Dry heat, wet paint: The mural at the new Matt's Big Breakfast

Three years ago, we decided to adorn our front gate with more than 8,000 bottlecaps to serve as the sign for the studio...and we decided to do it during the middle of the summer. It was hot, but the result was awesome and we had a great time doing it.

This past week, we took on another outdoor project, this one just down the street — and during what's been the hottest week of the year. The Kitchen Sink Studios team created a new mural on the north wall of the new location for Matt's Big Breakfast, downtown Phoenix's landmark diner. 

The timing meant that, well, it was hot. But it was also very fun and rewarding. Take a look at the process photos to see how it all came together, and look for it in person when the new Matt's opens in the coming weeks!

Kitchen Sink Studios Hosting Inaugural PEDAL CRAFT PHX Event on April 20, Celebrating Design, Bikes, and Downtown Community!

Kitchen Sink Studios is proud to partner with The Lot: What Should Go Here? in co-hosting PEDAL CRAFT PHX on THIRD Friday, April 20, 2012 from 6-10 p.m. at our studio in downtown Phoenix.

This first ever event is set to bring together bicycles, culture and community to celebrate the city’s growing urban bike scene.

Come join hundreds of bicyclists to see an original bicycle-themed art exhibition by 25 local designers, as well as bike rack displays from SideWalk Phoenix, designed by local sculptors. Limited-edition poster prints will be on hand for sale and a percentage of the event’s proceeds will help fund a temporary “pop-up” park located on the current vacant quarter-acre Ro2 Lot, at 1005 North Second Street.

Throughout the evening, attendees will be encouraged to ride to a few favorite "bicycle friendly" restaurants, bars and cafes in the downtown area and will be offered special discounts for participating!

Kitchen Sink Studios is located on 828 North Third Street. Admission is free. For more information about the event, check out the Pedal Craft Website.

We hope to see you all there!

First Friday on February 3, Featuring Artist Nicole Marie Smith and Singer Elizabeth McGovern!

The Kitchen Sink Studios team invites you to join us for First Friday on Friday, February 3. The festivities start at 6:30 p.m.!

We'll be featuring the art of Nicole Marie Smith in an exhibit called "Acts of Love and Other Misconceptions: Painting, Printmaking and Mixed Media by Nicole Marie Smith." Nicole provided this description of the exhibit:

The work that I have compiled for this show discusses the surreal nature of the "collective" perception of reality regarding love, life and relationships. It is a mockery of those perceptions and an attempt at seeking truth and clarity in the darkest moments of human emotion and experience. A differentiation between the performer and the performance. The Act of lifting the mask simply by acknowledging it.
Nicole Marie Smith is a local Phoenix artist and received her Bachelor's in Fine Art with a major in Printmaking from Arizona State University in 2004. She has temporarily taken a hiatus from printmaking but is currently working as a painter and mixed media artist. Her surrealist, figurative and metaphoric works are currently being displayed throughout the country. You can view more of her work at this link. She'll also be exhibiting on Third Friday at our studio's gallery from 6-9 p.m.

We'll also be featuring the music of local singer-songwriter Elizabeth McGovern. Elizabeth will perform out in front of the studio, and we will be giving tours of the studio throughout the evening. Check out Elizabeth's Facebook page and be sure to come see her perform live on Friday night!

Doors will open and the merriment will begin at 6:30 p.m. We're located one block south of Roosevelt at 828 N. Third Street. We hope to see you then!

Daniel Shepherd talks about exhibiting on First Friday

Daniel Shepherd, who exhibited his artwork on First Friday in January, wrote a description of his experience that we thought we would share:

Looking back upon a First Friday. I first think of the people that come into the space, in this case the Kitchen Sink Studios. Lots of them. Most of them i’d never seen before in my life. Young ones, old ones, happy ones, smiley ones, crazy ones. People dressed in black that act really grumpy and folks that just come in looking for free cheese. 

You never know who might walk into the space to see your paintings and that’s the funny thing too. People never know what they are going to see when they go out for an evening of “ART” so I guess it’s a fair exchange. They just want to look at something, you just want to show them something. Even Steven.

For me, this last First Friday, the first of the new year was no different then most of the others i’ve involved myself with. Lots of people looking. Looking looking looking. It’s expected. You want people to come. That’s the point right?

Some of them want to talk to the Artist. Others want to talk about themselves. That happens more often than you might think. I don’t know exactly what to make of it. Even more wander in, look around, look around again. Get really close to the work, silently pour a glass of water or wine and drift into the night sky without a word. In all honestly those are the people I like best.

By and large the majority of folks that show up to see my work have always been positive and friendly. I get a small group of my collectors to my shows that come to see what new work I’ve done, or just to say hello.

