PHOENIX — There is so much to see in Phoenix's Roosevelt Row. There are beautiful murals and art galleries, and one could argue none of it would have been possible without Alwun House.
"The word Alwun is, we are all one, aren't we?" Dana Johnson said, president of the Alwun House Board of Directors for Alwun House.
The bungalow is located near 12th Street and Roosevelt.
"Alwun house is a non-profit arts organization. We show all arts in one place," Johnson said.
12News’ Allison Rodriguez caught with him to rediscover its history. The house was built in 1912 by John Sedler, Johnson said. It was then sold to another owner in the late 1940s. By 1971, it was the perfect place for artists with a dream.
"They had a vision of all these interdisciplinary arts. We can blend arts from painting to sculpture to theatrical arts,” Johnson said.
The founders were a group of artists who filled a major need for creatives in Phoenix at the time.
"Phoenix didn't have an arts scene at all back then," Johnson said.
The founders were the spark that helped change that.
"Somewhere around the 90s it got labeled as Roosevelt Row," Johnson remembered.
The space itself has gone through some changes through the years. Johnson said volunteers helped plant new trees around the property and installed a Koi Pond, as well as new seating areas. Two decades ago, they built a stage in the backyard, so they could bring in a more diverse group of performers.
They still host different events and exhibits throughout the year. And Johnson knows Alwun House is needed now just like it was all those years ago.
"Still today I have artists continuously tell me how much they appreciate that we do these shows and that we provide the venue and outlet for them," Johnson said.
For information on upcoming events and exhibitions visit https://alwunhouse.org/.
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