Best of the West (Campus)

Best way to spend a Friday: Last Fridays

Located: Between the University Center Building and the Faculty Administration Building

The art gallery is an excellent place to visit, but how can art lovers get their fix when no exhibitions are running?
While anyone who has spent some time in the Valley probably knows about downtown Phoenix’s First Fridays, it’s time people paid some attention to the last Friday of the month as well.
The event, which has been running monthly for most of the spring semester features music, BMX demos, and of course, plenty of art.
“We wanted to create a cultural event in the community,” Chelsey Tellez,  who helped to put Last Fridays together, said.  “We didn’t really have that.”
The event also contributes to the Wheels in Motion Foundation, which provides aid for underprivileged children, she said.
Andrew Armstrong is an artist who presented what he calls “greatly detailed panoramic cityscapes” at April’s show. His drawings show art-lovers vast looks over Phoenix, New York, Paris and more, with various landmarks easy to pick out on the skyline.
Armstrong came to the event after receiving a flyer and deciding it would be a good chance to sell his work, he said.

“I thought I’d give it a try because there’s no risk and it’s for a good cause,” Armstrong said.

Best Place to take your Tech Woes: 1:1 Technology Studio

Located: Northeast corner of Kiva’s courtyard
Busted laptop? Before shelling out some real bucks for repairs, pay a visit to the 1:1 Technology Studio.
Computer problems are an evil, but all-too-real part of college life. They come like a thief in the night, stealing away pages of essays the night before they’re due while raining stress and misery on those students who chose to procrastinate (i.e. all of us). Why spend all your money on expensive computer consultants when you can get the issue looked at for free?
The 1:1 (pronounced “one to one”) Technology Studio provides much-needed support for students and their laptops. Simply walk in, explain your problem, and watch them work their magic. The studio also features a lounge, so students can relax while they wait.
Sounds great, right? Strangely enough, 1:1 doesn’t seem to get much traffic.
Technophiles can also check out the studio’s small retro technology museum, which features various computers from yesteryear.
Of course, the men and women at the tech studio aren’t miracle workers; a laptop that’s been dropped from three stories up is probably going to remain a pile of broken chips. When crunch time is on, though, take your equipment here first.

Best Private Stage/Screening Room: Second Stage West

Located: University Center Basement

When looking for live performances, it’s hard to go wrong with Second Stage West. Where’s that?  We’re glad you asked. You can find this tiny auditorium nestled underground in the University Center Building’s basement. Just hang a left when you come to the gym and take a stroll down a long, black hallway.
Despite its hidden location, Second Stage is a favorite place for Interdisciplinary Arts and Science students to perform their shows, and screenings are occasionally shown there as well.
IAP alum Tanya Telemaque said she presented her senior project in what she calls “that little black box” under the UCB. Unfortunately,  though, not many people are aware Second Stage even exists, she said.
“It’s one of the few places people can go to see students’ work,” she said.  “Students should definitely know about this place.”

Note: This post was written by guest author Joshua Snyder.

Contact the reporter at jsnyder3@asu.edu