Business

A Barrel of Unpretentious Fun

October 31, 2013 | James J. Jefferies

photo by James J. Jeffries

Wine is one of those things everyone knows something about, but for most people, that knowledge is usually confined to decision trees involving bottled or boxed, red or white.

Frank Lietzau is on a mission to change that, without all the buttoned-down stuffiness often associated with the world of distant vineyards and sommeliers. One needn’t look further than the Hofsbrau Münchhausen T-shirt he wore on a packed Friday afternoon last month at his new downtown wine bar, Unplugged at 118 E. Congress St., the entrance to which is flanked by two very large oak barrels.

Lietzau’s knowledge of wine ran deep. He dished out detailed anecdotes with each successive bottle he poured to a group of giddy bar patrons eager to learn more about the fantastic wines they were sampling. More importantly, he is refreshingly unpretentious about his very misunderstood trade.

“One has to be honest,” said Lietzau. “If you want to learn about the world of wine, you simply have to go out and taste things, and if you don’t like them, be honest!”

The menu at Unplugged is designed in a way to be extremely accessible to patrons making their first foray into wines. Order a flight for $12, which will consist of a specific array of wines – such as red, white, obscure, or Rieslings – and you’ll get three glasses of 1.5 ounces each to sample.

As you down your first glass, you’ll begin to feel the warm, relaxing, and convivial atmosphere of the bar take hold. The bar and table surfaces are thick wood, buffeted by grey metal fixtures and warm, soft lighting provided by votive candles and a few understated industrial lamps. The glowing light wall behind the bottles changes color according to what Lietzau deems appropriate given the day’s crowd and playlist.

In this sense, Lietzau’s venture is very much in line with the driving forces and overall vibe behind the explosive development in Downtown Tucson; he’s offering a terrific, difficult-to-find variety of small-winery products from across Europe that he is truly passionate about, but going about it in an incredibly welcoming manner that perfectly merges stylish and casual.

“This is my second time here,” said Terri Callarez, as she enjoyed a wine flight of obscures. “It’s a really mellow place to abandon your workday.” She also referred to a choice she made on her first outing, another unusual offering called the John Lee Hooker, which is comprised of one bourbon, one scotch, and one beer. (wink, wink).

“Tucson doesn’t have anything like this,” said Lietzau, referring to his ability to bring in wines that are very seldom seen in this part of the world. It’s this mixture of high quality and openness that exemplifies the spirit of the new movement energizing the city’s heart, as Lietzau honors the skilled beer and winemaking excellence of the Old World, bringing it right into our own community’s historical epicenter.

And if you simply want to relax in this atmosphere, but you’re not so into wine or want a buffer to all of those rich fermented grapes, Unplugged still has you covered with an array of craft beers, including Gaffel Kölsch.

Gaffel Kölsch, as Lietzau explains, “has been brewed near my hometown in Germany for more than 500 years.” It, along with other suds that come from right here in the Old Pueblo – such as Dragoon Brewing Company’s Monsooner – is sold at a very reasonable $5.50 per glass.

Unplugged also offers a rotating variety of delightful small eats, from bruschetta to bratwurst and the customary cheese and fruit plates to accompany your journey into something new and wickedly wonderful.

As is fast becoming the rule these days, this wine bar seems to be yet another compelling destination for Downtown adventurers craving bold new flavors firmly steeped in culinary tradition.

Unplugged resides at 118 E. Congress St., just west of the historic Chicago Store. For more details, visit their Facebook page at Facebook.com/unpluggedtucson. This article is courtesy of the Downtown Tucson Partnership. For more information on where to eat, shop, live and play downtown, visit DowntownTucson.org.

photo by James J. Jeffries

The Perfect Cafe

October 28, 2013 | Miguel Ortega

photo by Miguel Ortega

The plan was to find a place where we could quickly grab some lunch and coffee and then hit the beach. It would be the first ocean experience for our 3-year-old. The San Diego sky finally opened up so we had to act fast in case the clouds returned.

But when you are on a family vacation nothing goes exactly as planned. Right, Chevy? At some point we all become that fumbling tourist you make fun of back home. I mean what were the chances we would find that awesome cafe with perfect grab-and-go sandwiches and killer espresso?

The odds were against us because papa did not google “Awesome, locally owned cafes in La Jolla” back at the hotel as mom advised.

So, after walking around for a while with no luck, we find this sandwich chain. It was unnecessarily bright, generic and soulless. And it was huge. It was like three-storeys tall. I just kept thinking: Why? Why so big?

We had no choice. We were in a hurry. Don’t get connected emotionally, we thought, just fuel up. Sure enough, the food was awful. And it took forever.

