What a wonderful space available downtown Phoenix. Their website does not do justice to the work they have put in to create a great event space with bar, stage, garden and all amenities. Attended a wedding at Alwun and can say this place is a new favorite event space downtown. Very quiet, picturesque and really takes you away from the hustle and bustle of the downtown environment around Fountain, bar, tables & chairs, stage, covered area and great lighting. Really wonderful in person. read more

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Started First Friday at Alwun House. My first time there and I really enjoyed walking around the rooms of the old house. The art was quite nice with mixed media that was at time part Hellraiser, and part Roman Emperor Caligula. I love to look at art, it focuses my attention as I slow down stop and reflect. Art always challenges one to shift one perspective and muse new ways of thought and bent on life. The patio and outdoor landscape is equal parts calmness with water gently gurgling, koi fish swimming with lush pretty plantings and equal parts First Friday pumping techno bass, food trucks and art stalls. If you haven't been so check out Alwun House, support local businesses and artists!! read more

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What a great place for all things artistic, eclectic, and fun. The owners are amazing and welcoming. The grounds, gallery, programs, shows, you name it are well worth the drive. What a pleasure. read more

The owners should perhaps rethink being a wedding venue if they also plan to be needlessly and incredibly rude to guests. I saw them speak with utter contempt to guests who asked simple questions. Is it really that frustrating to tell someone where the bathroom is? Apparently so as there was also a rotting dead animal somewhere on site that made it revolting for people trying to eat there. read more

I had my 60th birthday there, the best venue, Dana and Kim were amazing and the place was so beautiful. Hands down the best venue in Phoenix. Thank you so much for a incredible time!! read more

A fun place; attended Downtown Chamber Series in the backyard. The gallery exhibit was interesting to say the least. The exterior was decorated for Halloween. I'm told the House has seen interesting times. Hope to attend another function soon. read more

This is a great place to have a party. The hosts and their decor are delightful and enchanting. All of our guests were enthralled with the place. read more

"The Alwun House Foundation stands as an exemplary model of engaging the power of art to transform lives and transform community. For more than 40 years, the Alwun House foundation has created opportunities for artists, and served as a pivotal beacon in the Garfield community and as a foundation for the downtown Phoenix arts scene. Their work extends across artistic and cultural boundaries, and brings diverse audiences, community members and artists together. Without the pioneering work of Alwun House, much of what is taken for granted in the vibrancy and success of downtown's flourishing arts community would not have been possible." Governor's Arts Award, 2013 As one of the first artist nonprofit alternative / contemporary art galleries in the valley, Alwun House has done much to support local and emerging artists. From supporting local schools, to improving the environment, they continuously seek to better the community. And apart from all the incredible things they do, their events are also a blast. Follow them on Facebook to learn what they've got going on, or check out their website to buy tickets a bit cheaper. Their burlesque and theme nights are some of the best, they offer adult beverages, beautiful scenery, and a wonderful sense of community and acceptance. read more

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I have been a supporter of the Alwun House and it's foundation for years. Their work and gatherings are legendary for their open minded free expressions of creativity. Unfortunately the appear to have turned their forum into nothing more than a platform for lockstep Political rhetoric. I attended this weekends Monsters Ball... instead of their usual delicious blend of burlesque performances and sexually provocative Art I was bombarded w a nonstop stream of passive & active political commentary of the nasty one sided variety. Why the organization has allowed this wonderfully inclusive event and venue to become Political is beyond me. What I can tell you is that their constant berating of the audience with politics ruined the evening and event for me and my guests...and we are all supporters of LGBTQ rights and issues. I won't be returning for future events. read more

If you are at all bashful or have issues around nudity, you might want to stop reading now. This place will not be for you.... but for the free spirited, the Alwun House is the place to be this month for their Erotic Art Festival. The exhibit kicks off with their outrageous sneak preview party tonight, (Feb. 8th) at 7pm. Don't expect to see stuffy art aficionados milling about with glasses of champagne. Do expect to see transvestites on 8 inch platform shoes dancing and laughing with the glitter dusted, the body painted, the latex clad, and the goths. They create a club atmosphere in their back yard with a floor show of comics, cross dressers, dancers, acrobats and contortionists. You can't immerse yourself in the circus atmosphere and not walk away smiling. read more

