7 Independent Phoenix Art Galleries to Explore This Summer

This article highlights seven independent art galleries in Phoenix, Arizona, that offer a cool respite from the desert summer heat. It profiles spaces like Alwun House, a historic 1912 home turned multimedia arts venue; Modified Arts and Eye Lounge, a 25-year-old artist collective; Bentley Gallery, a contemporary art space closing permanently in September; and The Sagrado Galleria, which focuses on South Phoenix community arts. Each gallery is described as a vital part of the local creative scene, showcasing everything from Indigenous-centered exhibitions to contemporary painting and sculpture.

Art lovers pack the Sugar Wharf for Go Troppo opening night

The Go Troppo exhibition opened on May 18, 2026, at the historic Sugar Wharf in Port Douglas, Australia, kicking off the Carnivale 2026 festivities. Organized by Port Douglas Artists Inc., the show features contemporary art from across Far North Queensland, tied to this year's Carnivale theme, "Ancient Wonders." The free exhibition runs daily from May 19 to May 24, drawing locals and visitors to view regional talent.

Community news: Scholars at OPRF, art exhibition in Western Springs, more

A community news roundup from the Chicago area reports on multiple local events, including a National Merit Scholarship announcement at Oak Park and River Forest High School, a two-day art exhibition and silent auction hosted by the First Congregational Church of Western Springs, a drive-in movie screening at Triton College, a Halloween brunch at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, a fall carnival in Darien, and a Zumba dance fundraiser for breast cancer research in Franklin Park. The art exhibition features works by about 20 church members and friends, with a watercolor workshop for children led by artist Jess Root and proceeds benefiting charities.

In Romagna for over a century there is a "serious" spring carnival. The story of the plaster and thought floats

In Romagna da oltre un secolo c’è un Carnevale “serio” di primavera. La storia dei carri di gesso e di pensiero

A small town in Romagna, Casola Valsenio, has been hosting a unique spring festival for 125 years, featuring massive allegorical floats made of plaster and wood. Unlike traditional carnivals, this event—called the "serious carnival"—takes place in late April/early May and focuses on social and political themes. The floats, up to seven meters long and nine meters high, are built by local youth and paraded twice (day and night) with performers frozen in tableau vivant poses. A jury, this year chaired by Roberto Cantagalli, director of the MAR museum in Ravenna, awards a winner.

Once Upon a Frame to Host Artist Paul Kauffman’s Latest Opening on April 18

Solana Beach art gallery and custom frame shop Once Upon a Frame is set to host an opening reception for Southern California artist Paul Kauffman on April 18. The exhibition, titled “In The Presence of Color,” will showcase Kauffman’s recent paintings and include a live painting demonstration, music, and refreshments. The show explores the artist's unique background, balancing his experiences in a Catholic seminary with his time working in a family carnival.

DAB art collective venturing into Port Douglas for new exhibition

The DAB art collective, based in Mossman, has opened a new exhibition titled 'Tropical Spectrum' in Port Douglas to coincide with Carnivale week. The show features 47 local artists from across Douglas Shire, showcasing a wide range of mediums including botanicals, acrylic, watercolour, oil, sketches, pottery, glass work, mosaics, mixed media, and fibre weaving. The exhibition runs at the Port Douglas Community Hall until May 28, marking the first time DAB has exhibited in Port Douglas during Carnivale week.

Studio Joli launches new year with Canvas Caribbean

Studio Joli has launched its 2026 programming with a new exhibition titled "Artistic Expressions" presented by Canvas Caribbean, an artists' group formed in 2004 by graduates of the visual arts programmes of the University of the West Indies (UWI). The show features works by six members—Leona Fabien, Adele Bynoe, Raymond Alexander, Kathy Farabi, Tricia Ward, and Vejaya Mungal—spanning vibrant florals on silk, bold wildlife in acrylic, faceted copper, watercolours, and mixed media. The exhibition opens on January 21 and runs through February 2 at Studio Joli in St James, Trinidad.