Toto, I Don’t Think We’re in Phoenix Anymore

It's easy to scoff at Valley suburbs -- as if Phoenix proper is the condensation of all things urban and art -- but we’d generally rather gag than travel anywhere requiring entry onto a Loop and drive-bys of four Target Greatlands. However, glorious weather is the great equalizer. Things you couldn't bear in the dead of summer often seem possible, even intriguing, in the spring. For us, this means driving to Mesa (yes, Mesa), especially when the city's art action is ratcheting up a notch.

Mesa Contemporary Arts' Spring Reception celebrates the opening of two new exhibits: "WeAreHere," featuring the work of artist/somatic educator Britta Hallin, and "Dawson: Thirty Years," dedicated to the work of Phoenix’s John Dawson. All of this in addition to three ongoing shows (“Jessica Calderwood: Sensual Surfaces,” “In the Artist’s Studio: The Paintings of Jeffrey Gold,” and “Public Places/Personal Spaces”). After supping on cool art at one of the Valley’s top spaces, you can actually get bipedal and stroll down Main Street, do a little vinyl-toy and/or yarn shopping, maybe grab a taco at Mangos.

It’s true. We swear.