Daily Inspiration: Meet Savannah Meadow

Today we’d like to introduce you to Savannah Meadow.

Hi Savannah, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
In this cruel capitalist world, I could only find truth and understanding from artists. Unfortuantely for the people (young and old) living in this city, we have allowed property owners to dictate our culture and standard of living as a whole. We have allowed strangers who don’t live here to build on our history. But let me back up.
My family moved to Buckeye Arizona from Canyon Country California in 2006. After years of private school and a very good public junior high education in California, I was then moved back into Elementary school in Buckeye Az, where the benefit of the students was nonexistant. The high school I then attended was not great either, but some of those teachers there would change my life for the better and theres no way they will ever really know. I was in the first graduating class of Youngker High School 2011. I only bring this up because the year after I graduated, the core creative classes that shaped a healthy mental well being for myself, were ALL cut. The yoga class i took as an elective for 2 years, was cut. This class taught me how to simply focus, to be okay in my own body and gave me my true first start at finding myself. Guitar class was cut as well.
Other than these small glimpses, all we had as far as “culture” went was a monthly trip to downtown Phoenix First Friday art walk. I say I am one of the lucky ones because I was offered some creative classes in high school that no others since 2011 will receive. I was lucky because I was able to experience 5th Ave and Roosvelt artist community truly thrive before the vultures came. This is the vision I have and still carry for our city.
When the galleries closed on Roosevelt, along with the venues and open mics, I committed 3 years of a weekly open mic when I created Phxfirebirdevents. I began at Thirdspace (Grand Ave/11thave), then Smooth Brew Cafe (5th st and Roosevelt). I hosted local shows at The Trunk Space (Grand Ave/15th) and The Lost Leaf (5th st/Roosevelt). What is so sad is that none of these succesful community establishments exist now, and not due to them being unpopular.
I believe I was recommended for this article to share this story, not to speak on my own creative pursuits.
I believe in Phoenix and can tell anyone whole heartedly, that all people benefit from art. All people enjoy music. All people want to feel connected. So why is it so hard for these places to exist, when there are so many people trying to provide for their city and community? And what about the kids? In a world with more social media, drugs and poverty- art is necessary. Kids should be able to go listen to music for $5 or less like I was able to experience. Trunk Space is still looking for a home, by the way.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s not just the common folk. Even high end restraunt owners hardly walk away with a profit. This year alone, 3 resteraunts closed on Grand Avenue due to the property owners tripling rent- again on succesful businesses. Those establishments are still empty. Roosevelt Row is no longer an arts district, and Grand Avenue is fighting hard to hold on to this last wish, to exist. Every business here depends on the one next to it. That is why I say with full confidence, that is was the loss of Thirdspace which has been Grand Avenue’s downfall. This was the local hub, with several small businesses and galleries residing in the beautiful patio. This location is the heart of Grand Avenue, and nothing makes me more sick to my stomach than thinking about those studios being empty for the past 5 years. My question is this, is there any point when the community comes before the profit? Is there any point when property owners can no longer dictate the livelihood of an entire city? And is there anything we can do? Why did millennial receive less opprotunities than their parents? Why are younger generations being offered no creative outlet or sense of community?

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As I have expressed, I ran Phoenix Firebird Events which hosted open mics, local shows and Drink and Draws. Additionally I am a leasing Agent at Oasis on Grand, as well as the event manager in Roosevelt’s Historic District event venue, The Teapot. I am a painter, a song writer and a student working on a career in direction Animation. For me, only the story matters. That, and what it can teach you. I am wrapping up my painting series which can be followed on Instagram @onelastwishstudios.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
My favorite book and the theme of my upcoming art series is Alice in Wonderland/Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll. I recommend everyone read 1984 by George Orwell as well.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Ms.savannahmeadow

Image Credits
Most of these are by @benkesselmedia the first few on Roosevelt are not and I do not have the info for that photographer because he moved away and deleted his Instagram.