So Long, Farewell...

I thought it fitting to take one last photograph as I was leaving 4th Ave. This is the morning after a "splendid" weekend night on 4th, complete with consumption and debauchery alike. yet, none of that is present in this photo; the street is filled with emptiness, sun, and dry, dry heat- the perfect storm for the itinerant hungover college student. People are on their way to work, breakfast, or back to bed. But in any case, they are all heading away from 4th Ave. and back towards the daily grind of everyday life.

Morenci FD, Missing in Action

If anyone takes the time to appreciate the untamed mosaic that is 4th Ave., one cannot help but notice the firetruck supply/repair shop. For one, who knew that firetrucks could be repaired by independent contractors? Furthermore, it is amazing that some city planner decided to place the repair shop among head shops, bars, and bookstores alike. And inside this repair shop lie many injured/extinct fire trucks, from all over the country. So if your uncle in Miami should ever have trouble finding a place to fix his fire truck, refer him to 4th Ave.

Imprisoned PLayhouse

Why a photo of seemingly caged-in tables and stools? Well, this is yet another extremely unique Thursday night hideout for UA students. But during the day, it is empty, almost abandoned (save for the wayward vagrant sleeping in the back lot). This destitute, dried-up restaurant comes alive with lights, love, and beautiful music every weekend, serving as an oasis of hedonism for anyone old enough to enjoy an adult beverage or four.

How the World Goes Round

Tucson has numerous murals throughout the city. This particular mural identifies how many different people are needed to build a community. Yet, they all share their thoughts and feelings in similar ways. Some play music,others hold hands, and some just sit down to make sense of the world around them. No two people are doing or thinking the exact same thing. The mural seems to stress the importance of individuality. I saw those kids standing there and realized how easily they blended in with the giant painting. For a second I thought I could see thought bubbles coming up from there heads, "where is this bus, why is this dude taking our picture!"

-Ari Sercus

The "Thing" about 4th Ave.

After a couple of minutes on 4th one can sense that they are out of their element. People coming together to share artisan snacks or to make an illicit purchase or two. Either way, people from all paths are coming together to share these common externalizations. Ultimatley, this creates a sense of alternative culture. It does not matter how you get here, new Range Rover or old VW bus. Both are entitled to share their individuality to form a living and breathing community.

-Ari Sercus

The Many Pathways of Life

Where are my feet taking me? Every human being is unique, paving their own way to happiness. This man was walking under the archway, and I thought, where was this man going to? Is someone waiting for his return with open arms? More than likely this man has no destination, but for some perpetual reason he continues to march onwards. Maybe someday he will find a place to rest his calloused feet.

-Ari Sercus