Alwun House - Alwun House - Art Galleries Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

I just really love the Alwun House. I have been to several events there over the last couple of years including the Monster's Ball this past Halloween weekend. For each event I have gone to, the artwork in this art house was very relevant to the theme. I like being able to see art while I am getting my party on! The cover to the events are reasonable and drinks cheap. They also typically have complimentary appetizers which is always welcomed with long lines. Entertainment (besides the always interesting people watching) usually consists of some performance art, magic tricks, DJs spinning beats, and my favorite, a burlesque troupe (Provacatease). At times a little kooky, I always find it enjoyable and have a great time at these parties. The crowd is varied and full of fun weirdos. I love it! Besides the main events, Alwun House also hosts speakers, poetry and rotating exhibits. You can become a member for $25 a year, too, which helps support this local spot. read more

I am so glad that we decided to go with the Alwun House for our wedding venue!!! Dana was super helpful with all my questions, and basically let us set things up however we wanted. The venue is super cool and unique, but it really comes alive at night when all the lights come on! Highly recommend booking them for your wedding or for any event that you need a cool, unique venue! read more

Excellent, unique and funky, with portions eclectic and surreal, artistically macabre, occasionally sensuous, bodaciously Victorian, cool and hip, beatnik-ish and ultra-pop, gnarly and exceptional, exotic and mystifying, wickedly bizarre and melancholically entertaining - just a few thoughts that come to mind about this find. Frequent exhibitions are always worth the visit... cannot wait for my next drop-in! Well worth a visit, you'll find it intriguing and amusing! read more

Went last year for their carnival event with entertainment. Listen, this ain't the Ritz, but for what these guys have put together I have to give them many compliments. They try hard and it shows. I have nothing but respect for what they have accomplished for the community here. Plus, my son sometimes used to volunteer for them before he got so busy, and he reported back to me what nice guys they were. Not surprised. My brief exchange with the tall one was professional and pleasant. Will I go back to another event? Probably. I met some cool people from really southern Arizona there that also run something similar which made my evening even more fun. You really never know who you will run into at Alwun. Next time, tho, I am going to go when it isn't so darn crowded and look thru the art. They had some pieces I thought were great, but people shoving to get in to get a seat at this special event kinda prevented me from stopping and really looking...now I have to go back don't I? read more

Alwun House is not for the timid. They are a community service organization pushing forward to help those in need, and their Green Art Park is a bold plan to transform their neighborhood with something beautiful. They're also an art gallery, and the art is avant garde and sex positive. I went here last night with my wife for their Halloween Monster Ball and was struck by their relaxed sense of inclusivity. All are welcomed here, and nobody cares what color your skin, hair, or fingernails are. We enjoyed a little food, a little drink, a little music, a little dance, some cool paintings and sculptures, and a little burlesque show. There's a lot of places to have fun in the Valley on Halloween, and we decided to do it the Alwun House way, and we liked it. We like people who make things happen, and aren't shy about it. We'll be back. read more

The only thing wrong with Alwun House is that there needs to be a half-dozen or so more like it along Roosevelt before Phoenix can really be said to have a "thriving arts scene". I've been to several shows and events here, and last night made my second year at the annual Halloween Monster's Ball. I tell ya: If you want to party on Halloween you need to hang with some artsy people--you know, the ones who really know how to work with make-up and foam rubber and found objects. After consorting a bit with the devil himself, I made friends with a couple of dead girls and Abraham Lincoln. Cruella DeVille had finally caught those yapping puppies and had made a nice stole for herself out of their heads, and Gumby looked on aghast. Anyway, it's a funky arts scene, and the gallery is usually stocked with interesting stuff. At events such as the one last night you can usually talk to the artists themselves. Very casual. As far as the neighborhood is concerned--yeah, you want to lock your car and take the usual precautions. This isn't Chandler Fashion Center, thank God. The management is good about providing security at their events, so the only potential problem is walking to or from your car if you need to park a few blocks away. Just be aware of things around you (like you normally are, right?). read more

