Image by Eric Johnson on Flickr
The state has been and continues to be hit hard by the financial crisis. Budgets have been slashed across the board, state parks are closing, jobs continue to be lost in key areas. There is no doubt that sacrifices must be made but at what cost?  I am startled and dismayed by the choices being made in this time of crisis and want to help spread the word.

The following is an update on changes being made at Arizona State University that impact the quality of education throughout the state and its relevance to sustainability for Arizona. Written by my esteemed peer at Arizona State University in the Fulton Institute and Graduate School of Education, Kimberly Eversman:

In a recent announcement made by President Crow, members of ASU faculty, staff and student body found out that, due to a mandate from the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR) to reduce our state salary budget for FY 11 by 2.75%, four organizational changes were made:

• Disestablishment of the Mary Lou Fulton Institute and Graduate School of Education.
• Disestablishment of the Department of Kinesiology in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Disestablishment of the School of Health Management and Policy in the W.P. Carey School of Business
• Disestablishment of the School of Design Innovation in the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts.

In the Fulton Institute and Graduate School of Education (FIGSE), thirty plus staff were given termination notices last week and highly ranked faculty, who continue to support issues of social justice and equity, were told they would be reabsorbed in the new Mary Lou Fulton Teacher’s College.

Graduate students were told that programs would remain intact and will simply be absorbed by the new Teacher’s College. However, with the loss of staff and faculty, it is simply irresponsible to claim, “nothing will change”.

The most unsettling aspect of these events is that there was no attempt by those in power, to reach out to members of the FIGSE community to come to a more just and sustainable solution to the ABOR request.

A core principal of sustainable societies is a deep commitment to the democratic principals of outreach, transparency and extensive public participation. This requires two-way communication with community members (faculty, staff, students, alumni, among many others) and an open, slow, and deliberative decision-making process. It is clear that these principals were not obeyed during this current (and former) restructurings. This shirking of democratic process shows a failure to abide by some of the overarching principals of the “New American University” including sustainability and embededness.

It is in the spirit of sustainability and a commitment to these democratic principles that we wish to get the word out about these events. Community members have a right to know about the restructurings and have a right to have their voices heard. For more information on how you can get involved, check out our Facebook page, Coalition for Education.

Micro-loans from the Guerrant Foundation help Divya weave silk in India.

Thursday, April 1st, 7pm-Midnight
Rhythm Room, 1019 E. Indian School Rd, Phoenix

All proceeds benefit the Guerrant Foundation and will be matched by Terry and Anne Guerrant up to $100,000 in 2010. Funds go to help provide micro-loans to entrepreneurial people in need of a little kick start worldwide.

Four great bands will perform, Green Lady Killers, Thankful Birds, Dearspeak, and Noel.

Tickets are only $15, buy them now! We’ll see you there.

Watch a the Channel 3 Feature on the Guerrant Foundation:

Personal adornment through jewelry dates back tens of thousands of years. It has been used to signify wealth, in sacred practices, for artistic expression and appreciation, or just to make a statement. Jewelry began with beads of bone and shell, stones and precious metals with personal craft and skill prized alongside the materials with which they were made. Now (as with most areas of our society) much jewelry is mass produced. Most “costume jewelry” is made on a huge international scale and materials and artisan skill are not as important as the name brand attached or the unrealistically low or astronomically high price tags. Even precious metals and stones do not guarantee it was not mass produced, in fact, the store from which you buy it could be a better indicator of that as is remembering you get what you pay for, i.e. was it made by a machine or worse a person treated as a machine? I digress but I am passionate about jewelry, about rocks, metals, and about the environment so this is a topic near and dear to my heart.

Perhaps it goes without saying that seeking out individual artists is the best way to go. I always say go for local first but if you aren’t finding what you desire widen your lens but keep it on an individual basis. Etsy is fantastic for this! Etsy showcases independent artists and crafters from around the globe but they have a section specifically to help you find local artisans. You can enter any search terms you are looking for, i.e. organic, fair trade, recycled, upcycled, etc! You could spend hours gleefully searching but I want to highlight a particularly talented artist using “green” materials, who also happens to be my sister.

