February 23rd, 2020 I decided to explore Phoenix while working a bit. It was for a photo project and also to get some exercise. It was a Sunday and the streets still had people coming and going like it was Monday. It’s nice to see the first time tourists come in and give them rides around town.
Here are some pictures to look at while we virtually ride around town.
Downtown Phoenix Ambassadors
Feeling a little lost and hopeless? No worries look for an ambassador to help find your way. In the downtown district in particular life is growing upwards, which can obscure landmarks and navigational reference points. Here’s a helpful hint. Phoenix is divided East and West from Central Avenue. The area for the most part is a grid, but maps can be deceiving as the entire metro area is about 75 miles wide. I once picked a up a couple using a brochure trying to walk to a farmers market about 15-20 miles away. The map made it appear to be walking distance.
Abandoned Phoenix 1st Baptist Church
The Phoenix 1st Baptist church had a fire and was preserved by Mayor at the time Terry Goddard as a historical building. I see it’s been used as a wedding venue for photoshoots also.
Monroe Street
Monroe and Central has some cool spots. Cornish Pasty was a small shop about the width of a hallway in Tempe back in the day. Now it has several locations including this beautiful store front.
Central Station
Janet Echelman’s – Her Secret Is Patience
A glimpse of the Westward Ho and the Civic Space Park where events are held on occasion with laser light shows with Electronic Dance Music EDM. I think the structures holding up the wire vector sculpture are just as interesting as the sculpture itself. You can also purchase bus passes and lightrail tickets Central Station. They are handy for getting up and down Central Ave to visit restaurants and other venues. People that have baseball game tickets can ride the lightrail for free from park and ride stations.
Roosevelt Row
Roosevelt Row keeps changing from my observation. I visited First Fridays early on and participated in Tempe’s version as an artist. It’s great to see this nurtured over the years and wish everyone success.
Business or Pleasure?
Sculpture John Henry Waddell
Phoenix is set up for a work and play atmosphere. When Phoenix Comicon comes to town people walk around dressed up as their favorite comic culture icons. People walking with lanyards is a common sight around the the convention center. I know they appreciate a driver sometimes that doesn’t mind giving a little tour.
Reflecting on the Past
When I went out to take pictures it was for a project currently being evaluated. I got home and was pretty happy overall. There were some things I need to be aware of in the future. Especially the critics in my head.
Life sure has changed since then. Looking forward to the next time we can do this.
