Mesa Art League Members' Show April, 2009

      Spring flowerbeds around Boyce Thompson Arboretum offer a color-wheel of choices to the artist, from the deep red of a Turk's Cap flower to spindly yellow columbines. Upon close-up inspection these resemble elicate undersea creatures. Violet cactus blossoms are in the gardens, along with Victrola-shaped datura flowers.
Don't forget to look skyward for a chance to glimpse Arizona's pure white state flower atop a giant saguaro cactus. In April our visitors were invited to see this fabulous floral display daily, and also enjoyed vivid art works in our gallery by members of the Mesa Art League.

      "Boyce Thompson Arboretum is an ever-changing environment that is home to an extraordinary variety of plant and animal life," said exhibit coordinator Sharon Sieben of the Mesa Art League. " Mesa Art league members have the opportunity again to enjoy all of this at our fourth annual "Art in the Park" event. Plan to come early with your paints, sketch pads, pencils or whatever medium you choose as you capture the morning light through the trees." View a five-minute film clip of the 2006 event

      "We are privileged to have Burdell Moody with us again," said Sieben. "This internationally recognized artist will be showing us his techniques as he captures the nature around him on canvas."

      Mesa Arts League artists brought pieces of Art work to hang in the gallery during the month of April. In addition, artists each added one piece on the fence between the Demonstration Garden and the Picnic area for viewing on the day of the picnic. Mesa Arts League members and Arboretum visitors were encouraged to check out the "Fence Line Show" and also cast a ballot for the "Peoples' Choice" award. All art was available for purchase, and visitors were welcome to to meet and chat with the artists.

      "The beauty of nature, plein aire painting, an excellent demonstration, an art show and food: What more could you ask for?" said Sieben.

     Mesa Art League includes members from all over the valley, the country, and even reaches beyond the US borders. Artists do not have to live in Mesa to be a member of this outstanding, active art league. Visit the Mesa Art League Website for membership information and to learn more about the league's exhibit events, outreach programs, and the many enriching activities that the League provides for its members and the community.

This annual event is also a "happy anniversary" reminder that Mesa Art League, founded in 1936, continues to give back to the community through its outreach programs and promote Arizona artists by recruiting their talents to enrich East Valley cities and towns via photography, painting, sculpture and outreach programs. Rider founded the Budding Artist outreach program for children; this particular effort has bloomed through an alliance with Mesa Art League and the Save the Family Foundation in Mesa. Volunteers use arts to mentor children of various ages, explained Rider. "We teach at whatever level the child is able to be successful. It is a joy to work with these lovely children from our community."     Boyce Thompson Arboretum is at highway 60 milepost #223 near the historic copper mining town of Superior, a drive of about 45 minutes due East of Mesa. During April hours are still on the fall and winter schedule, and the park is open from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. daily. During May, June, July and August visitors are admitted from 6:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., and the Arboretum closes at 3:00 p.m. The Arboretum is an Arizona State Park and daily admission must be paid to enter the Visitor Center where our gallery is found. Daily admission is $7.50 for adults and $3 for ages 5-12. Annual membership is a smart option; these start at $35 for a couple and may be purchased in the gift shop on the day of your visit to the Arboretum. Annual memberships include a year's access, guest passes for your friends and family, and other benefits. To review other recent gallery shows from...

Bud Heiss February, 2009
Timm Chapman January, 2009
Paul Kinslow December, 2008
Maggie Leef November 2008
Sharon Sieben October 2008
Nicole Royse September 2008
Gila Community College Art July-August 2008
Judy Bottler Photography May 2008
Bob Estrin Photography April 2008
Mary Isham Watercolors March 2008
Susan Strom and Cathy Franklin Lightning Photography February, 2008
Arizona State Parks Plein Air Paintings January, 2008
Carolyn Gray & Connie Thomas December, 2007
Jean Sullivan November, 2007 Sue Cullumber October, 2007
Adriane Grimaldi September, 2007
Pima College print-making students July-August, 2007
Mesa Arts League June-July, 2007
Fred Charlton May, 2007
Paul Mudersbach March-April, 2007
Linda Kaiser February, 2007
Edith Kreueger-Nye December, 2006 - January, 2007
Cindy Carrillo October-November, 2006
Bob Rice September, 2006
Bud Heiss July-August, 2006
Mesa Arts League June-July, 2006
Sandy Tracey April-May, 2006
CJ Rider March, 2006
Jessica Green February, 2006
Steve Davidson January, 2006
Don & Carole Schupp December, 2005
Carolyn Gray November, 2005
Martha Burgess October, 2005
Boeing Photographers September, 2005
Lightning Lady Susan Strom July/August, 2005
Mesa Arts League June/July, 2005
Jeanette Bronson May, 2005
Tom Stanley April, 2005
Kathy McClure February-March, 2005
Pam Smyth January, 2005
Tina Faust December, 2004