Over the past decade or so, I've had plenty of opportunities to attend events at the Alwun House. Engagement parties; a recent liqueur, beer and mead tasting; and fetish soirees. I really like the space. Well, the yard. Sure - the house is cool - and I do love the concept of an art space in a historic home. I am happy to support a place that supports local artists and artisans . But I LOVE the yard. Koi ponds, sculpture, private areas and mature landscaping. It's a fantastic place for an intimate event. Whether the group has been 40 or 200, the place is cozy with plenty of room to mingle. Overall, Alwun House is one of my favorite venues for an event here in town. And I am still looking for the perfect event to host there. Another reviewer mentioned the neighborhood has gotten shady. Or something like that. I was confused by this. The house is at 12st St and Roosevelt. TURNING Shady? I've only been in town since 1985 - but it's been "shady" at least that long! Hello, it's just beyond the bright lights of downtown. It's not a bad area by any means - but you should pretend you're just outside the downtown area of any real city. Alone at night is silly. Alone at night and wearing flashy baubles or having an expensive camera dangling from your neck is just downright stupid. Follow the rules of common city sense, and there's no need to fear. read more

Props to Alwun House for hosting events like the Exotic Art Show. Uptight religious types are nowhere to be found in this free spirited atmosphere, and that deserves a couple of stars alone. This is the third Exotic Art Show I have attended, and I have to be honest in saying 2008's was my least favorite. The cold may certainly have dampened the vibe (where were the portable heaters?), or maybe the acts were less to my personal liking. Miss Satanica, an eater of fire and glass, was great (and quite the trooper for continuing her show in spite of an injured ankle), but her weird lame sidekick did nothing for her. Of the Earth musicians had talent, but also oozed pretention and sounded like Rusted Root. Even the Ringmaster, Nick Tarr, was funnier last year. Some of the dancers were amazing, especially Fatima from Spell, and Jen from Of the Earth. I wished they had been on far longer. The pieces in the art exhibit itself always vary wildly, from tame and classically beautiful, to the uber-graphic, violent, or decidedly non-vanilla fetish. My personal favorites this year were Christian Correra (amazing frames as well as photography) and Sarah Clemens (whose gorgeous "Breezy" graced the cover of the program, and whom I luckily got to meet). If you've never been, plan ahead for the Halloween party. It is a lot of fun in my experience, and is their other wild-side party of the year. Be forewarned, you cannot bring in alcohol (they have security who will check your bags), and you need cash to buy tickets at the door as well as drinks inside. Just beyond the back porch you will find a table where you can purchase tickets for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. If you have a body bubble, you'll probably be uncomfortable, because these events are always super crowded and you have to be one of the first in line if you want even a chance at a seat. read more

A couple of months ago I was telling a friend that I planned to go see the ladies of Romantasy Cabaret perform and my friend (an artist) lamented that we couldn't meet up because he was going to an art show that night. Surprise, surprise, we were talking about the same event at Alwun House. He and I actually debated what the bigger draw was; the performance or the visual arts. We came to no consensus. I think that's also reflected in some of the reviews here. Your experience at Alwun house will vary based on what you're attending, why you're attending, and your mindset. My first visit to Alwun house was during the annual Exotic Art Show, which was honestly a little freaky for me because I'm still a bit of a prude. I just wanted to support some of the dancers I know and was not going for the art. That said, I was pleasantly surprised with both the performance and visual art. The vast majority of the art on display would fall into the "tasteful" category, in my opinion. I didn't think any of it was overly shocking and many pieces were beautiful, unique, thought-provoking, or a mix of them. I only caught two acts, but both were good- especially Romantasy Cabaret. I asked my friends for advice or what to expect before attending and was told to wear sensible shoes and arrive early because parking is difficult. Good advice worth sharing. The venue is a historic home in the Roosevelt Historic District. Space inside is a little tight. It was difficult to move from room to room to see everything and even harder to make sure I wasn't blocking anyone else's view of anything. That said, everyone in there was nice and polite, so it wasn't a real problem, but it's something to be aware of if you don't do well in close spaces with lots of people. The backyard area is gorgeous and the stage has great visibility from almost anywhere back there. I know some people here have mentioned the "type" of people who attend things at Alwun House. One even mentioned "transvestites on 8 inch platform shoes dancing and laughing with the glitter dusted, the body painted, the latex clad, and the goth." LOL I think it's worth noting that, sure, there are people from all walks of life who attend things there, but it's not a freak show. The Exotic Art Show certainly draws open-minded people, but it's not a thing. It's just another version of self-expression and everyone blends in pretty seamlessly. That reviewer wasn't wrong, but I also don't want to freak out the more timid people like me who might feel like they'll be out of place at such an event. You won't be. There are all kinds of people and nobody is out of place. (No offense to anyone who fits into any of the aforementioned categories. I live in Mesa, where everyone looks, talks, and behaves the same. Different can be scary for us folks from the suburbs. Thank Zeus Phoenix and culture is so close or we'd be Mayberry.) Moreover, the Exotic Art Show is only one thing Alwun House does. This month, they're hosting an art show with pieces created by local elementary school students (Salon des Enfants). I suspect it will have a much different crowd. I was lucky enough to be able to chat for a few minutes with one of the board members on my visit and he gave me a bit of the background on Alwun House, its history, and some of the activities/ events they're involved in. I'm so far removed from the downtown Phoenix arts scene it's ridiculous, but they're doing some amazing things and are well worth supporting or at least stopping by for an event. The organization is one of the few authentic "homegrown" groups that truly supports the community. I'm sad I didn't discover Alwun House sooner, but will be back for more events for sure. I'm very glad such a space still has a place in Phoenix. Thank you for all the hard work you guys do!!! read more

