Life as Edward Jensen

[author's note: With a slight change to the format this time around, I'm continuing my series on ASU Downtown Phoenix campus adventures, or trips to little-known places in and around the ASU Downtown Phoenix campus.  New editions will be posted on Mondays under the 'Downtown Phoenix campus adventures' tag, so be sure to check back!]

Readers of my blog will notice that I haven’t posted in a week. This is because I was on a family vacation to Colorado.  I enjoyed my time there but I’m rather happy to be back in Phoenix.

I bring this up because although I didn’t have time to prepare a new edition of ASU Downtown Phoenix campus adventures, friend and colleague Amy Freberg read my mind and gave a video overview of the Lincoln Family YMCA from my favorite spot on the ASU Downtown Phoenix campus, the roof deck of University Center.

So, go check out “See the Y from the 9th Floor” and watch the video. You’ll be glad you did.

And I’ll be back next Monday with a new adventure.

-Edward Jensen

[author's note: I'm continuing a new multiweek blog series on ASU Downtown Phoenix campus adventures, or little trips to places that aren't as well known here on the Downtown Phoenix campus. Last week, we featured the Galleria at the Mercado. But since the campus and Downtown Phoenix merge together - as in there are no set boundaries for the campus - this will naturally expand to Downtown Phoenix. So, for all of these posts, check out the "Downtown Phoenix campus adventures" tag.]

If you’re in the ASU College of Public Programs, as most students on the Downtown Phoenix campus are, then chances are that you’ll never have a reason to explore the home for the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.  This would be sad, because it is a very cool building.  Granted, you might have a class in the first floor, but the focal point for the building is the second floor, home to the First Amendment Forum. During ASU sporting events, the second floor’s 16-foot by 9-foot television becomes a home for Downtown Phoenix campus students to enjoy events that take place on the Tempe campus.

Something that you might not notice in the building, however, is the Clifford Gallery. If one were to look at the giant television screen, the gallery is off to the right.  The gallery is home to many interesting artifacts of journalism history – including cameras, typewriters, and a mixing console – and how journalists covered some of history’s greatest events.  There’s even a newspaper vending machine with the final edition of the Phoenix Gazette (longtime Phoenicians will remember this!).

If you go…
The Clifford Gallery is located on the second floor of the Cronkite School building, 555 N. Central Avenue. It is the building directly north of University Center. Once in the building, take the stairs or elevator to the second floor. You’ll see the First Amendment Forum. Behind the giant television screen is the Clifford Gallery.

More information on the Internet…
http://cronkite.asu.edu/news/gallery-111908.php

-Edward Jensen

[author's note: I'm starting a new multiweek blog series on ASU Downtown Phoenix campus adventures, or little trips to places that aren't as well known here on the Downtown Phoenix campus. But since the campus and Downtown Phoenix merge together - as in there are no set boundaries for the campus - this will naturally expand to Downtown Phoenix. So, for all of these posts, check out the "Downtown Phoenix campus adventures" tag.]

So something that I’m starting is a weekly series on places that aren’t so well-known here on the ASU Downtown Phoenix campus. The first stop is over to the Mercado, part of the original ASU Downtown Center (in our pre-campus days!), and their Galleria. If you’re wondering, the Mercado is opposite Van Buren Street from the Arizona Center, and is a quick 5-7 minute walk from University Center.

Students, faculty, staff, and visitors to the ASU Downtown Phoenix campus know about the art collection in University Center, the main building for the campus and home to the College of Public Programs. The building features art from nonprofits that are associated with the University as well as art by faculty emeriti.

Last week, I thought it appropriate to check out the Galleria in the Mercado and see how it compares with the artwork here in University Center.  It is displayed there much like it is displayed at University Center: in the hallways.  It’s nothing special, really.  The exhibition this month is “Transparent Reflections” by local artist and ASU alumna Kathy Mitchell.  Ms. Mitchell’s work was for sale, with prices ranging from $150 for a small canvas to over $1,000.

If you’re in the Mercado taking a class, then check out the Galleria.  But if your travels don’t take you in that direction, then check out the art at University Center.

If you go…
The Galleria is located in Building C of the Mercado at the northeast corner of 5th St and Monroe St.  From University Center, head south on Central Avenue to Monroe Street (two blocks) and then head east five blocks on Monroe.  Once in Building C, take the elevators up to the 2nd floor. The artwork is in the common hallways of that floor.

More info on the Internet…
http://www.asu.edu/xed/galleria/index.html

-Edward Jensen

With the Fall 2009 semester fast approaching, it seems appropriate to highlight some places here on the Downtown Phoenix campus that are unique and not generally visited.

I’m starting a new multiweek blog series on ASU Downtown Phoenix campus adventures, or little trips to places that aren’t as well known here on the Downtown Phoenix campus. But since the campus and Downtown Phoenix merge together – as in there are no set boundaries for the campus – this will naturally expand to Downtown Phoenix. So, for all of these posts, check out the “Downtown Phoenix campus adventures” tag.

The first post – coming online Monday – will highlight a little-known art gallery in the Mercado. So stay tuned!  And if you have any recommendations of places to visit, let us know in the comments.

-Edward Jensen