And. The. Coffee. Was. The. Worst. Ever.

I’m not even a professional coffee snob but, man, that stuff was bad.

After we rushed out of Sandwich Hell Hotel California, we asked a guy for the quickest way to get to the beach. He pointed across the street. So we cross the street and what do we find?

The. Most. Authentic. Sweetest. Cafe. Ever.

Man! Seriously?

The best part? It had the biggest window overlooking the pacific as the waves crashed onto the rocks below. And they had freshly made sandwiches and all kinds of pastries. It was the real deal. Everything inside appeared to be made of wood, including the worn counter next to the register. To me, that always means people dig a place.

People were sitting down, sipping on espresso and blissfully throwing back their heads in laughter. Laughing at me, I thought, for somehow missing this place.

Miguel Ortega is an independent business development consultant. His radio program, “Locally Owned with Miguel Ortega”, airs on KVOI 1030AM every Saturday at 11 a.m. You can also listen to his radio columns on KXCI 91.3FM and follow his blog at LocallyOwnedAZ.com.

Weightless Joy

September 19, 2013 | Jade Nunes

Tommy Padilla gets air at Get Air.
photo: Jade Nunes

The trampoline. It beckons all ages to experience its promise of adrenaline and excitement. It’s a time machine, bringing back memories of childhood: sweaty summer afternoons, birthday parties and laughter. And, as if constructed from magnets, it pulls people to its bouncy surface – even if for a single jump.

Walking through the doors of Get Air Tucson is like teleporting to a different planet, one where gravity doesn’t exist and the ground is rectangles comprised of springy, black substrates. The sounds of wild laughter is intoxicating and inviting and the air is energized with movement and excitement.

Waiting in line to pay the entrance fee and signing the mandatory waiver feels like an eternity. But then, with shoes and socks off, heart pounding and a colored wristband signifying how long you can jump, it’s your turn.

It’s a weird feeling, being able to jump as high – higher! – as you are tall. Then there’s that split-second where you feel utterly weightless and your inner-child screams: “I can fly!” You’re hooked. You can’t stop. Higher. Higher. Bounce. Jump. Flip. You don’t even realize how much you’re sweating.

But Get Air doesn’t stop at trampolines. There are dodge ball courts, foam pits, a basketball hoop, and if you dare, a slack line to challenge your balance skills on.

“I heard about it from few friends,” said Hunter Tek, a University of Arizona student who admitted that he’s been to Get Air on more than four occasions since its unofficial opening in late August. “The dodge ball courts are my favorite. And the basketball hoop.”

With the fun comes some risk, however, as Greg Burleson had the misfortune of experiencing firsthand.

Balancing on the slack line.
photo: Jade Nunes

“I learned how to do my first back flip here,” Burleson said triumphantly. “But then I racked my nuts on the slack line.”

Patti Goodell’s son’s company, Trampoline Park LLC, installed the trampolines at Get Air. Goodell says the trampolines are “over sprung” and very reinforced.

“They’re just about as safe as they can be,” she said. “But it’s still an extreme sport. Someone could possibly get hurt.”

Jumping on a trampoline is a sport?

“You can burn up to 1300 calories an hour,” she said. “That’s a draw for people who are trying to stay fit.”

Goodell explained that exercise classes and air aerobics will be among some of the offerings still to come.

Monday through Thursday, Get Air offers family, student and community specials to encourage people to come jump. For example, on Thursdays, you can bring a can of food and jump for two hours for the price of one. Get Air also offers family nights and student discount nights.

“The kids just go crazy for it,” Goodell said.

There are 11 Get Air locations across the country, two of which are owned by Goodell – who said that five more are on the way.

For younger children, Get Air has designated “Lil’ Air,” a smaller trampoline area for the wee ones.

“It’s just kind of fun for all!” Goodell exclaimed.

Time seems to move faster on a trampoline. When an hour has passed, a Get Air employee announces that everyone wearing a specific color wristband must discontinue jumping, or buy an additional hour. Stepping off its springy surface onto solid ground is almost like returning to reality. Legs a little sore and covered in sweat, it’s time to go home.

“I’m definitely coming back,” said Marc Florian. “This place is awesome.”

Get Air Tucson is located at 330 S. Toole Ave. For more information about rates, hours and events, visit GetAirTucson.com or call 624-5867.

Accessible Localism: It’s an Actual Thing

September 14, 2013 | Miguel Ortega

Relax. It’s ok. So you ate at a chain recently. You shopped at a big box store. It’s alright. Really. Well, if it was at that one big box, I’ll need you to provide a proper and viable excuse.

