Feb. 27, 2013

A free presentation highlighting some of the finest whimsical installations of art and landscape that Valley residents have created in their yards and homes will be offered from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 14, at Burton Barr Central Library, Pulliam Auditorium, 1221 N. Central Ave.

The talk, “Labors of Love: The Whimsy of Valley Yard Art,” by art consultant and collector Gretchen Freeman, will offer an offbeat view of the self-trained and unsung installation artists among us who have turned their properties into distinctive neighborhood landmarks.  Her presentation and discussion will show how home-grown creativity can increase public observations and awareness of the arts.  

Freeman is an art consultant specializing in public art planning, programming and project management.  She was the founding director of the Phoenix Arts Commission Public Art Program.  Between 1988 and 1994, she oversaw the completion of more than 40 public art projects in Phoenix, developing innovative approaches to involving artists in the design and construction of freeway overpasses, pedestrian bridges, recycling centers and other major infrastructure.

The free series of public talks coincides with the exhibition “Phoenix Icons: The Art of Our Historic Landmarks,” on display at the Gallery @ City Hall, 200 W. Washington St., first floor.  The show includes 33 photographs of historic Phoenix landmarks and buildings by artists Patrick Madigan and Michael Lundgren.

The next presentation will be May 25 from 3 to 4 p.m. by Alison King of Modern Phoenix, discussing “Mid-Century Modern Architecture in Phoenix,” at Burton Barr Central Library.  The lecture series is supported with funds from the Arizona Commission on the Arts.

“Phoenix Icons: The Art of Our Historic Landmarks” is the second in a series of rotating exhibitions featuring the city’s historic Municipal Art Collection of 1,000 artworks.  The Gallery @ City Hall is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.  The exhibit, on display through August, is free to the public.  The works were commissioned by the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture Public Art Program.  The Phoenix Arts and Culture Commission and the Historic Preservation Commission have partnered in the exhibition. The gallery is supported by private contributions from businesses and residents throughout the city and region and operated by volunteers.

For more information, visit phoenix.gov/arts or call 602-262-4637.  Follow us on Twitter @phxartsculture.

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