As the Artist with the show you are pulled in a lot of directions all the time as people come and go. I always feel like I’m not spending enough time with any one person, as so many people are asking for your attention.

Folks often want to talk about my technique, the feeling, the color, their own art collection, what inspired me to do the work and many ask questions of a personal nature. People really seem to like to name drop too. I’ve noticed lots of that goes on. Most of the time I don’t know who they are talking about. I live a very insular life. I like it like that.

It happens fast. The night is over before you know it. There’s a later crowd that comes in, mainly the younger kids that are “makin’ the scene.”

I think people look forward to First Friday every month here no matter why they go, and that’s a good thing. The sense of community that it brings, even if they don’t think about it, it’s part of the experience. Being out there with the thousands that come over and over again adds to the success of, and is so important to our downtown world.

The fact that spaces like Kitchen Sink Studios open their doors to local artist to display their work is a great thing. Iapplaud them for doing this.

I’m glad it happens.

Legends Entertainment District Featured in The Arizona Republic

Some great things are happening in downtown Phoenix thanks to the efforts of one of Kitchen Sink Studios' signature clients.

The Legends Entertainment District was profiled yesterday on the cover of the Valley & State section of The Arizona Republic. The article spotlighted how the District's outdoor advertising is creating new energy and buzz in downtown  Phoenix.

We have been privileged to be a part of the Legends project, which is a joint effort between the City of Phoenix, the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Phoenix Suns to transform the area around U.S. Airways Center and Chase Field into a dynamic, interactive environment for visitors and fans.

Kitchen Sink Studios played an integral part in the formation of Legends Entertainment District by developing the concept for the Legends name, designing the Legends logo and brand identity, and creating an interactive sales and marketing presentation that brings the District to life. You can read more about the process here.

We're thrilled to see the Legends Entertainment District gain steam and create a real buzz in downtown. We wish them continued success as the vision for the District becomes a reality!

First Friday on December 2 featuring Elizabeth McGovern!

The heavens opened up last month and rained out our First Friday festivities, including the performance by the tremendous young singer/songwriter Elizabeth McGovern. However, the Kitchen Sink team will not be denied, and the weather is looking a little better this time, so come on down and join us on Friday, December 2!

Elizabeth will perform out in front of the studio, and we will be giving tours throughout the evening and will have the Jumbo Jenga set up out front. Please feel free to stop on by for some great music and fun times!

Elizabeth now has a new Facebook page that is featuring a video of her recent performance at the Brophy Fine Arts Extravaganza. Check it out and be sure to come see her perform live on Friday night!

Doors will open and the merriment will begin at 6:30 p.m. We're located one block south of Roosevelt at 828 N. Third Street. We hope to see you then!

First Friday on May 6...outdoor movie, jumbo Jenga and great art!

It's the last First Friday party of the spring at Kitchen Sink Studios! First Friday is coming on May 6, and Kitchen Sink Studios is the place to be for great art, entertainment and fun!

With a warm, balmy evening forecast this time around, we'll be featuring an outdoor movie (weather-permitting) and showcasing our jumbo Jenga set outside. 

We'll also be featuring the work of local artist Monica Robles in our gallery space. Monica will be displaying her Collective Photo Art Series. This series contains images captured from different city streets.  Through contextual photographs of building exteriors, montages of street art and other mixed-media work, she invites the viewer to reassess notions about texture and two-dimensional art.

The festivities kick off at 6:30 p.m. We're located one block south of Roosevelt at 828 N. Third Street.

We'll see you on Friday, April 1!

First Friday on April 1: Zella, Monica and Jenga!

It's that time again...First Friday is coming up on April 1, and Kitchen Sink Studios is the place to be for great art, entertainment and fun!

Kitchen Sink Studios is pleased to welcome back Zella Day, who will be singing and playing guitar in front of the studio. The teen folk rock sensation has been called "the next, next, next American Idol" and is a huge crowd favorite. 

We'll also be featuring the work of local artist Monica Robles in our gallery space. Monica will be displaying her Collective Photo Art Series. This series contains images captured from different city streets.  Through contextual photographs of building exteriors, montages of street art and other mixed-media work, she invites the viewer to reassess notions about texture and two-dimensional art.


Finally, we'll be debuting something new at this First Friday...Jumbo Jenga in the Kitchen Sink parking lot! Come try your hand and steady your nerves with our hand-made jumbo Jenga set, and see if you can beat the Kitchen Sink team.

If you haven't been to First Friday lately, this one's gonna be good and the weather should be perfect! The festivities kick off at 6:30 p.m. We're located one block south of Roosevelt at 828 N. Third Street.

We'll see you on Friday, April 1!