But, really, it’s ok. You see, as much as I absolutely, positively support all things locally owned – it’s the name of this dang column, after all – I also live in the real world. And I practice a specific brand of localism that I like to call Accessible Localism. Yeah, I made that up all by myself and, yeah, my wife pretended to be impressed with me.

But I say it really is a thing. So, after googling it first like a big dork to see if I can really annoy my wife and claim I coined it, I created a definition for it:

Accessible Localism (akˈsesəbəl ˈlōkəˌlizəm) n. A non-hipster, guilt-free approach to localism that encourages the entire population to participate in the building of a movement to grow and strengthen independent, hometown economies rather than celebrate as an exclusive, elitist club of do-gooders.

In other words, get over yourself, do the best you can and don’t judge.

Chances are, you may run into me at some point walking towards my truck with a set of keys in one hand and a venti-capa-frapa-moca-poca-loca in the other. Again, don’t judge. If my mother-in-law wants a venti-capa-frapa-moca-poca-loca, I’m going to get her a venti-capa-frapa-moca-poca-loca. She is a bona fide, professional Nana, with curandera-like powers. I mean she is a 3-year-old-whisperer who loves and takes great care of my son so the least I can do is pick up whatever damn drink she wants.

You see, it’s like this: If we really want to convert localism into an actual, viable, national movement, we need to admit that you and I are the weird ones. I am talking to you, the one holding this awesome magazine in your hands. And me, the nerd writing this column. We are the crazy ones, not the rest of the mainstream population.

You and I are obsessed — or at least inspired — with being independent and hyper local, as Zócalo’s own mission statement puts it. And we are freakin’ proud of it, as we should be. But we are outnumbered by normal people. Most people want to do the right thing, if not for the world, at least for their themselves and their families.

It’s not like anyone says, “I would love to eat food delivered to my grocery store that has been frozen in a truck from Michigan for the past five days. Yes, I prefer that to something local and fresh.” Right? Normal people just don’t see it that way because normal people are tired after work and alternative stuff is just too damn expensive and too complicated to think about.

Now, if you want a real localism movement, find a way for these normal folks to participate. Tear down economic barriers that make it hard for them to join our hipster club and push elected officials to pass localism policies with teeth.

If you want a real localism revolution, recognize that it is us who should join them. We should join small business owners, every day Republicans and Democrats, the young and old and build accessible ways for everyone to participate.

Ironically, the corporate world already gets this. While many of us have been celebrating our indie cred within a limited sphere, national companies have spent millions on consultants and focus groups to find out that localism is catching on and does, in fact, resonate with the masses. So now, more and more, you find “locally owned” this and “independent that” in much of their advertisements.

Meanwhile, our credit unions, our local mom and pops – in fact entire cities and towns – have actual, authentic, built-in, locally owned assets that go unused. National chains have to spend millions to manufacture localism. We, on the other hand, are made up of the essence of localism and don’t need to manufacture anything.

Do we allow our movement to be co-opted? Will we let them beat us to the punch and reach everyday people with our own cause before we do? Think about it.

So the next time you see me rushing to my truck at 5 a.m. with a venti-capa-whatever or coming out of a pizza chain with my kid, just hug me. Obviously, I would rather have a much better, locally owned cup of joe or slice of pizza, so life must really be kicking my butt to have to break-corporate-glass-for-emergency situation!

Miguel Ortega is an independent business development consultant. His radio program, “Locally Owned with Miguel Ortega”, airs on KVOI 1030AM every Saturday at 11 a.m. You can also listen to his radio columns on KXCI 91.3FM and follow his blog at LocallyOwnedAZ.com.

Crafting AZ Libations & Pub Fare

September 5, 2013 | Emily Gindlesparger

Good Oak Bar, opening night

The Good Oak Bar Opens on Congress Street.

The Good Oak Bar is now a reality. Up until a few days ago, the space on Congress – between the new Diablo Burger and the established Rialto Theatre – was still being completed, and was gloriously punctuated by the scent of oak dust. Fittingly, since the name Good Oak bar comes from Gary Nabhan’s interpretation of Arizona’s namesake: the Basque words “aritz onac,” for “place of the good oak,” which became garbled into “Arizona,” and in like fashion you too can garble your words at the Good Oak Bar.

The cozy corners have taken shape and the bar front and vestibule are fashioned from reclaimed wood, roughly 70-years-old, saved from some buildings previously on the Northern Arizona University campus. Derrick Widmark brought the Diablo Burger concept from Flagstaff to Tucson this summer to expand the connections between the local culture and the local foodsheds in Arizona, and with the Good Oak Bar he’s ready to take that idea a step further with what he calls “local foods based pub fare.