Eco-friendly soap is not the only thing made by the Perkins family. Brooke Perkins of Jeweled Triton, while a science-minded Speech Pathologist by day, has been a creative spirit her entire life. She took her first beading class as a young child and in the past few years has rediscovered her passion for creating wearable art. She does all of her work by hand, meticulously forming links between beads, shaping and reshaping hoops, delicately hammering, carefully wire wrapping, and stylistically and skillfully forming her own clasps. She is inspired by the images of her early childhood in Key West, Florida and the Southwestern influence of her adolescence in Arizona. This elemental core of Perkins’ inspiration is evident in themes of beachy colors, weathered recycled glass, and chunky earthy pieces.

She carries an entire line of recycled glass pieces that are exquisite! I love the bright colors and weathered but translucent texture of the beads and all of the intricate wire work, often times utilizing mostly recycled copper. These beauties demonstrate the time and love put into each piece and exemplify the beauty of buying handmade. She has gorgeous necklaces, statement-making earrings, eye-catching rings and lovely bracelets. Best of all, the recycled glass is made from discarded bottles that would otherwise end up in a landfill or polluting the ocean. I.e. you get to look fabulous and keep the planet looking that way, too!

The moral of the story is.. good materials are to be valued and should be reused. Artistry and talent should be valued as well. The time it takes to make an individual piece – whether it be jewelry as shown here or the garment on your back – has value, it has meaning. Think about where it is coming from. Then think if that is something you want to contribute to financially, do you want to support large industries that overwork and undervalue people and keep their workers in poverty? What is that thing you want worth? These are hard economic times for everyone right now but we cannot lose sight of true value and supporting the local work that needs our encouragement more than ever. Jewelry makes a statement – what do you want yours to say?

Photo by mckaysavage on flickr under creative commons

March 13, 2010
Noon to 4 pm
Fair Trade Festival,
4000 North 7th Street, Phx

Along with the St. Patrick’s Day Parade going on downtown this Saturday, the Fair Trade Festival, the 2nd annual event of its kind will be held, organized by WHEAT (World Hunger Education, Advocacy, and Training). Last year’s event brought in a great crowd and 21 local artisans, food purveyors and entertainers. I’ll be highlighting my Strawberry Hedgehog shea butter as it is fair trade and organic but I will also have my organic oils soaps. Click here to read more about Strawberry Hedgehog’s shea butter. It should be a lot of fun and I hope to see you there!

vendors include:
Apache Fair Trade Cooperative
Arizona Public Service
Arizona Lost Boys Center
B Glass Studios
Capiz by the Sea
Clarendon Elementary School – Kindness Club
Dos Fannies
Go Green Lunch Box
Just BB Just Soap
Just Breathe Wellness
Las Otra Hermanas
NightOwl Photobooths
Perishable Planet
Strawberry Hedgehog
Sweet Earth Art
The Clothes Silo
The Fair Trade Store
Tiankizco Marketplace/Quetzalco-op & Chantico
Tiankizco Marketplace/Tonatierra
Unity Roses
WHEAT
Zonie Baskets

Image off flickr from the ShopDevious.com & Punkouture fashion show at the 2009 Grand Ave event. “Immediately following the rotating fashion show the ladies took photos outside and inside the Lodge studio along the Historic Route 60.”

Ahhh if only I could be in two places at once! I will be at a fabulous market at Basha’s in Scottsdale from 10am-4pm this Saturday so am going to miss the bulk of this event. Hopefully you will stop by my market first and then head over for the festivities on Grand! It sounds like it is going to be an amazingly good time.

Info from ShopDevious:
Join shopdevious.com
Grand Avenue & 13th Ave at McKinnley Ave
Phoenix, AZ
on Saturday, March 6, 2010
from 12 – 5pm
for a Devious Indie Fashion Experience, with live fashion shows, shopping from local designers and art throughout the outlining galleries. This a must attend event! This event will host Fashion In Motion IV, free fashion shows taking place every hour beginning at noon, complete with avante garde photo shoot right in the galleries and on the street!

