Holgas Art Commune

Write-Up from Downtown Phoenix Journal

holgasart — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 23:44:27 +0000

From the Arizona Room | 821 N. 3rd St. — Holgas

Posted by Si Robins on 4/20/11

From the Arizona Room is a weekly column examining the historic, reuse and infill structures in Downtown Phoenix. The inspiration for this column stems from the ever-expanding resources in Burton Barr Central Library’s Arizona Room (located on the second floor). For further information on this and other historic structures in the area, visit the Arizona Room during normal library hours.

821 N. 3rd St. in Evans Churchill (light rail at Roosevelt Station)

Seemingly everyone in Downtown Phoenix has an Holgas story (or two, or three… ). The modest apartment complex has been on 3rd and Garfield streets for five decades, and it shows its battle scars — wear and tear from frequent tenant turnover, evidence of the tough love of countless arts projects and layers of cover-up.

In recent years, the two-story structure has been know Downtown-wide as a prominent low-rent stop for struggling artists looking for consistent and convenient First Friday showcasing.

Cautious art-walkers enter the studios — doubling as living spaces and galleries — to view art in a rather intimate, hands-on manner. During the mid-2000s, Holgas was the spot to check out up-and-coming bands each month in rather informal front-yard showcases. Music is less frequent here these days, but the artsy vibe is still very much alive, and encouraged.

Modern in style, the 1960 commercial building meshes well with the remaining low-rise commercial rows on 3rd and 4th streets. Architecturally, it might seem rather unremarkable — painted concrete block, check; flat roof, indeed. The history here is less in the changes and the structural upkeep of the building itself and more in the stories of the unique times shared within its walls and around its walk-up front entrance.

Each studio unit has an exterior entryway, with stairs at the north façade leading to a second story. The two commercial offices that face 3rd Street — one currently houses Phoenicia Association’s retail space — have presented a revolving door of tenants and purposes, but appear no worse for the wear.

Note: The former street number of the building was 819. It was changed to 821 some time after build-out.

Source: City of Phoenix Historical/Architectural Resource Survey of the Evans Churchill Area, April 1988

April @ Bohemian Beat

holgasart — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 17:10:28 +0000

Bohemian Beat Breast Cancer Benefit

holgasart — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 02:53:12 +0000

Saturday, March 5th Homicide Skateboards and AZPX Skateboards will be hosting a skateboard demo. To go along with this Bohemian Beat has decided to host a special skate art breast cancer benefit art show for AZPX owner Rob Locker’s wife Tara, who was recently diagnosed with Stage 3 Breast Cancer. All proceeds will go to Tara for medical expenses. Art will be available at the skate demo, at Bohemian Beat, and at The Rose and Crown Pub afterparty. Come on out for skateboarding, art, a good cause, a fun time, and a few drinks.

February at Bohemian Beat

holgasart — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 20:36:48 +0000

January First Friday @ Bohemian Beat

holgasart — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 17:05:28 +0000

Amen Cowboy Update

holgasart — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 19:02:08 +0000

Holgas’ own Clinton Switzer is hard at work with the help of Dan Somers under local indie record label co-op Black Cactus Records. With a nearly finished EP (“Chevy Belt Buckle”), as well as having layed down the framework for his first full length, “This Gun’s For Hire”. He will also be collaborating on a full length mash up and supporting tour with Philadelphian Michael Cameron. The two collaborated previously on a little ditty that can be found here.

You can catch Clinton playing around town under the Amen Cowboy namesake, in the mean time here’s a few demos off the upcoming EP, “Chevy Belt Buckle.” Also be sure to visit Black Cactus Records.

Amen Cowboy by BlackCactusRecords

First Friday @ Bohemian Beat

holgasart — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 01:17:05 +0000

October First Friday @ Bohemian Beat

holgasart — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 07:39:57 +0000

Full House

holgasart — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 22:51:01 +0000

The Holgas units have nearly filled up once again. Be sure to keep updated for new developments and projects from Phoenicia and Bohemian Beat, and perhaps a few newcomers. And make sure to stop by on First Friday for live tuneage, art abound, and an all-around good time!

First Friday

holgasart — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 21:31:24 +0000

Roosevelt Row is not closing the streets for the rest of the summer, but there is still a lot going on between Roosevelt and Garfield from Central to 7th St. Holgas may seem like a ghost town right now with so many vacancies, but Bohemian Beat and Phoenicia are still holding it down on First Fridays, so come on out!