From the VSA e-Newsletter, July 2010
Posted: 07/11/10
News You Can Use: Phoenix Edition!
By Erik Ledbetter, VSA Executive Director
Exciting Additions to 2010 Conference Program
Exciting new features continue to be added to this year's Annual Conference program. Preregistration is still open, but time is running out: be sure to visit our online registration page before July 16!
Elsewhere in this issue you can learn about the steps VSA has taken to weave issues of access and equity throughout the program in response to the controversial Arizona immigration law, SB 1070. The highlight of these steps is a new Thursday luncheon, "Assessing the Impact of SB1070 on Cultural Institutions in Arizona: A Panel to Open a Dialogue." Join the Morrison Institute for Public Policy of Arizona State University and a panel of distinguished Arizona museum leaders as they explore the impact of the current immigration debate and recent legislation on their work as museum professionals. Panelists will explore questions such as: How can the controversy of Senate Bill 1070 become an opportunity for cultural institutions to weigh in on the issue and enter the cultural conversation? How will SB1070 effect cultural institutions and their audiences, exhibition plans, and programs? In what ways can the impacts of SB1070 be evaluated? The conversation is sponsored by Wells Fargo and moderated by Joe Garcia, Senior Communications Manager of the Morrison Institute.
This luncheon event is free to registered attendees, but space is limited and tickets are required. Request your complimentary ticket prior to the event, at the registration desk. The event includes box lunch and soda.
Also, we are pleased to announce that Lynn Luckow, chief executive of Craigslist Foundation, will join us for our closing luncheon. A former President and CEO of Jossey-Bass Publishers, Lynn is a renowned expert on non-profit endeavors, having served on or consulted to over 40 nonprofit boards. At the closing lunch, he will join VSA President Kirsten Ellenbogen and our distinguished discussants in reflecting on ways themes and insights from the conference can be carried forward in VSA initiatives.
Workshop Space Still Available
Are you considering signing up for a pre-conference workshop? We invite you to attend a pre-conference workshop even if you do not plan on attending this year's conference--conference registration is not required to register for workshops!
VSA's workshops are a great opportunity to increase your knowledge and understanding in a variety of areas of visitor studies including: data management, developing effective tools to measure learning, and using innovative techniques to capture visitor experiences.
It’s not too late to register, but you’re cutting it close! Learn more and register today on the Workshops Section of the VSA Conference Website.
Phoenix is Hot--and That's Cool!
America’s fifth-largest city still has real cowboys and rugged mountains and the kind of cactus most people see only in cartoons. Phoenix is the gateway to the Grand Canyon, and its history is a testament to the spirit of puebloans, ranchers, miners, and visionaries. Summers in Phoenix used to be quiet, but no more--check out all the things you can do in an around Phoenix during, before, and after the VSA Annual Conference!
Transportation – For information on getting around Phoenix on the new Metro Light Rail system go to http://www.valleymetro.org/metro_light_rail
Things to Do in July include:
Phoenix Art Museum - Cezanne and American Modernism at the Phoenix Art Museum offers a look at the lasting influence of French painter Paul Cezanne by juxtaposing his work with the art he inspired, created by the likes of Alfred Stieglitz, Arshile Gorky, and Man Ray.
http://www.phxart.org
Wrigley Mansion – Built in 1932 by chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr., The Mansion sits atop a 100 foot knoll with commanding views of the mountains and the city below. Embracing elements of Spanish, California Monterey and Mediterranean architecture, The Mansion stands as a monument to an elegance and opulence seldom seem or experienced in one's everyday encounters.
http://www.wrigleymansionclub.com/
Taliesin West – Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home and school is hewn from the desert north of Scottsdale. It offers tours and hosts seasonal events.
http://www.franklloydwright.org
Arizona Biltmore -- Built as one of Phoenix’s first resorts in 1929, the Arizona Biltmore was constructed in grand form by brothers Albert, Charles, and Warren McArthur. Frank Lloyd Wright served as the consulting architect, and the Arizona Biltmore remains one of the only existing hotels in the world to benefit from his influence.
http://www.arizonabiltmore.com/
Waterfront/Old Town Scottsdale – Walk along the shops, restaurants and park at the Waterfront in Scottsdale along the canal. It links right into Old Town Scottsdale with shops among fountains, courtyards and art galleries of all styles.
http://www.scottsdaledowntown.com/
Scottsdale Art Walk – Every Thursday evening from 7pm – 9pm, the galleries in Old Town Scottsdale open to showcase their pieces. Western, contemporary, modern, and Native American art galleries are sure to please.
http://www.scottsdalegalleries.com/
For more ideas, visit the hotel concierge or consult:
http://www.visitphoenix.com/about-phoenix/index.aspx
http://www.arizonaguide.com/things-to-do