KITCHEN SINK STUDIOS® INC. Address | 828 North Third Street | Phoenix | Arizona | 85004 Telephone | 602-258-3150 Email | info@kitchensinkstudios.com Web | www.kitchensinkstudios.com

Spout Off Blog | kitchensinkstudios.blogspot.com

Featured Project: W Hotel Video/Animation for DAVIS Architects

This week's Featured Project is an innovative marriage of video and animation created by the Kitchen Sink Studios, Inc. team for DAVIS Architects.

The animation depicts DAVIS' concept for a W Hotel in downtown Phoenix next to US Airways Center. While the project has been put on hold, the design was so bold and innovative that DAVIS wanted to show what kind of dramatic effect it might have on the Phoenix skyline should construction resume at some point in the future. 

Kitchen Sink's creative team wanted to show a glimpse inside of the minds of the DAVIS team, so we actually filmed them as they "designed" the building from the ground up on tablet computers, making it literally rise into the air with each stroke of their fingertips. 

The video then shows the dramatic design elements, including some striking balcony features and an exterior design with sharp and dramatic edges that make it a true visual attraction in the context of the existing Phoenix skyline. The video also uses time-lapse photography, combined with the animation, to show the kind of energy, foot traffic and life it would bring to the downtown area.

One of the goals was to show that DAVIS can design anywhere and everywhere. So, although the video and design is actually set in downtown Phoenix, our team wanted to create something that translates to any large, cosmopolitan urban setting. 

You can view the video above or on our YouTube page. 

The creative minds at DAVIS developed a truly exceptional concept for the W Hotel, and the Kitchen Sink Studios team greatly enjoyed bringing it to life with a combination of video, animation and time-lapse photography. 

The Great Kitchen Sink Studios, Inc. Favorite Sandwich List for 2011

Here at Kitchen Sink Studios, Inc., we love great design. The only thing we may love more than great design is a great sandwich. Maybe. It's close. 


So in that spirit, the KSS team has compiled its 2011 list of the Best Sandwiches in Phoenix. They're in no particular order, but they're all downright tasty. Also, as Nick Hower says, "First off, a hamburger will not be associated with MY list...other then the fact that it’s not a sandwich (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandwich) and I believe burgers should be in a separate category altogether. Secondly, after looking over my list, I know why I haven’t been at my fighting weight for a long time. :)"


So dig in!


• Hillstone — Prime Rib Dip Sandwich. No substitutions...have it delivered exactly the way the chef makes it. They started at $11, but it’s now up to $18. (shhhhh...because we'd pay $25, no problem).

• Sacks — Steak Encore with Feta dressing and Mixed Peppers. (Kory Kapfer adds: "I like a mix of the hot and sweet peppers, lettuce and tomato on a baguette. Get it with the feta yogurt sauce and you are in for an unique sandwich!")



• Pane Bianco — Soppressata with aged Provolone and roasted peppers.

• Middle Eastern Deli (3052 North 16th Street, Phoenix, 602-277-4927) — Gyro with Feta



• Matt’s Big Breakfast — Steak Sandwich special. This is not on their typical menu but when it’s available on the chalkboard, you have to order it...with jalapeños. 

• Duck and Decanter — Tuna on Pita with lettuce, tomato, onion and pickles. Call in advance and order for pick up; otherwise it’s a 45-minute wait.



• McGurkee's (2822 North 15th Avenue, 602-274-4262) — JP Turkey. Add peppercinis.



• Matt’s Big Breakfast — Egg Salad Sandwich, add Bacon.



• Baby Kay’s — Catfish Po’ Boy with remoulade sauce...with a Red Stripe beer of course!

• Honey Bears — Put a little south in your mouth....Pork Sandwich with sauce.

• Durant's (602-264-5967, 2611 N. Central Avenue) — The French Dip, served on their La Brea Demi Baguette with a side of the au jus and the atomic horseradish. Truly an awesome sandwich.

• Pane Bianco — The Soppressata. With aged provolone and roasted peppers. A fantastic lunchtime staple; however, always keep an eye out for the market sandwich because those never fail to impress.

• Chompies New York Deli. Kory Kapfer says: "Several valley locations although none in downtown Phoenix. I am hoping that they read this and decide that downtown needs a really, really good deli!

Get the Rachel's Motown. You get a choice, but I always go with corned beef. Served with coleslaw and swiss cheese. It’s the closest thing we have to a real New York deli folks — trust me on this one."

• Cibo (602-441-2697, 603 N. 5^th Avenue) — The PLT. It’s like a BLT but with toasted prosciutto and roasted red pepper aioli.

• Hanny’s (602-252-2285, 40 N. First Street) — The Roast Beef. Grilled ribeye, Nueske’s bacon (Kory says, "If ya don’t know then you don’t like food!") arugula, and a fried egg on ciabatta. 