Be sure to stick around for Devious Gong, loosely based on the 70′s game show, The Gong Show. This season it is truly open mic! Each stand up comedian will have 7 minutes to impress the judges and make them laugh. The judges will have card holders and decide how long the acts get to stay on stage. If the act is dying, ie. oldest puns in history, lagging jokes or if they just aren’t funny the judges will hold up their card. If all 3 cards are showing, the Gong Master will strike the gong to signal the end. If the comedian outlasts the Gong, they will go on to the next round.

Who can get up and perform? Anyone, we’re looking for anyone who thinks they can be funny for 7 minutes with the chance of winning a prize.

21 and over due to language.

Want to participate in our version of the “Gong Show”? You will have 7 minutes to make our judges laugh or risk being Gongged! To participate arrive at 1229 NW Grand Avenue at 4:30pm and ask for Iceman or Ray Love to get on the list, this is truly open mic season!

shopdevious.com

Grand Avenue & 13th Avenue at McKinnley Avenue Phoenix, AZ

Art Detour 22 on Grand Avenue
You won’t want to miss Grand Avenue this year during Artlink’s Art Detour 22! With tons of independent shops and restaurants to complement all the great art, there’s something for everyone. Plan your schedule to include some time perusing Grand Ave. Take the shuttle over to 11th Ave & Grand, stroll along Grand and see all the sights, then catch the shuttle again at 15th Ave. Parking is also available all along Grand Ave.

>> Download a printable PDF of the Grand Ave Map and Art Detour activities & map

Shuttle Stops:
15th Ave, Roosevelt & Grand
11th Ave, Fillmore & Grand

A – Grandevelt
1500–1506 W Grand Ave

The Trunk Space
“ROYGBIV 4EVAH” artwork by Robyn K and Sierra Joy. Saturday night improv theater with Galapagos and Bingo Jam starting at 7pm, tickets $5. Art Detour Hours: Fri 5-10pm; Sat noon-10pm; Sun noon-5pm.

Sweets & Beats
10% off all non-edible merchandise Sat & Sun. Art Detour Hours: Fri 5-11pm; Sat 10am-6pm; Sun10am-6pm. KIDS DETOUR ACTIVITIES!

Bikini Lounge
Stop in for a drink at this classic Tiki bar and a Phoenix landmark.

Kooky Krafts Shop
Enjoy new Tiki Gods by Tom Cooper; Cementious Novelty laden fish bowls by Tony Zahn; an assortment of newly arrived vintage crafting instructional pamphlets (“Swine Sculpture”, “Bitsy Bear”, “Loveable Stuffables”, “Pom Pom Parade”, “Dream Dolls”, “Worms of the Month” and more); newly arrived crafting supplies that include hand-cut/hand tied Taiwanese pom poms; vintage dolls and doll heads; Japanese plastic animal eyes; quirky handmade jewelry (like the Chinese Halloween necklace) and more! Art Detour Hours: Fri 5-10pm; Sat noon-10pm; Sun noon-5pm.

B – Valley Pizza Downtown
1348 W Roosevelt

C – BRAGG’S PIE FACTORY
1301 W Grand Ave

Main Gallery
The Return of the Mutant Pinata Show! The 3rd Annual Mutant Pinata Show will have it’s preview opening during Art Detour weekend, and will run through the end of April. Fun, fantastic, and visually cacophonous work by local artists, crafters, kids, and the community at large will be hung from the rafters of the 20’ vaulted ceiling at the historic Pie Factory. Art Detour Hours: Fri 6-10pm; Sat 10am-10pm; Sun noon-5pm.

Sapna Café, Suite 1
Featuring new works by Jenny Ignaszewski. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with BYOB. Art Detour Hours: Fri 8am-10pm; Sat 8am-10pm; Sun 9am-6pm.

Lady Luck Tattoo, Suite 3
Art Detour Hours: Fri 6-10pm; Sat 10am-6pm; Sun noon-6pm.

