixed those plans, however, and got hot under the collar.

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​For decades, art has shaped this state. Almost 100 years ago, brothers Ellsworth and Emery Kolb packed a few ropes and large-format cameras and set off to capture their backyard wonder, the Grand Canyon. Their efforts were published, archived, and followed by a few of the the best landscape painters, photographers, and sculptors who continue to inspire artwork worldwide.

In the 100 years since Arizona's statehood, countless visual artists have made an impact on local culture through their work. Some of Arizona's most memorable artists were born here, some traveled through (and stayed for a while), and others chose to make Arizona home. 

Until February 14, we'll list 100. Here are today's 25:

First Row: Ellsworth and Emery Kolb, El Mac, Emily Long, Emmett Potter, Frank Lloyd Wright 

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As You Wish Photography

One of Fermaint's dresses

​Valentine's Day -- and Arizona's 100th birthday -- aren't until next Tuesday, but that won't stop the lovey-dovey gallivanting from starting early.

Whether you're single, taken, or desperate for a date, here are five things that'll keep you (and maybe help you get) busy this weekend.

Tiffe Fermaint Launch Party @ Nostra Style House
When we got our first look at chic downtown boutique Nostra Style House, owner Angelica Gonzalez told us that she'd eventually like to carry creations from local fashion designer Tiffe Fermaint. Tonight, sooner comes faster than later.  Fermaint releases her 10-year anniversary collection for sale exclusively at Nostra.

See and shop Fermaint's dresses ($190 and up) and coats ($290 and up) during tonight's reception from 6 to 9 p.m., featuring Mark 'Ellery' Leach on turntables and art from Mark Gallegos on the walls. Admission is free.

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Welcome to the Morning Buzz, a catch-up on interesting happenings around the city and country and a quick guide to what (and who) to keep your eyes on. We'll be here, first thing every weekday, to get you going. Here's what's buzzing this morning: More >>

Kiki Smith

​If you've been to any of the season openings at Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, you likely have this Friday's bash penned into your calendar.

The museum's spring opening is a celebration of new exhibitions and a guaranteed hot spot for local artists and art supporters who spend the evening mingling (and previewing what they'll likely come back to see when the museum's not as busy).

One of the most prominent -- and outspoken -- artists on SMoCA's spring roster is Kiki Smith, the noted feminist artist and daughter of late architectural designer Tony Smith.

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​For 11 days in March, we'll get to revel in off-the-beaten-path (ideally) performances -- 23 different ones, in 88 time slots at five locations -- in the fifth annual Phoenix Fringe Festival. 

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