“The idea is to broaden our local food footprint and use the palate of pub fare to open up our relationships with local farmers and ranchers,” Widmark explains. With a tight but variable menu based off pub standards like shepherd’s pie or a classic pulled pork sandwich, Good Oak can accommodate the variety of meats and heirloom foods that producers bring to the table. “And maybe some folks will have to come in and sip a pint while they look at the blackboard specials,” Widmark quips.

At the heart of Good Oak is a rotating selection of Arizona beers curated by Blake Collins, the home-brew prodigy turned master brewer for Borderlands. The wine cellar is commanded by Kassie Killebrew, who also concocts beer and wine based cocktails for the more spirit-inclined. As an example, Widmark describes a dream in a glass: imagine fresh peaches from Sleeping Frog Farms, muddled in a light summer beer with a spritz of seltzer.

“Refreshing and local,” Widmark describes, “that’s what we’ll try to do. I think the idea is to give people an option who wouldn’t normally drink just beer or wine, but it also further defines the craftiness of the bar.”

Good Oak Bar, opening night

Widmark says that “with the narrowness of its focus, Good Oak has an opportunity to create a craft wine destination that’s bold and unique,” and parenthetically he adds, “without trying too hard to be either of those things.” The hardest thing Widmark is trying to do, it turns out, is create the kind of bar that deserves to be on Congress, next to the historic Rialto Theatre.

In the interceding time between opening Diablo Burger this summer and now following it with Good Oak, “it’s given me more time to think about, ‘what kind of bar does Tucson want in that space?’” In the light of a tongue-in-cheek discussion to “Keep Tucson Shitty,” Widmark says that “I was drawn to Tucson because of the same qualities of authenticity and character that are being discussed there. I value that sense of place, and I’m committed to trying to deliver that in a heartfelt and unpretentious way.”

And so, here it is: comfort food and libations with a Tucson and Arizona focus. The finishing touches to the bar include an original section of Old Pueblo Trolly track salvaged during Tucson’s streetcar construction, and a giant “Tucson” mural, spelled backwards as if you were standing behind a classic building sign. As for an authentic sense of place, Widmark says that he’s discovered one of the original tenants of the space he’s inherited, the Sunshine Climate Club of Tucson. He’s created a homage to the club that you’ll see as soon as you walk in the door.

Good Oak Bar is now open at 4pm everyday at 316 E. Congress St. Find Good Oak Bar under the locations tab at DiabloBurger.com.

Sunshine Climate Club, Tucson, Arizona

Artistic Homage to the Suds

September 4, 2013 | Jamie Manser

“The Pour House” by Mel Dominguez
Mixed media on found wood

“We should do a beer art show,” Nathan Saxton declared at Borderlands Brewing Company about a year ago. “Everyone laughed,” Saxton recounts, “and then, everyone kind of looked at each other and said, ‘We should do a beer art show!’”

So the planning began, and the Beer-Flavored Art Show was born.

“It’s been in various stages for almost a year,” says Saxton, proprietor of Borealis Arts Custom Framing and this exhibit’s curator. Saxton culled together artists through a general announcement, but many of the pieces were acquired by contacting people he had worked with for previous exhibits – specifically shows he produced that celebrated the sports of bicycling and soccer through artistic renderings.

Admittedly, Saxton said via email, he tends to organize art shows around his personal interests. “I love bicycles, so I started an annual exhibit of bicycle-themed posters every November. Soccer is another passion of mine, so I produce a similar show for my fellow soccer fanatics in February. I like beer, so an art show about that just seemed like the natural thing to do!”

And, naturally, the best locales to host a beer-themed art show are at local breweries. Approximately 25 pieces will be hung between Borderlands Brewing Company, 119 E. Toole Ave., and Thunder Canyon Brewery, 220 E. Broadway Blvd.

“Both Borderlands and Thunder Canyon have shown themselves to be strong supporters of the arts and community in general,” Saxton explains, and further explicates that he has been curating the art at Thunder Canyon Brewery since this May and at Borderlands Brewing Company for about a year.

“We’re confident in his taste,” says Mike Mallozzi, co-owner of Borderlands Brewing. “We met because Nathan’s framing shop (Borealis Arts) was next door. We always wanted to have local art, and it was a chance to work with him; it made sense because he is already involved in the art community.”

Anyone who really understands brewing and brewers knows that crafting beer is a combination of art, science, passion and dedication. It isn’t that much different than the processes an artist goes through to produce their creations.