Art Gallery house in a space that is, well, a house. There is a huge backyard that is excellent for art openings because they can set up a stage for entertainment, a small bar area, a small appetizer area (veggies with dip and some desserts), and still have room for chairs and tables, seating around a fire pit, and there is a koi pond as well. I have found that the art varies, even by artist. I've now come to two different exhibits and I enjoyed both very much. There is a good turnout at events and exhibits will run for several weeks following an opening. The vibe is friendly, eccentric, and casual. Street parking in the neighborhood. read more

I have no clue what this place is. I went a few days ago for the Femocracy show and I'm not really sure what that was either. I'm not really into the Phoenix art scene so I don't get a lot of the stuff that goes on here so I'll do my best to describe my experience. The Alwun house is just a big house in downtown Phoenix that hosts different art events. When I went, the house was filled with erotic art which was eclectic and well...erotic. In back there is a large, mostly-covered area with a stage and plenty of seating. This is where I saw "Femocracy" which was a bunch of artsy and somewhat humorous skits. It was entertaining but I won't review it because I don't think it has anything to do with the actual Alwun House. Anyway, the back of the house is a nice area and a nice place to chill if the weather is nice and you are into artsy stuff that may be playing on the stage. There is a bar that serves very minimal cocktails. I was there to support a friend and I'm all for supporting the local art scene, but I probably won't be back unless I have to. The Alwun House was very interesting to say the least and everybody that visits and works there is very nice. read more

This place is crazy! I enjoy the eclectic events they have and watching theater in the back yard. It's such a gorgeous house in not always a very nice neighborhood. read more

This place was awesome. Our band "Hooves" got invited to play for the Opening night of the Light House event that they put on. Everyone was totally nice and hospitable, and the illuminated artwork had a massive range in terms of style from all of the local artists who submitted pieces. The house itself is enough of a reason to pay it a visit. The backyard and surrounding areas are made up of all sorts of stone pathways, with small koi ponds popping up randomly. The attention out back is drawn toward a very respectable stage where bands (us), or any other performance artists (in our case, Serene Dominic) perform under a sort of canopy. They had a cash bar set up with spiced cider and some other drinks, so they certainly did things right. We had to end our set a little early due to noise complaints around 10:45PM. The only drawback of the Alwun House is the fact that it's right in the middle of a residential area, so I could imagine we're not the first group to get cut a little short. At any rate, check it out! read more

I loved this place. I've only been to one event here, but it was awesome. I love how it's a historical house, and how they support local artists and events. The staff was all very nice, the decorations were unbelievable, and the yard was beautiful It looked like parking could be difficult, but we took a taxi which worked out perfectly. Just be aware of parking issues if you drive. read more

This place is so neat. I love the way it's decorated, and love how nice the people are. We came here one night, and I love how they do complimentary wine. This place is what downtown Phoenix is about I will definitely be back soon!! read more

