April 4 , 2006
FEATURESCenter changes look of downtown Mesa
If you’ve lived in Mesa for more than a couple years, you’ll know that historic Main Street between Mesa Drive and Country Club was in need of some revamping. Making downtown Mesa a pleasant place to visit once more, the Mesa Arts Center brings all sorts of recreation and entertainment to people of all ages.
Located on the southeast corner of Main and Center, it is the largest arts center in the state of Arizona, covering 212,775 square feet. Its unique building designs stand out tastefully among the older buildings of the surrounding area.
The center includes four theaters, five exhibition space galleries, a lecture hall, a lobby, 14 different art studios and classrooms, and outdoor courtyards and gardens.
The people at the Arts Center put on theatrical and choral performances, teach a wide array of arts classes, host art exhibits, offer lectures, and put on many more activities.
The center acts as a home theater for a number of Mesa art companies including East Valley Children’s Theater, Mesa Symphony Orchestra, Sonoran Desert Chorale, and Southwest Shakespeare Company.
“Attending the events at the center creates an interest for people to express themselves through their own creativity,” said Billy Jones, the Performing Arts Program Coordinator. “It motivates people to put what they see into practice.” Jones will be appearing in a production of Sarah, Plain and Tall, which opens on April 21st and goes through the first week of May.
An upcoming series of outdoor “Courtyard Concerts” begins on April 13th, and continues every Thursday for a month. Starting at 5:30pm, a different group or artist will take the stage each week and play for free admission. Opening night will feature a jazz/funk group called Sonorous.
Using their 14 studios, they offer visual arts classes such as ceramics, painting, jewelry, glass, and photography.
They also teach performing arts in acting, dance, and music classes. There are classes available for all age groups, from toddlers to adults.
The center has brought business and prosperity to the downtown area, which was becoming more rundown each year.
Now the downtown area has attracted more businesses that help boost the economy and appearance of the area.
According to their mission statement, the purpose of the Mesa Arts Center is “to inspire people through impacting and engaging arts experiences … that enhance the quality of life and vitality of the greater region.”
“It brings together the community in a way that Mesa has never had before,” Jones added.