"Will Skate for Beer" by Rich RogowskiScreenprint

“Will Skate for Beer” screenprint by Rich Rogowski

Saxton’s exhibit statement fleshes out the concept: “Have you ever had a chance to meet a brewer of beer? If not, I strongly recommend you seek one out. You’ll find him or her to be one of the most creative, passionate, articulate and intelligent people around. Have you ever had a chance to meet an artist? You’ll find that an artist almost always shares those some qualities. It is partly for this reason that I created The Beer-Flavored Art Show: to pay homage to the creations of a brewmaster through the creations of an artist.

“Another fascinating aspect of this show is that the approaches to creating art are as diverse as the varieties of beer. This show includes very inexpensive prints, stencils and larger paintings, so that just as there is a beer for all tastes, we are hopefully providing art for all tastes.”

This show will no doubt provide art for all tastes, as the current line-up of artists (as of press time) include: Devin Acadiz, Timothy Avila, Tracey Brown, Mel Dominguez, Matt McCoy, Joe Marshall, Joe Pagac, Rich Rogowski and, the curator himself, Nathan Saxton.

The exhibit shall include pieces that were previously made by some the artists and other work created specifically for this themed show. Although there “will be print runs at both venues, some (of the art) will be original work only available at one or the other venue,” Saxon elucidates.

“Each venue is going to have its own opening night ‘gimmick.’ Thunder Canyon will host New Belgium Brewing offering promotions and Borderlands will have growlers painted by local artists on sale.

“Opening night will be the most interesting night to attend,” Saxton intones, because, in addition to the aforementioned, there will also be “tee-shirts and limited run pint glasses with the show’s logo.”

Besides, having the event split between the two breweries encourages people to meander through Downtown to enjoy all of what is happening during 2^nd Saturdays on Sept. 14, especially since the venues are a mere five to ten-minute walk from each other, depending on your speed.

The Beer-Flavored Art Show opens on Saturday, Sept. 14, 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Details can be found at BorealisArts.com or by emailing borealisart@mac.com.

A Desert Twist on Caribbean Cocktails & Cuisine

September 3, 2013 | Emily Gindlesparger

by Emily Gindlesparger, photos by Andrew Brown

Stepping across the threshold of Saint House is like entering a private club in the heydays of Havana. The lighting is low, the booths are plush and the rum list – 40 labels strong – seems straight from a private collection. Decorating the high walls above the bar is a local stamp on this otherwise Caribbean locale. Artist Gonzalo Morales has painted a mural in three pieces, swirling figures that get more fascinating after every drink.

“If you spend time looking at it you’re going to discover the different shapes and forms,” Morales explains of the work. “On the second or third drink, just look at the art. It’s there to entertain the people who come.”

Against the dark walls of the rum house, Morales’ bright canvas colorfully pops in the light with yellow, magenta, green and purple hues. In a unique artistic twist, the mural is done in watercolor, a medium normally reserved for fine paper, but in Saint House, Morales has splashed it across his gesso-primed board.

“I was thinking of the Caribbean Sea, the colors and the jungle; I was thinking of Miami, and I made bright colors to match the restaurant. What inspired me was the Caribbean, and when you see the design on the wall you’ll see the waves.”

The signature drink here, even in the midst of a creative palate, is the simple daiquiri: rum, sugar and lime. And each spirit poured into this simple cocktail creates a wildly different experience.

“We carry a lot of rum because rum is the most diverse spirit in the world, and in some ways the most misunderstood,” explains Nicole Flowers and Travis Reese, co-owners who began their downtown ventures with 47 Scott and Scott & Co.

Rum is constantly pegged as sweet and syrupy – not surprising with its foundation in sugarcane – but as Saint House proves, there are styles and flavors from all over the world to be explored. On every table sits a little yellow chapbook titled The Book of Rum, and in it 17 countries are represented: from Brazil to Java with many islands in between.

Each environment and distillation produces a different signature. The Mount Gay Eclipse Gold from Barbados is fruity and bright, with an aftertaste of sucking on a chip of coconut, whereas the Rhum Clement Agricole from Martinique is described as “grassy and wild” in the restaurant’s Book of Rum, and it’s both spunky and distinguished. Those two terms could describe so much about the experience of Saint House, which has such clean-cut styling that’s still faintly reminiscent of The Great Gatsby, with snappy servers and hostesses who coordinate the party.

Woven into this tropical diversity is a little taste of Sonora. From the Vicious Virgin #3, based on Bacanora and grapefruit, to the shrimp ceviche styled with pico and clamato and Caribbean-inspired tacos, local ties thread through this restaurant right where it belongs, Downtown on the corner of Congress Street and Arizona Avenue.

Saint House is located at 256 E. Congress St. Call 207-7757 or visit SaintHouseRumBar.com for hours, menus and more details.

