Gilbert Artist Gary Vulcano Debuts Solo Exhibit in Phoenix

Gary Vulcano, a sculptor and multi-media artist based in Gilbert, is preparing for his first solo exhibit in Phoenix, titled “expressiveVISIONS.” This exhibition will be held at The Herberger Center Gallery, located at 222 E. Monroe St., from January 5th to January 28th. The opening reception, scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. on January 5th, coincides with a Phoenix First Fridays live event at the Herberger, and the public is warmly invited to attend.

Vulcano, who has enjoyed a 45-year career in advertising, creating campaigns across various industries, ventured into metal sculpture five years ago. Since then, he has produced hundreds of works and exhibited them extensively. His art uniquely combines elements from both advertising and fine art, with a strong emphasis on storytelling. Vulcano aims to evoke emotional responses through his work, which often features contemporary icons and subjects from popular society, rendered with a sense of fun, quirkiness, or dramatic, thought-provoking statements.

The upcoming exhibit at the Herberger Center Gallery will showcase around 30 of Vulcano’s latest creations, including new works specifically made for this event. Attendees will have the opportunity to enter a drawing to win a piece of the artist's work. Laurene Austin, Herberger Theater Center's director of development & marketing, praises Vulcano’s unique art, noting his previous contributions to the Herberger Theater’s galleries and fundraising efforts.

In addition to his artistic endeavors, Vulcano is committed to philanthropy through his "Mighty Metal" program, where he donates original artwork to children's nonprofits and charity organizations nationwide. His work is created in his East Valley studio and has been featured in various exhibitions across the Valley, including Art Intersection, Desert Foothills Gallery, FOUND:RE Contemporary, and more. Vulcano has also been associated with several artist groups in Arizona.

For more information about the exhibit, visit the Herberger Theater's website at www.herbergertheater.org/art-gallery. To learn more about Gary Vulcano and his work, visit www.whitelavametalart.com.

Southeast Regional Library in Gilbert Announces Temporary Closure for Upgrades

The Southeast Regional Library in Gilbert will be temporarily closing its doors from January 1st to 3rd. This closure is due to the New Year's Day holiday and to facilitate the replacement of the flooring in the library's lobby. During this brief period, residents in need of library services can visit several nearby libraries in the area.

For those requiring library access on January 2nd and 3rd, the following libraries are available:

• Perry Library, located at 1965 E. Queen Creek Rd., Gilbert, AZ 85297, offers a range of services and resources.

• Queen Creek Library, situated at 21802 S. Ellsworth Rd., Queen Creek, AZ 85142, provides community members with various library facilities.

• Guadalupe Library, located at 9241 S. Avenida Del Yaqui, Guadalupe, AZ 85283, is another accessible option for library-goers.

• Ed Robson Library, found at 9330 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes, AZ 85248, is also open for visitors seeking library services.

It's important to note that all Maricopa County libraries, including the Southeast Regional Library, will be closed on January 1st in observance of New Year's Day. For more information about the Southeast Regional Library and its services, visitors can explore the library's website at mcldaz.org/Southeast

East Valley Moms: The Digital Haven for Gilbert Area Mothers

East Valley Moms, a digital media platform serving Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, and Queen Creek, has become a vital resource for local mothers over the past decade. Owned and curated by Amy McConnell, the platform offers tips, ideas, and local community information to help mothers navigate the challenges of parenthood. With a following of about 100,000 women across its blog, Facebook, Instagram, and email channels, East Valley Moms has seen significant growth under McConnell's leadership, especially due to its hyper-local focus.

McConnell discovered East Valley Moms in 2019 while pregnant and later purchased it from co-founders Lisa Glowacka and Michelle Alexander in 2020. The platform primarily targets mothers with children up to age 10, providing diverse content from a team of 10 volunteer mothers with varied backgrounds. These contributors share their expertise on topics ranging from parenting on the spectrum to finding local resources and navigating government services.

East Valley Moms also publishes digital guides on topics like self-care, summer survival, and pregnancy. The platform doesn't shy away from heavier topics, offering insights into mental illness, foster care, and adoption processes, among others. McConnell, who also homeschools her child and manages a grove, aims to keep the platform's events intimate to foster strong connections and friendships among local moms.

More Info: https://eastvalley.momcollective.com/

Little Joe's Italian Marketplace and Deli to Open in Gilbert This January

Little Joe's, an Italian marketplace and deli, is set to open its doors in mid-January at 81 S. McQueen Road, Suite 105, in Gilbert. This new establishment aims to offer a taste of Italy with its range of authentic Italian delicacies and goods. The owner of Little Joe's, who also operates a separate food truck business specializing in wedding catering, brings a wealth of culinary experience to the venture.

The marketplace and deli will provide residents and visitors in Gilbert with a unique dining and shopping experience, showcasing a variety of Italian products and foods. Patrons can expect to find a selection of Italian meats, cheeses, and other specialty items, perfect for those looking to enjoy the flavors of Italy in their own homes or on the go.

For more information about Little Joe's and its offerings, interested customers can contact the establishment at 303-525-4949 or visit their website at http://www.eastcoastjoes.com

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