Mesa Arts Center at dusk. Credit: joelstine on Flickr Creative Commons, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

Visit the Mesa Arts Center This Fall

As the Arizona desert transitions into the cooler embrace of fall, the Mesa Arts Center is gearing up to offer an exciting lineup of events and exhibitions that perfectly align with Optima®’s commitment to fostering vibrant cultural experiences in our communities. Just a short drive from Optima Sonoran Village®, Optima Kierland Apartments®, and Optima McDowell Mountain®, the Mesa Arts Center provides an incredible opportunity for residents to immerse themselves in the rich artistic and cultural scene that thrives in the Valley of the Sun.

A Hub of Creativity and Culture
The Mesa Arts Center, located in the heart of downtown Mesa, is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to the visual and performing arts. With its stunning architecture, beautifully landscaped campus, and a commitment to showcasing diverse artistic expressions, the center has long been a cornerstone of the local arts community. This fall, the center is hosting an array of events and exhibitions that are sure to inspire and captivate audiences of all ages.

Exciting Fall Exhibitions at Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum
One of the highlights of the Mesa Arts Center is the Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum, which will be showcasing several thought-provoking exhibitions this fall. The museum, which is known for its dedication to contemporary art, features rotating exhibitions that highlight the work of both local and international artists.

This season, visitors can explore the following exhibitions:
Intouch. Stephanie Metz’s grouping of fiber sculptures that invites physical touch by viewers. White cocoon-like ‘Hanging Pods’ each offer intriguing opportunities for connection with the art—and with other viewers.

Safety Blankets: Discourse on Neurodivergence. This exhibition gathers textile artworks by 16 artists depicting their lives and experiences as neurodivergent people. Initially a Phoenix-area solo exhibition by Charissa Lucille, the project transformed when Lucille invited 15 artists from Arizona and beyond to collaboratively expand on the show’s ideas, keeping with the ethos of encouraging conversation and community. Through expressions in fabric, this exhibition aims to disrupt misconceptions, spark connections and discourse, and challenge the meaning of neurodivergence.

Use It or Lose It. Working with repurposed materials to create textile-based pieces, Ben Venom contrasts the often menacing and aggressive counterculture components of gangs, punk/metal music, and the occult with the comforts of domesticity. This collision of traditional quilting techniques with elements tied to the fringes of society re-envisions the story of the material through a softer lens. The reclaimed fabrics used in his work contain a multitude of personal histories and everyone’s unexplained stain, tear, or rip is included. These salvaged pieces are sewn into a larger narrative and become a part of a collective history within the work. The fragility of the materials and their assaulting imagery are brought together in the form of a functional piece of art.

Antifunction. B. Jean Larson and Susan Allred’s artistic processes are repetitive and meditative, and as such, they reflect on traditionally undervalued “women’s work,” reimagining labor-intensive crafts that are typically seen as merely decorative or functional. By transforming everyday items like rugs and quilts into non-functional sculptures, they create visually captivating and conceptually profound artworks that challenge the distinction between craft and fine art.

Engaging Performing Arts
In addition to the museum’s exhibitions, the Mesa Arts Center is also known for its diverse lineup of performing arts events. This fall, the center’s stages will come alive with a wide variety of performances, ranging from live theater and dance to music and comedy. Whether you’re a fan of classical music, jazz, or contemporary dance, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Community Classes and Workshops
For those looking to engage more actively in the arts, the Mesa Arts Center offers a robust selection of community classes and workshops. These programs cater to all skill levels and interests, providing participants with the opportunity to explore new creative outlets or refine their existing talents. This fall, the center is offering classes in everything from painting and sculpture to photography and digital media, making it easy for anyone to find a class that suits their interests.

A Gathering Place for All
The Mesa Arts Center is more than just a place to view art or watch a performance; it’s a vibrant community hub where people come together to celebrate creativity and connect with one another. The center’s beautiful campus, with its inviting outdoor spaces and public art installations, offers the perfect setting for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing afternoon with friends and family.

For residents of Optima® communities, the Mesa Arts Center provides an ideal destination for cultural enrichment and entertainment. Whether you’re attending a performance, exploring an exhibition, or taking part in a hands-on workshop, a visit to the center is sure to leave you feeling inspired and connected to the rich cultural fabric of the Valley.

Plan Your Visit
As the fall season unfolds, be sure to explore the many offerings at the Mesa Arts Center. With its diverse lineup of events, exhibitions, and programs, the center promises to deliver a season full of artistic discovery and cultural engagement. For more information on upcoming events, including the exhibition opening on September 13, 2024, check out the Mesa Arts Center website and discover all this incredible venue has to offer.