Tidbits

September 1, 2013 | Zocalo Staff

Community information submitted by community organizations

Annual 911 Day of Arts Service
A time to remember and serve

photo courtesy Tucson Arts Brigade

The Tucson Arts Brigade (TAB) invites Tucsonans to join them on Sunday, Sept. 8 from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. at 29th Street and Columbus Boulevard to clean and revitalize the “Inside the Overpass” mural and surrounding area. The “Inside the Overpass” mural is located on the interior of the intersection’s pedestrian overpass, and was designed and painted by students in the Arts Brigade Mural Arts after-school program. This program continues to meet every Wednesday from 3 p.m.–6 p.m. at TAB’s headquarters, 738 N. 5th Ave., in the Historic YWCA building.

The 911 day of arts service is a way to commemorate and remember the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and do something positive for our community. By coming together to beautify and unify our neighborhoods through the arts we are building a better world. This is an event for the entire family! Please bring gloves, work clothing, rakes, trash bags, a hat and water. We will be weeding, picking up trash and painting. At the end of the work session we will circle up to share our feelings, memories and thoughts.

Inquiries about the Tucson Arts Brigade or this event can be answered by calling 623-2119 or visiting TucsonArtsBrigade.org.

Marking the Sites

Sally Krommes (TPAC’s Public Art Coordinator) and TPAC summer intern Freda Epum.
photo courtesy TPAC

The Tucson Pima Arts Council (TPAC) and the Warehouse Arts Management Organization (WAMO) invite community members of Downtown’s Warehouse Arts District to participate in Marking the Sites, an project conceived to increase visibility and awareness of the Warehouse Arts District.

Marking the Sites aims to heighten public appreciation of the creative spirit shaping the Warehouse Arts District by allowing passersby to “look through building walls,” so to speak. Starting in November, area visitors will be able to point a smartphone at a sign posted on one of the scores of properties housing artist studios and creative industries and learn about what goes on inside via a QR code.

The project has been conceived by local artists Bill Mackey and Rand Carlson, as part of the Our Town Initiative, which is being spearheaded by the Tucson Pima Arts Council and funded by the National Endowment for the Arts.

Interested Warehouse Arts District community members can attend an informational meeting at Borderlands Brewery, 119 E. Toole Ave., on Sept. 11, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

See a sample web page at WarehouseArtsDistrict.com/citizens-warehouse. Current Warehouse Arts District property owners or users can get started creating a Warehouse Arts District webpage by registering the building at WarehouseArtsDistrict.com.

Herbert Residential Offering Tours, Leasing

The view from Herbert Residential.
photo: David Olsen

The renovation of Herbert Residential, the former Armory Park Apartments located at 202 E. 12^th St., is nearing completion. Tours for prospective residents will be held every Thursday evening through Sept. 26, from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Following each tour, participants will have the opportunity to complete lease applications.

While the Herbert’s lobby is under construction, tours will start at Thunder Canyon Brewery, 220 E. Broadway Blvd., where guests can enjoy happy hour tour specials offered by the brewery, giving prospective residents an opportunity to see the neighborhood, experience living downtown and see the Herbert in one evening. An RSVP is requested via email contact@herbertliving.com, by calling 777-5771 or visiting the property’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/HerbertResidential.

Originally built in 1974 as the Armory Park Apartments, the building was acquired in late 2012 by Holualoa Companies and Peach Properties. It has been extensively renovated with new mechanical systems, modern kitchens and bathrooms, polished concrete floors and floor-to-ceiling windows providing unparalleled views to both the north and south. The upper floors of the eight-story, 144-unit property are expected to open by late September and with full availability in mid-October.

“People have practically been knocking down the doors with anticipation so we are pleased to provide an opportunity for a sneak peek of the property and an evening downtown,” said Anne Lawrence of Holualoa Companies.

Cell Phone Film Festival Competition

Image courtesy Maker House.

Technological advancements have leveled the playing fields for many different artistic mediums, and Maker House’s upcoming competition is a great example of that. Its upcoming festival is open to anyone with a cell phone or camera-equipped mobile device with video recording capabilities. In fact, only those devices are allowed to be used for this film competition.

Filmmakers will have four weeks to shoot and edit their five minute film, which will be submitted to the panel of judges Oct. 1, and uploaded on the festival’s YouTube channel. Judges will choose nine films as their top contenders, and a public online vote will determine the 10th entry.

The top 10 films will be screened at Maker House, 283 N. Stone Ave., on Oct. 12 with the winner announced at the end of the screening. An after-party will occur at Maker House. The public is invited to both events.

