Winning Art Submission by Marina Rynning Celebrates a Community Filled with Art and Vitality
“Art Detour is one of the most important events in Phoenix’s calendar.” – City of Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton, Honorary Host Committee Chair of Art Detour
PHOENIX (December 5, 2013) – Art Detour, the event that launched downtown Phoenix’s First Fridays Art Walk phenomenon, returns for its 26th year on March 8 and 9, 2014. The two-day celebration invites the public to meet the artists and explore the art spaces that fill our downtown with color.
Living in Color
Looking for an image to represent this year’s celebration, Artlink issued a call for artists to submit artwork that would “create excitement and embody the sense of discovery and intimacy the public experiences when visiting private working studios and art spaces.” An image submitted by Marina Rynning entitled “Living in Color” was the final choice. Her abstract, colorful painting captures the invigorating spirit of the arts and the dynamic impact they have on our downtown life.
“When you do a painting it goes on to have a life of its own,” said Marina Rynning when asked about being chosen as the winning artist. “I was thrilled that the painting was chosen. I live in Phoenix and like what’s going on. I ride my bike and look at houses being renovated, and there is art everywhere. Phoenix is moving forward, becoming more colorful and exciting.”
“Art Detour is our community’s signature celebration,” said Catrina Kahler, President of Artlink’s board of directors. “Marina’s vibrant painting will serve as an invitation to fellow Phoenicians and Valley visitors, encouraging them to meet the working artist community and experience a downtown infused with the energy of the arts.”
A Weekend Arts Festival
Art Detour will coincide with March First Friday, resulting in a weekend chock-full of arts related tours, exhibits and activities. “Detour-ists” will be invited to visit galleries and artist studios, learn about public art and murals from artist and knowledgeable docents, and much more.
A shuttle will circulate throughout downtown, making stops at neighborhood “hubs” in Roosevelt Row, Grand Avenue and more, where music and performance art will provide a unique opportunity to explore Phoenix’s art scene in a fun, festival environment.
Schedule of Events:
3/1 – Special Celebration Event to be announced.
3/7 – Pre-Detour First Friday. March First Friday is typically one of the most popular of the year.
3/8-9 – Self-guided studio and art space tours. A map and shuttles will guide visitors to the open art stops.
The weekend event is free and offers programming appropriate for all ages, including the family-friendly “Kids’ Detour” presented by Phoenix Center for the Arts.
About Art Detour Art Detour is an annual free, two-day, arts festival and self-guided tour of artist studios, art spaces, galleries and other art venues in downtown Phoenix organized by Artlink, Inc. in cooperation with the participating venues. Art Detour draws thousands of enthusiastic arts supporters each year providing a unique cultural experience for people new and not so new to the downtown Phoenix Arts Community. The launch of Art Detour preceded and brought about the creation of the now-famous First Fridays Art Walk.
About Artlink Artlink, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to linking artists, business and the public to better understand, appreciate and support a thriving arts community in downtown Phoenix. Artlink supports a variety of community-based art events including the First Fridays Art Walk, the country’s largest self-guided gallery tour; guided Collectors Tours; an annual Juried Exhibition; and the annual Art Detour self-guided tour, featuring open studios, pop-up galleries, family-friendly art experiences and more. Artlink Inc. is supported by: Phoenix Art Museum, Dunn Transportation, Snell & Wilmer, Arizona Commission on the Arts, Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture, Phoenix Center for the Arts, The Torosian Foundation, Downtown Phoenix Inc., Downtown Voices Coalition, Grand Avenue Merchants Association, Roosevelt Row CDC, Urban Affair, 6th Ave. Gallery and Invexi Web Development.
For more information, visit artlinkphoenix.org.
