Centerpiece of the Valley of the Sun, the city of Phoenix, Arizona is nestled in a sprawling valley embraced by the McDowell, Superstition, White Tank and Estrella Mountains. What started as a dusty little town of a few square blocks when it was incorporated in 1881 has grown into the fifth-largest city in the United States, encompassing nearly 500 square miles. Along with the natural majesties of Mother Nature, Phoenix houses a population of more than 1.5 million residents supported by a thriving “man-made” arshants community, and in fact, the arts are both abundant and approachable in Phoenix.

Whether you prefer art that is visual, such as painting, sculpture or glasswork; performance-based, such as opera, ballet, theater or the symphony; or museum-centered, you can find it in high quantity and high quality in Phoenix and the surrounding communities.

Let’s start with the recently renovated Symphony Hall in downtown Phoenix, home to the Arizona Opera, Ballet Arizona and the Phoenix Symphony, all of which offer full seasons and a broad spectrum of programming that appeals to a wide audience. Just across the street from Symphony Hall is the Herberger Theater Center, home to several theatrical companies as well as a dance company. A bonus is that upstairs from the Herberger’s lobby area is a gallery that exhibits an ever-changing display of works from local artists. okay

Elsewhere in and near downtown Phoenix, small venues such as the Celebrity Theatre, Phoenix Theater and others showcase both touring artists and local troupes. The Dodge Theater is a theatrical chameleon of sorts, morphing into a comedy club, a concert venue or a theatrical production stage through as-needed repositioning of both seating and stage.

Numerous Phoenix artists and musicians participate in First Fridays, a monthly evening event when downtown galleries, studios and businesses open their doors and encourage visitors to wander down the streets, stopping to meet artists and artisans and learn about their work.

Those who get their art-fix at museums definitely have a bonanza waiting for them in Phoenix. From the world-famous Heard Museum, to the Phoenix Art Museum, to the Hall of Flame, there are museums for all ages and interests. Check out the specialty museums such as the Mining and Mineral Museum and the Arizona Capitol Museum, where you can learn about the origins of the state of Arizona. Many museums offer free admission one day of the week, so check with them and plan your excursions accordingly.