Organized and promoted by the Downtown Innovation District, this event is expected to draw in Tucsonans from all walks of life.

Maker House Executive Director, Vanessa Ford, says contestants don’t need to be professional filmmakers to enter. “This is absolutely open to anyone who wants to enter, and what’s great about this format is you don’t have to have thousands of dollars in gear to make a great film. Tucsonans are a creative bunch, and we’re incredibly excited to see what the community will come up with.”

More information can be found at MakerHouse.org.

Port in a Storm

August 29, 2013 | Emily Gindlesparger

The ladies of MAST (left to right): Tasha Bundy, Mellow Dawn Lund, Sofie Albertsen Gelb.
photo: Gerardo Leyva

Several years ago in the Lost Barrio, 299 S. Park Ave., three designers started a store that collected and sold vintage and local handmade jewelry, handbags, accessories and furnishings.

“There’s a whole genre of artisan people bringing back well-made things. That’s who we are and what we do,” explains Mellow Dawn Lund, one of the founders of MAST.

If you’ve been looking for MAST in the past few months, they’ve been undocked since May, drifting as they wait for a new port at the Mercado San Agustín to be readied for arrival. Despite the change in moorings, MAST is alive and well. Their designers are creating new beautiful pieces and are hard at work on the new space, which will feature a refined selection.

Mellow’s home workshop is patchworked with multicolored bobbins and rolls of leather waiting to be turned into something pretty and functional. She shows off a roll of white and blue leather dyed like alligator skin, and another marbled in black and gold. On her work bench is a preview of a new design element: red clutches she’s made for a bridal party – detailed with turquoise leather laces woven in the center. A loose beaded panel is waiting to add a bright yellow flash to another piece.

Gypsy chandelier hoop earrings.
photo courtesy MAST

Another owner, Tasha Bundy, reveals some new selections for men: locally made straight razors and leather shaving strops. And Sofie Albertsen Gelb is working on chain hoop earrings with antique Afghani mercury glass beads.

Until they can display their wares in the new shop, opening in October, you can shop MAST from their new and improved website (iLoveMast.com), or in person at Thee Collection Agency, LaFleur Atelier and at La Cabaña. The trio is using the time to define MAST and what they love more fully. In their own words, they sell things that are practical and pretty; handmade, durable and unique. “Each item has an aesthetic beauty, but is multi-use,” explains Sofie.

They’re taking a collection of loved objects that drove the beginning of the store and nurturing those seeds into maturity with the new space. “We did it fast and we’ve done it by the bone the whole time,” Mellow says. “But that’s given us an ability to see where we want to go and invest in the way we want to do it, how to do it.”

Now MAST is coming into its own. “It feels a little bit to me like we were toddlers and now we’re growing up a little bit,” Tasha says, “so we’re able to be a little more refined. It’s still got the same aesthetic and sensibility, but it’s just got a little bit more of a focus.”

And look out, Mellow says, for when the ship comes to harbor. “We’re going to have a real throwdown when we open. We’re going to celebrate it, big time.” Until then, go online and buy yourself something lovely.

MAST, coming soon to Mercado San Agustín, 100 S. Avenida del Convento, Suite 120. Wares are currently available at three locations: Thee Collection Agency, 222 E. 6^th St.; LaFleur Atelier, 410 N. Toole Ave. and La Cabaña at Mercado San Agustín, 100 S. Avenida del Convento, Suite 140. For more info, dial 495-5920 or click on iLoveMast.com.

Arizona Biennial: A “State of Art” Exhibition

July 18, 2013 | Herb Stratford

Anh-Thuy Nguyen, “Thuy & Rice”, 2011, Still Shots, Video, 4:34 minutes.

What does art in Arizona look like today? Do artists in Tucson do the same type of work as Phoenix based artists? Is painting dead? What the heck is an installation?

Every two years the Tucson Museum of Art undertakes an ambitious exhibition that attempts to answer these questions and highlights contemporary art as it is being created by Arizona artists in a single show like no other. The “Arizona Biennial” is open to any artist residing in the state and is always an fascinating survey of how artists are working and what their work looks like. For the past few iterations, the show has been guest curated by a single, invited juror. This arrangement offers two benefits, first all artists who submit to the show have their work seen by a prominent art world curator, and secondly the final show is often a representation of our state’s artists by an outside, unbiased eye. This year the guest juror is Rene Paul Barilleaux, chief Curator of Art after 1945 at the McNay Art Museum in San Antonio, Texas.