Absolutly the coolest art events. Edgy, new, beautiful garden setting. The best gallery for kids. While at most galleries kids get bored and nag on mom to go home, at Alwun House there's plenty to entertain the kids. Koi ponds, doves, rabbits and all kinds of nook & crannies to play in. Yet, they really do show some of the most progressive topical art in the valley. read more

I went here for one of their Halloween concert/party. I liked it, but the acts were really artsy, and I didn't understand some of them. The beers were around $5 which was okay, because I wanted several of them to start celebrating. I think if I liked that artsy stuff it would have been more fun, but overall I had a good time. Also, the neighborhood felt a bit dangerous, but that's just me. read more

This place has really gone downhill in the last few years. When I first moved to the area it seemed like a cool place to go to. Lately the prices for their events have really gone up, the entertainment is trying to be shocking (but lame) and it just is starting to get sticky. The crowd thinks they are artsy but it is more like a half-assed S+M club in someones back yard. After going here about 15 times since 2004 I do not think I will go back. oh and be careful about where you park. The neighborhood has gotten shady. read more

If you love art, music, lectures, performance art and you haven't been to Alwun House you've missed the absolute best of the Phoenix art scene. Their biggest event is the annual Erotic Art Show but they have a TON of other events such as the Mystic Circus, luxuries like "The Pussy Speaks" and local (and not so local) musical acts. The Alwun House is where you can mix and mingle with the real intellegencia, regardless of age, status, or background. Highly recommended for every adult to experience if you're in Phoenix. Great vibe, awesome entertainment! Usually adults only. read more

My father and I had high expectations for this place. All the reviews we read were positive, and the website itself made it sound even better, but let me tell you, who ever wrote that must have been a genius of the languages, because the place sucks major balls. We arrived excited, i even got off of work early to go, i put on my favorite fancy pants and everything. The first thing we saw was the "gallery" area, the art was not bad at all (way better than the performances), I would encourage the artists to get there work out of there because it reflects badly on them to have it in such a place. We sat down on the white plastic chairs and the show started, I had a gut feeling that something about this place seemed strange. I was entirely right, a group of 70 something year olds got on the stage and recited edgar allan poe's poetry in phony over exaggerated voices. The smell of dog shit filed the air and im not sure if i was sitting close to one or if it was coming from the mouths of the "actors" .Nothing about it represented the level of performing arts that we had seen advertised everywhere. I was horrified, after the first 10 minutes I stopped listening to what they were saying and we stayed till the intermission out of pity. As we looked for the exit, I heard another guest who was also looking for the exit say "should we run?" at this point all i could was laugh. The best thing I got out of that night was the cookie i managed to grab on my way out. Everything was unbearable, but that cookie, twas amazing. read more

My first and only experience here so far has been the 2014 Exotic Art Show, on Valentine's evening...wow. I had no idea what to expect, but I was certainly impressed in almost every way possible!! What a neat set up. Even though we had to wait in line for an eternity to get in (and we had pre-purchased tickets online), it was kind of nice that there weren't so many people inside the house that we couldn't move around freely and look at the art. The outdoor entertainment was impressive, and yes - very entertaining. The atmosphere with all the lights and fire pits and music was cozy and energetic, spacious enough that our group was able to visit and relax while enjoying an eyeful of the more..."adventurous"...people around us. Loved that they passed out freebie Hpnotiq shots and goodies. We didn't have a reserved table so most of our time was spent standing and watching the performers, but none of us seemed to mind that too much. Most of the shows were great. I'd been warned about the finale performance, which my stomach most certainly wouldn't have been able to handle, so I warmed myself by the fire pit and occasionally glanced at the faces around me as they gasped and winced at whatever was going on up there on that stage. All in all, it was a fantastic event, very nicely put together. And as an added bonus, I can now say that I have seen just about every variation of the female genitalia up close and personal, thanks to a few select pieces of art and framed photography. (Whether that was on my personal bucket list of must-sees, I'm not so sure, but...) Not my typical scene, but it was something fun and different to do with our Valentine's Day. We had a great time. read more

Went to a steam punk exhibit here with a show. Great little venue and super friendly staff to boot