News & Media

Local artist Adrian "AWER" Garcia is a proud Phoenician who feels the desert environment shaped his creative style. Rooted in graffiti art, and full of vibrant colors, intricate textures, and abstract designs, Garcia’s captivating murals adorn Phoenix, making it a more beautiful city. Through his art and community building, Garcia hopes to inspire others to explore their culture, heritage, and creativity.

What many people don't realize is that there's a quiet fashion empire slowly building in Downtown Phoenix. And it's for everyone, regardless of age, experience, or background. Tricee Thomas, founder of House of Patterns (formerly known as The Garment League), is breaking down barriers through her organization, which is built on education, production, and a mission to strengthen Arizona's creative ecosystem.

License plates precisely hammered into flowers, a Dia de los Muertos style-skull, a cholla cactus husk sprouting woolen strings beaded with onyx, and Tesla cars vividly painted ablaze on quilted fabric. These pieces are among other captivating artworks currently on display at FOUND:RE Hotel’s “WTFolk” exhibition, now on view in Downtown Phoenix.

“There aren’t a lot of examples for people of transness or queerness. So there is an element of exploration, it’s okay to try out different things and feel what fits for you or what doesn’t. That’s not just in the queer community. In every community, curiosity is important,” says one-n-ten’s CEO Nate Rhoton.

Through Centered.PHX, Muse wants to create an inclusive and welcoming space for people to share their stories, “in ways that foster connection, healing, and visibility.” She also aims to continue raising awareness of how Black culture has shaped and continues to guide Downtown Phoenix.

In present-day Downtown Phoenix, a neighborhood known for its artistic history, dialog aims to continue this legacy of being a place where people can come together to have inspired exchanges, make friends, and meet people they might not otherwise cross paths with. “At dialog, we want to enhance creative community,” says Campbell.

For the past 50 years, Jerry Herschede has been welcoming guests to the rooftop restaurant on the 24th floor of Hyatt Regency Phoenix and witnessing the city's transformation from a skyline once dominated by Valley Bank Center to the vibrant urban core it is today.

For many people, Downtown Phoenix wouldn't feel the same without Larry "Lo-Lo" White. As the restaurateur notorious for Lo-Lo's Chicken & Waffles and Monroe's Hot Chicken, Larry's legacy extends far beyond the plate.

“We believe everybody is an artist, and we provide the materials, space and instructors to help guide what people already have,” says Angelique N. Kane, Executive Director of Phoenix Center for the Arts. Kane continues to bring her humanistic approach to the Center, honoring its history, while also paving the way for an exciting new culture in Downtown Phoenix.

Fifty years ago, Rhonda Showman stepped foot behind the bar, pouring the first drink of a decades-long bartending career in the heart of Downtown Phoenix. What began in 1975 at the historic Adams Hotel, now the Renaissance, has become a remarkable legacy that mirrors the city’s own evolution.

There is a brewing revolution taking place in the heart of Downtown Phoenix. Megan Greenwood opened Greenwood Brewing in 2020, but her story didn’t start there. From operating out of her garage to establishing an impressive indoor-outdoor space Downtown, Megan is on a mission to champion women in an industry typically dominated by men.

Upward and Onward is a groundbreaking initiative in Downtown Phoenix that aims to increase employment opportunities for graduating high school seniors with disabilities throughout the Phoenix Union High School District.

Kimpton Hotel Palomar's Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails and Eden Rooftop Bar unveil exciting updates with new Executive Chef Gilbert Laurie. Expect innovative menus, vibrant dining experiences, and local flavors!

Lighten Up Laser offers personalized laser and skin care services in Downtown Phoenix, led by Hettie Rich. With a focus on self-care, her nonprofit Rewritten Life provides tattoo removal to help rewrite life stories.