Barilleaux selected “a large number of installations and videos” for inclusion this year according to Tucson Museum of Art curator Julie Sasse. “His unique vision will prove to be a factor in this exciting new look at Arizona art” said Sasse. This year the Biennial features five installations and six video artworks. That coupled with 28 paintings, 12 sculptures and 12 photographs, 15 works on paper and two mixed media pieces, it makes for a diverse and eclectic range of genres in one place. The 80 selected works were drawn from over 1,250 that were submitted by 419 artists around the state. 62 different artists are represented with a slight edge of male over female artists this year. The Phoenix area is home to 22 selected artists, while there are 34 Tucson based artists in the mix, along with 4 hailing from Flagstaff.

Craig Cully (Tucson), “Conviction: A Soft Punch”, 2012, Oil on panel 12.75″ x 12″.

Paintings make up a large percent of the wall space at the biennial again this year with several well known figurative artists presenting strong new works. Tucson favorites Daniel Martin Diaz, Craig Cully, James Cook and Michael Stack are represented with their powerful and unique visions. Former University of Arizona School of Art head and public artist Moira Marti-Geoffrion, and mixed media artist Michael Cajero also present strong works that speak to their unusual use of materials and presentation styles.

But perhaps looking beyond the recognizable names is the true allure of a show like the biennial. Work by emerging, or under-exposed artists from around the state lets us see how artists are responding to social, political and gender issues, along with how they are reacting to new media and non-traditional modes of expression. While this show represents the view of a single juror, and is based upon the submissions that were received, it is also a curious snapshot of a moment in time, and by looking at this show every two years, art aficionados can truly take stock of what contemporary art in Arizona looks like.

The Arizona Biennial exhibition opens on July 19 with a reception from 6-8pm. The show will be on display at the TMA through September 29 in the main exhibition space. The museum is located at 140 North Main Avenue. TucsonMuseumOfArt.Org

Over 1,250 works were submitted to Arizona Biennial 2013 and 80 pieces were selected for the exhibition. This is the oldest running juried exhibition featuring exclusively Arizona artists.

The 2013 Participating Artists are:

Noé Badillo (Tucson)

Robert Barber (Tucson)

Kristin Bauer (Tempe)

Jesse Berlin (Tucson)

Brent Bond (Scottsdale)

Michael Cajero (Tucson)

Christopher Colville (Phoenix)

James A. Cook (Tucson)

Craig Cully (Tucson)

Kerstin Dale (Flagstaff)

Bill Dambrova (Flagstaff)

Jennifer Day (Tucson)

Karen deClouet (Tucson)

Daniel Martin Diaz (Tucson)

Simon Donovan and Rebecca Horton (Tucson/Tucson)

Fausto Fernandez (Phoenix)

Jacob Fisher (Tempe)

Dan Fogel (Tempe)

Moira Marti Geoffrion (Tucson)

Sarah Gill (Tucson)

Jennifer Holt (Flagstaff)

Christopher Jagmin (Phoenix)

Mohammed Reza Javaheri (Phoenix)

Alan Bur Johnson (Jerome)

Devin Kelly (Flagstaff)

Ron Kovatch (Tucson)

Wen Hang Lin (Mesa)

Larry Valencia Madrigal (Glendale)

Michael Marlowe (Phoenix)

Monica Aissa Martinez (Phoenix)

Jill Marie Mason (Tempe)

Tom Mickelson (Tucson)

Eddie Mitchell (Scottsdale)

John Randall Nelson (Tempe)

Anh-Thuy Nguyen (Tucson)

Michael Nolan (Tucson)

George Peñaloza (Tucson)

Anthony Pessler (Phoenix)

Mark Pomilio (Tempe)

Teri Pursch (Tucson)

Rembrandt Quiballo (Tempe)

Doug Rautenkranz (Tucson)

Amanda Ivy Reed (Tucson)

Eduardo L. Rivera (Tempe)

Aaron Thomas Roth (Tucson)

Phil Rowland (Tempe)

Sarah Rowland (Tempe)

Dave Sayre (Tucson)

Steven Schaeffer (Flagstaff)

James Schaub (Tucson)

Henry Leo Schoebel (Phoenix)

Edwina Scott (Tucson)

Gary Setzer (Tucson)

Martina Shenal (Tucson)

Shannon Smith (Tucson)

Mano Sotelo (Tucson)

Shawna Leigh Spargur (Tucson)

Mike Stack (Tucson)

Karen Strom (Sonoita)

Hiro Tashima (Tucson)

Rossitza Todorova (Tempe)

Kathleen Velo (Tucson)

Angie Zielinski (Tucson)

Wen Hang Lin, “Day_09-09 from 10-29 to 17-18″, 2012, Computer recording of mouse movement, digital inkjet output on photo rag paper, 12″ x 40”.