• The Roosevelt Tavern (602-254-2561, 816 N. Third Street) — The Honeymooner. Grilled bologna and cheddar. Kory: "All I can say is ‘don’t knock it until you try it.' It’s like reliving your childhood only with way better ingredients and you get to eat it with a beer in your hand."

• Los Reyes De La Torta (602-870-2967,‎ 9230 North 7th Street) — The Torta del Rey. Not for anyone with an undersized gullet. Breaded beef, pork, ham, chorizo, cheese, a fried egg, and then topped with avocado, beans, tomatoes, onions, and jalapeno. Have it with one of their agua frescas for a true taste of Mexico City.

• Fusilli’s (602.266.1490, 3110 N. Central Avenue) — The Meatball.  Pretty standard sandwich concept but with top quality meatballs plus they put it on their home made flatbread hot out of the oven. Tip: Add a little chili infused oil on the top of it for that little something extra.

• Defalco's Italian Grocery (Scottsdale) — Cheese steak sandwich.

• Pane Bianco: Housemade Mozzarella, Local Tomato & Basil sandwich.

• America's Tacos (two locations in Phoenix) — The carne asada torta sandwich: toasted telera bread, mayo, guacamole, carne asada, lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and chile jalapenos.

• The Main Ingredient (2337 N. 7th Street, Phoenix) —  Jive Turkey...oven roasted turkey breast, Jalapeno Cream Cheese, local tomato, and field greens, on baguette.

• The Main Ingredient — The Calvano...sopressata, aged provolone, chopped artichoke hearts and roasted red peppers, on focaccia.

• The Living Room (2333 N 7th Street, Phoenix) — Patty Melt...swiss cheese, caramelized onions, house dressing, on sourdough.

• DeFalco’s Italian Deli — Chicken Parmigiana...Lightly fried and breaded chicken breast with melted mozzarella & topped with their homemade sauce.

• Sacks — The Remmington.

• McGurkee's — The Super Sicilian.

So there you have it...a comprehensive listing of some of the best sandwiches Phoenix has to offer. Hungry yet?

First Friday on December 3rd at Kitchen Sink Studios!

Join us once again on Friday, December 3rd for First Friday at Kitchen Sink Studios!

From 5:30 to 10 p.m., we are pleased to present local artist John Tuomisto-Bell. To learn more and see further work please visit www.tuomistobell.com.

We'll also be selling old time sodas from the Soda Pop Shop, with proceeds going to benefit our gallery. We hope to see you there!

KITCHEN SINK STUDIOS® INC. Address | 828 North Third Street | Phoenix | Arizona | 85004 Telephone | 602-258-3150 Email | info@kitchensinkstudios.com Web | www.kitchensinkstudios.com

Spout Off Blog | kitchensinkstudios.blogspot.com

New York Times profiles Roosevelt Row

Our little neighborhood all grows up...check out this New York Times profile on Roosevelt Row! It's a great sign that the arts community is growing and thriving so much that it would garner the attention of such a significant national publication.

If you haven't had a chance to come out and see it in person on a First Friday, when the area is really vibrant, check out the post below and stop by on Friday, February 5th!

Join Us For First Friday on November 6th!

Kitchen Sink Studios invites you to join us for First Friday on Friday, November 6 from 5:30 to 10 p.m.

Local artist Jill Brownley's work will be featured inside the studio, and Zella Day will be performing out in front of the studio in the back of "Ol' Blue." And, check out the completion of our bottle cap public art installation!

We're located at 828 N. Third Street in downtown Phoenix. We hope to see you there!

The Great Bottlecap Art Experiment of 2009

What do you get when you combine about a dozen creative minds with 7,256 bottle caps?

You get the new public art installation going on right now at Kitchen Sink Studios! We’re in the process of turning the front of our building into a work of art that we hope will become one of the signature images in downtown Phoenix. The project involves placing bottlecaps in the shape of the words “Kitchen Sink” on the front facade in sort of a retro-50s font.

We’re not only making cool things happen, we’re using a resource that would otherwise be discarded into the trash. AND, we’re getting bottlecaps from nearby businesses such as The Roosevelt Bar, Cibo and America’s Tacos. If you know of anyone who might like to contribute some caps, please let us know (www.kitchensinkstudios.com).

Our goal is to have the entire project completed in time for Phoenix Design Week, which is from October 21-25…which means a lot of warm evenings like the ones you see in the attached video.

We’ll keep you posted on the progress. In the meantime, if you’re in the neighborhood, come check it out! We'll be working on it on Wednesday afternoons after 5 p.m., and you can also come see us on First Fridays starting in September.