Some things to do in Phoenix are huge. Others are small but still worth a visit.
This weekend, the Valley bids farewell to a major Claude Monet event. Palabras Bilingual Bookstore, a community center in downtown Phoenix on Roosevelt Street, will host a BIPOC open mic night where artists can showcase everything from live art to a handwritten poem.
And finally, Tiki Maniacs will host its first Tiki Marketplace in the East Valley.
Read on for a complete guide to the Polynesian Arts and Culture Fiesta as well as the other events taking place September 23-25 that I think are worth your time.
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Immersive Monet at Lighthouse Artspace
More than 5 million tickets have been sold in the US for the Immersive Van Gogh exhibition, which arrived at Metro Phoenix in August.
The Immersive Monet & The Impressionists exhibition is also worth a visit before it closes.
Monet’s paintings are timeless like Van Gogh’s. The lily pads, sunsets and lush fields are a feast for the eyes. And chances are you’ll recognize at least some of his paintings, all of which are pleasing to the eye and, I think, to the soul as well.
You can see them for the last time in Phoenix this weekend, along with the art of Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas and Mary Cassat.
Details: until September 25th. Lighthouse Artspace Phoenix, 4301 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. immersivemonet.com/phoenix.
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In our own words: BIPOC Open MIC Night at Palabras
Expression is vital to us as human beings, and Palabras is providing the opportunity with its latest open mic night for members of the BIPOC community.
And it’s not just singing. Performers are invited to paint, make music, perform a stand-up comedy number, or even recite a poem. You can sign up by sending an email to [email protected] with a brief introduction of what you would like to share – they are due by the end of September 22nd. There is one rule: no hate speech.
The Rezan Urban Eatery has fried bread for sale, along with savory dishes with an indigenous influence.
Details: Saturday, September 24, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Palabras Bilingual Bookstore, 906 W. Roosevelt St., Phoenix. 602-595-9600, www.palabrasbookstore.com.
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Superstition Village Tiki Marketplace at Big Tin Cotton Gin
This might be one of the most colorful marketplaces I’ve found. It’s the Superstition Village Tiki Marketplace at Big Tin Cotton Gin.
In partnership with Polynesian nonprofit Poly Praise — which helps underprivileged families and foster children — Tiki Maniacs will host an indoor and open-air market with live hula dancing, musical performances, and foods like Hawaiian macaroni salad and shaved ice.
Other activities include live tiki carvings on 7-foot pieces of wood, as well as classes where visitors can learn about the history of hula dancing. The first 100 visitors to the event will receive an art print.
The best part? Admission is free.
Details: Saturday, September 24, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Big Tin Cotton Gin, 1572 W. Ocotillo Road, San Tan Valley. facebook.com/events/519831939850088/?active_tab=discussion.
Reach the reporter at [email protected] Follow her on Instagram @sofia.krusmark