Moderncat Studio, Suite 4
Offering a unique selection of handcrafted gifts and art for stylish cats and the people who love them. Art Detour Hours: Fri 6-10pm; Sat 10am-6pm; Sun noon-6pm.

Barry Sparkman Studio, Suite 5
Abstract paintings and prints by artist Barry Sparkman on display in his studio. Art Detour Hours: Fri 6-10pm; Sat 10am-6pm; Sun noon-6pm.

Fractal, Suite 7
First Friday iPhoto texture wall created by Sprawl. Sunday, Rusty Spoke Community Bicycle Collective. Art Detour Hours: Fri 6-10pm & Sun noon-6pm.

Studio 8, Suite 8
Framed prints, paintings and more by local artist Jason Hill. Art Detour Hours: Fri 7pm-midnight; Sat & Sun 11am-4pm.

D – Trillion Clarke Studio at Citywide Studios
707 N 15th Ave
Painting studio of Trillion Clarke. Art Detour Hours: Sat 10am-6pm; Sun noon-5pm.

E – The Lodge Art Studio
1231 W Grand Ave
Featuring works of mixed-medium artist Fausto Fernandez, sketch artist Joe Brklacich and painter Abbey Messmer. Art Detour Hours: Fri 7-11pm; Sat 10am-6pm; Sun noon-6pm.

F – ShopDevious.com Beauty Lounge & Boutique
1229 W Grand Ave
The Devious Glam Spot with Salon D’Shayn offers make-up & nail touch-ups on Friday from 5 to 8 pm. Saturday the Devious Indie Fashion Experience and Fashion In Motion IV will take place with fashion, music and performers. Tunes by Unity:: DJ’s. 1:30 pm live mannequin models will line the street in a rotating fashion show. Saturday evening from 7 to 10 pm the Devious Gong show kicks off the new season with open mic for stand-up comedians complete with gong! Winners will go on to perform in a full show, date TBD. Free grab bags on Sunday for purchases over $10 and buy one get one half off the entire boutique all weekend! Local artisans will display their art for sale outside the boutique all weekend. Art Detour Hours: Fri 5-8pm; Sat 10am-10pm; Sun 10am-5pm.

G – The PHiX Gallery & Studio of Lee Berger
1113 W Grand Ave
Displaying artwork and installation work will be resident Phix artist Lee Berger. Featuring: Music by Azul and select dancers from Al Moro Studios. Dance performances will be at the top of the hour starting at noon. The weekend will also have artist inspired clothing and a raffle for select paintings. Each clothing sale gets a free raffle ticket! Art Detour Hours: Sat 10am-6pm; Sun noon-6pm.

H – The Chocolate Factory/ID Studios
1105 W Grand Ave
Studio and art space of Hector Ruiz. ID Studios is a collection of local painters and photographers working with the New Times. Art Detour Hours: Sat 10am-11pm; Sun noon-5pm.

I – LA MELGOSA BUILDING
1023 W Grand Ave

the ambient studio, Studio A
Featuring new works by daniel shepherd. Limited edition “series one” postcards will be on sale during Art Detour. Art Detour Hours: Fri 6-9pm; Sat 10am-7pm; Sun noon-5pm.

Deus Ex Machina Gallery, Studio B
Gallery and studio of Michele Bledsoe, Richard Bledsoe, Jeff Falk, Steve Gompf and Annie Lopez. Remodernist contemporary art. Art Detour Hours: Fri 6-10pm; Sat 10am-6pm; Sun noon-6pm.

Phoenix Fall Space, Studio E
New work by Denise Fleisch and Jimi Girdner. Many paintings by Denise Fleisch for $100 or less. Art Detour Hours: Fri 6-10pm; Sat 9am-10pm; Sun 9am-10pm.

J – Jordre Studio
1007 W Grand Ave
Jordre Studio will host the work of Mark Burleson and Kyle Jordre in an exhibit of individual and collaborative pieces. “8” opens Friday, March 5, and continues Saturday and Sunday, March 6 & 7 for Artlink’s Art Detour weekend. The show will run through March 30. Art Detour Hours: Fri 6-11pm; Sat 10am-6pm; Sun noon-6pm. KIDS DETOUR ACTIVITIES!

