Mesa Arts Center

In the heart of downtown Mesa, Arizona, lies an oasis of creativity and culture: the Mesa Arts Center. This sprawling 210,000-square-foot complex, completed in 2005 at a cost of $95 million, stands as the largest comprehensive arts campus in Arizona. It is a beacon for art enthusiasts, performers, and tourists alike, offering a rich blend of visual and performing arts within its modern and striking architectural confines.

The Architectural Marvel

The Mesa Arts Center is an architectural masterpiece that reflects the essence of the Sonoran Desert. Designed by Bora Architects of Portland, Oregon, in association with DWL Architects + Planners, Inc., of Phoenix, Arizona, the complex embodies post-modern aesthetics with sharp, jagged angles, sloping roofs, and extensive use of glass walls. The design is inspired by a geode, guiding visitors from the outer concrete walls into a central space filled with glass, water, and vibrant colors.

The landscape architecture by Martha Schwartz Inc. complements the buildings with outdoor gardens, sunken courtyards, and water features that provide a serene and engaging environment. The Shadow Walk, a major pathway through the campus, is lined with stainless steel pergolas, giant canopies, and public art installations that connect the architecture to the community. Notable artworks include Fragmented Landscapes by Ned Kahn, Colorwalk by Beth Galston, Light Storm by Catherine Widgery, and Memento by Rebecca Ross.

Performance Venues

The Mesa Arts Center boasts four performance venues, each designed to cater to a different aspect of the performing arts. The Ikeda Theater, with its 1,600 seats, is the largest and most grandiose, hosting a variety of performances from Broadway shows to classical music concerts. The Piper Repertory Theater, with 550 seats, offers an intimate setting for dramatic performances and smaller productions.

For those seeking a more personal experience, the 200-seat Nesbitt/Elliott Playhouse and the 99-seat Farnsworth Studio Theater provide cozy spaces for experimental theater and smaller-scale performances. Each venue is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to ensure an immersive and high-quality experience for the audience.

Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum

The Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum is the crown jewel of the Mesa Arts Center, housing five art galleries with a total of 5,500 square feet of exhibition space. The museum showcases a diverse range of contemporary art from local, national, and international artists. The rotating exhibitions ensure that there is always something new and exciting to see, making it a must-visit for art aficionados.

The museum also serves as an educational hub, offering workshops, lectures, and tours that engage the community and foster a deeper appreciation for the arts. The museum’s commitment to accessibility and education makes it a vital cultural resource for the city of Mesa and beyond.

Art Studios and Classes

The Mesa Arts Center is not just a place to view art; it is also a place to create it. The facility features 14 visual and performing art classroom studios where artists of all ages and skill levels can take classes in a variety of disciplines, including painting, ceramics, photography, and dance. These classes are taught by experienced instructors who provide personalized guidance and support, helping students to develop their skills and express their creativity.

The studios are equipped with professional-grade tools and materials, ensuring that students have everything they need to bring their artistic visions to life. Whether you are a seasoned artist looking to refine your technique or a beginner eager to explore a new hobby, the Mesa Arts Center has a class for you.

Community Engagement and Events

The Mesa Arts Center is deeply committed to community engagement, hosting a wide range of events that bring people together and celebrate the arts. From outdoor concerts and festivals to art fairs and family-friendly activities, there is always something happening on the campus.

One of the center’s most popular events is the National Geographic Live speaker series, which features presentations by renowned explorers, photographers, and scientists. These events offer a unique opportunity to learn about the world from those who have experienced it firsthand, making them both educational and inspiring.

A Legacy of Leadership

The creation of the Mesa Arts Center was championed by Wayne Brown, who served as the Mayor of Mesa from 1996 to 2000. Under Brown’s leadership, the city passed a quality-of-life bond issue in 1998 to help fund the center’s construction. Brown and his wife, Kathye, also led a private fundraising campaign that raised over $4.5 million from the private sector.

Today, the Mesa Arts Center continues to thrive under the leadership of Illya Riske, the Interim Director of Arts and Culture for the City of Mesa and Interim Executive Director for the Mesa Arts Center. Riske, along with Deputy Directors Mandy Tripoli and Randall Vogel, ensures that the center remains a vibrant and dynamic cultural hub for the community.

In conclusion, the Mesa Arts Center is more than just an arts complex; it is a testament to the power of creativity and community. With its stunning architecture, world-class performance venues, engaging art museum, and comprehensive educational programs, it offers something for everyone. Whether you are an artist, a performer, or simply someone who appreciates the arts, a visit to the Mesa Arts Center is an experience you will not want to miss.