Art Exhibits in Phoenix, Scottsdale and Mesa to See This Summer

There are some great exhibits in the Phoenix Metro Museums right now that you won’t want to miss before the summer is over.

These five art exhibits feature artists from all over – from colorful paintings from “Full Circle,” which depicts the life story of artist Beverly McIver, to “Desert Rider,” which examines cultural tradition in a new light. . The shows are all captivating, unusual and at the end of their course. So if you haven’t seen them yet, it’s time to plan a trip, because they’ll be gone before the temperatures drop.

Here’s your guide to exhibits and art exhibits to see in Phoenix before you go.

‘Beverly McIver: Full Circle’ at SMoCA

“Beverly McIver: Full Circle” features over 70 works at SMoCA that tell the story of her 25 years of painting. McIver, an internationally renowned contemporary painter, has works in the collections of the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, the North Carolina Museum of Art, the Weatherspoon Art Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art, among others. The gallery will feature portraits of McIver, as well as portraits of others, all of which explore expressions of individuality, stereotypes, and intimate moments with loved ones. The exhibit will also highlight McIver’s work from a year in Rome with the American Academy’s Rome Prize.

In addition to “Full Circle,” “In Good Company” will feature artists who both mentored and studied under McIver, including Faith Ringgold, Richard Mayhew, Melissa Button, Michael Dixon and others.

Details: Until September 4. Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, 7374 E. Second St., Scottsdale. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday. 480-874-4666, smoca.org.

The artist’s story: This nationally acclaimed artist got his start in Phoenix.

Imagine, Design, Build! at the museum of ideas

This interactive art exhibit features the works of 15 artists from across the country and around the world. With paintings, sculptures, fiber works, digital videos, LED lighting and digital photographs, the exhibition invites viewers to an architectural fiesta of creativity and color. In addition to the artwork, the show features several interactive experiences where visitors can design forts in the outdoor atrium and see the work of architects in action in the design studio. The exhibit aims to educate viewers about the art and science behind the design of buildings and other structures.

Details: Until August 7. Idea Museum, 150 W. Pepper Place, Mesa. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. 480-644-2468, ideamuseum.org.

‘Laloland’ at the Mesa Arts Center

Phoenix artist Lalo Cota will showcase artwork featuring Chicano low-rider culture and Mexican folk art. The muralist and painter is known throughout the Valley for his Dia de los Muertos images of skeletons juxtaposed with Sombrero-shaped spaceships flying over a southwest landscape. In “Laloland”, visitors will dive deep into the last 20 years of Cota’s work.

Details: Until August 7. Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St., Mesa. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Closed on Mondays. 480-644-6560, mesaartscenter.com.

“Desert Rider” at the Phoenix Museum of Art

Desert Rider is an exhibit that explores modes of transportation in the Southwest Inspired by counter-cultural developments of the “Easy Rider” phenomenon of the 1960s, this exhibit showcases custom vehicles through the lens of the open landscapes of the Southwest. West. The exhibition, which blends transportation, industry, landscape and identity, will feature large-scale installations, prints and sculptures by Latino and Indigenous artists, including Caro Romero, Douglas Miles, Margarita Cabrera and Liz Cohen.

Details: Until September 18. Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday to Sunday. 602-257-1880, phxart.org.

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‘Somos Southwest’ at the Mesa Arts Center

Collected by businessman Judson C. Ball and educator Nancy Sue Ball, “Somos Southwest” will spotlight 29 artists from the Southwest who are all part of the Chicano art movement. The vibrant works include a variety of subjects and mediums ranging from oil to acrylic, watercolor, wood, metal and ink drawings.

Details: Until August 7. Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St. Mesa. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Closed on Mondays. 480-644-6560, mesaartscenter.com.

Contact the reporter at sofia.krusmark@gannett.com. Follow her on Instagram @sofia.krusmark