Phoenix Phabulous Experience will introduce three new Phoenix history murals on Feb. 19, completing a 15-mural collection of iconic murals on display at Changing Hands Bookstore-Phoenix at the First Draft Book Bar, located at 300 W. Camelback Road.
Beginning at 5:30 p.m. on that Thursday, the public is invited to learn about three distinct time periods in Phoenix history and participate in the mural reveal. Admission is free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase at First Draft Book Bar during the event.
The three new Phoenix Phabulous murals will feature: the early stewards of Phoenix; the era of air conditioning and shift from agriculture to industry after World War II; and an era of high-rise development in Phoenix from the 1960s to mid-1980s.
Local Phoenix artists will introduce their murals, including Darrin Armijo-Wardle, whose mural provides a glimpse into the life of the Valley’s founding pioneers, including the concept of water stewardship and perseverance to create a thriving community while surviving hot weather and periods of draught and floods.
Phoenix artist Marisa Hall will explain her mural depicting the time period between 1945 and 1959 when air conditioning brought economic change to the Valley. Following World War II, the introduction of air conditioning and the advent of Sky Harbor airport and Luke Air Force Base were iconic events in Phoenix history. Air conditioning made it more comfortable to live here, and an airport and a major military base opened up opportunities for travelers to arrive here. Many people moved to Phoenix after 1946 and Phoenix evolved from primarily a city known for its agriculture, to an economy that included manufacturing and technology-related industries.
Phoenix artist Justin Queal will discuss his mural depicting two decades of major high-rise growth in and north of Downtown Phoenix near Central Avenue. This created the sense for “two downtowns” and during the 1970s, the original downtown core became decayed—a trend that occurred throughout the United States during that time period as people moved away from their downtowns. Fortunately, today Downtown Phoenix is thriving due to revitalization efforts that began several decades ago.
Author Michelle Dodds, City of Phoenix Historic Preservation officer, will connect themes from each of the three murals with a lively keynote presentation.
Phoenix Phabulous Experience is a community arts, culture, storytelling and placemaking organization founded by local executive Carol Poore, Ph.D., showcasing Phoenix to the world with the ultimate goal of combining civic engagement, storytelling, and family-friendly entertainment. For more information about the mural reveal event as well as the Phoenix Phabulous History Mural, visit www.PhoenixPhabulousExperience.com.