K – THE PAISLEY VIOLIN & PAISLEY TOWN
1030 W Grand Ave

The Paisley Violin Café
Featuring oil paintings by Eliza J Castro. “Jeun Amour Mourant” dance performances Sat & Sun at 5:45pm. Live music all day Sat & Sun inside and on the patio. BBQ and full menu available all weekend. Full bar, too! Art Detour Hours: Fri 6am-1am; Sat 9am-1am; Sun 11am-6pm.

Lazy Lab Art Studio, Unit #1
Sculpture, photography, oil paintings, and ceramics by Greg Robinson. Art Detour Hours: Fri 6-10pm; Sat 10am-6pm; Sun noon-5pm.

Urban Floral Art, Unit #2
Art Detour Hours: Fri 6-10pm; Sat 10am-6pm; Sun noon-6pm.

Butter Toast Boutique, Unit #4
Butter Toast will have a spring blow out sale. $1-$3 pick-and-save bins and 30%-50% off select clothing items and accessories! Art Detour Hours: Fri 11am-11pm; Sat 10am-8pm; Sun noon-5pm.

Wicked Wear, Unit #5
Featuring “The Little & Wee Show.” Enjoy the view of photographers Jazz and Heather as they see the world. Clifton H. Peirce will feature his artwork in Unit #3 in Paisley Town to make room for the new Spring Fashions. Come by and receive a 10-50% discount on select items. Sign-up for the New Kundalini Yoga class starting March 8. Art Detour Hours: Fri 6pm-1am; Sat 10am-1am; Sun noon-6pm. KIDS DETOUR ACTIVITIES!

Be.Headed Salon, Unit #6
Art Detour Hours: Fri 6-10pm; Sat 10am-6pm; Sun noon-6pm.

L – Lucky Rabbit Studio
1020 W Grand Ave
Studio of Lara Kupcikevicius and Sergio Aguirre. Art Detour Hours: Fri 6-10pm; Sat 10am-6pm; Sun noon-6pm.

M – Gallery Marsiglia
1018 W Grand Ave
Art in Jewelry: METALS, ROCK, FASHION. One of a kind designer jewelry and accessories. Demonstrations: lapidary art, faceting gemstones, fused glass, glass blowing, metalsmithing. “Cash for Gold” testing and weighing your old gold and turning it into cash. Kebba Buckley Button author of “Discover the Secret Energized You” FREE workshops 7pm Friday night and 12:30 Saturday, book signing Saturday at 3pm. Live music Saturday & Sunday. Art Detour Hours: Fri 6-10pm; Sat 11am-6pm; Sun noon-6pm.

Sue Morse Gallery from Paisley Town, has relocated to Gallery Marsiglia. Naked Raku & Saggar Pottery will be featured Friday night & Art Detour hours.

N – Tilt Gallery
919 W Fillmore
“The Variety Show” by Los Angeles artist Aline Smithson on display March 5–26. Showcasing three different bodies of work incorporating traditional photography techniques along with applying washes and hand painting. Unique limited edition prints. Art Detour Hours: Fri 6-9pm for artist reception; Sat 10am-6pm; Sun noon-6pm. KIDS DETOUR ACTIVITIES!

O – First Backyard
1341 W Woodland
“Reaching Out” a new installation at the First Backyard by Adam Murray utilizing space and sound to reflect on communication and connection with other people. Art Detour Hours: Sat 10am-6pm; Sun noon-6pm.

P – Legend City
521 W Van Buren
Legend City is a shared studio space owned and occupied by photographers Brandon Sullivan, Jon Balinkie, Jason Grubb and fine arts painter Randy Slack. Art Detour featured artists include: James Angel, Jon Balinkie, Brian Boner, Colin Chillag, Jason Grubb, Christina Ramirez, Randy Slack, Brandon Sullivan, Shauna Thibault, and Steven Yazzie. Art Detour Hours: Fri 6-midnight; Sat 10am-6pm; Sun noon-6pm.