When desert heat just cannot defeat...

The Phoenix Mural Project

Last weekend here in Phoenix, there was quite a bit going on with the summer temperatures starting to rise so is the activity in the city.  I learned about the Phoenix Mural Project from a facebook " Things to do" in Phoenix, considering it was the weekend of "Cinco de Mayo" I figured this would be a good time to get out and see what the local creative minds had to offer my venturing spirit.
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Not going to lie i was not ready for just how hot it was going to be over the course of the weekend but I was highly impressed to see some many local artists still continue to push through the heat to meet the deadline of the Mural Project. For those of you who are not to familiar as to what this is, The Phoenix Mural Festival hosts this project. This year it took place May4th -6th.

There were a total of 85 Artists that participated and 50 New murals that were added inside of one weekend. It started out with a kick off on Friday @ Unexpected Art Gallery  In downtown Phoenix off of Polk Near 7th.

 If you have not been into this gallery, GO. This has got to be one of the coolest galleries in Phoenix, the collection of art you'll find is beyond awesome, probably some of Phoenix's greatest talent is hidden in there! Seriously check it out! 

Since the Arizona heat was in full effect on Saturday and Sunday when I had headed out to check out the "Live Murals", I clearly took cover via my vehicle. There were a few artists I was lucky enough to meet and discuss their amazing work, along with what they do here in Arizona. Most of the Artists I spoke with were local, expect for one.  ​

*Captured during the live mural painting*

Collin Salazar

Photo taken during the Live Mural Painting

I was driving down a main street and caught Collins, Mural out of the corner of my eye and literally made it a point to turn around and come back, I was not upset for a second that I did. Collin was one of four Artists that are actually not Arizona locals, after talking with Collin I had learned that they had chosen 4 to bring in just to be apart of this amazing project.
Collin is one of those people whose creative side just vibes with you. Collin is a self-discovered artist based out Los Angeles, California. Originally he is from Colorado but in the stories of places he has been to share his work will leave you in complete amazement ( as if his work does not already do that ). He shared where his inspiration comes from and that he mainly works off the interactions he has and sees take place around him. I dont want to be biased, but I am crazy about his work, check him out on IG and follow him @collin_salazar! I am without a doubt, hands-down, stoked that they chose to have Collin share his work on our Walls here in the streets of Phoenix.

Finished Project - Awesome work @ Collin Salazar

          Also while out hunting for the next mural in progress, I came across one that was full of so much color. It was the best representation of the desert in regard to how the colors blended, the colors chosen to be used for the cactus or the clouds. As I pulled up to the mural the scene felt familiar almost as if I have seen the artist work before, however I never expected to see a familiar name ... Kelly Birg. I had seen some of Kelly's work years prior when we had worked together in the education industry. I learned back then just how talented she was but this mural piece was just another reason to add to why I love her art pieces. She is such a wonderful individual and a very talented artist. While visiting over at the gallery I had seen more of her work, some familiar and some new, feel free to head on down to Unexpected Art Gallery as well to check out more of her work along with some artist information.
You can check out more of Kellys work on IG @Kellybirg

@Kellybirgart

        There are so many local artists that I could write about however there just is not enough time for this busy photographer. I hope that if you are cruising the streets of phoenix that you do take time to look around and see what the city streets have to offer you.