InClass

Here’s how to infuse your time off with art.

Summer is here, and we know that your to-do list is long. You’ve got friends to see, places to go, and things to do. But we also know that the last weeks of the school year can leave you feeling frazzled and anything but creative.

Your brain needs a little TLC this summer, and we’re thinking art is the answer. Why? Because art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.

Yeah, we didn’t come up with that — Pablo Picasso did. But it’s so true, right?

Creating and observing a variety of art is proven to relieve stress, stimulate brain growth, and increase both critical thinking and empathy.

So if rinsing the dust of the every day from your soul sounds just as appealing to you as it does to us, take a look at some of Arizona’s art-portunities we’ve pooled together as figurative soul-soap.

Watch and Listen…

The Musical Instrument Museum: Located in northeast Phoenix, the all-things-music venue offers more than just a comprehensive education in tunes. The museum’s mission is to collect and preserve an amazing variety of musical instruments and performance videos from around the globe.

Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum: Admission is free to this East Valley space with five galleries. This museum shines a bright light on artists from the state.

West Valley Art Museum: With 2,000 items in their permanent collection, the WVAM offers diverse art from more than 60 countries. The Peoria venue offers tours and educational workshops.

First Friday ArtWalk: Head to historic Downtown Flagstaff’s art galleries and businesses to see northern Arizona’s best art in a fun, street-party atmosphere.

ASU Art Museum: Emphasizing contemporary and southwest art, this is a free trip to the museum you don’t want to miss out on. Located on ASU’s Tempe campus, the museum offers a large collection of art as well as lectures, festivals, and performances.

The Desert Botanical Garden: Grab sunscreen and a hat and visit nature’s local art. Explore Sonoran history, flora, and fauna on the trails. Pro tip: Beat the heat by arriving early — the garden opens daily at 7 a.m. Special events include ballet performances, live music, and after-dark flashlight tours. Garden admission is free the second Tuesday of every month!

…or Try It for Yourself!

Phoenix Center for the Arts: Offering diverse classes, programming, and events, the Phoenix Center for the Arts caters to all ages. From mosaics to printmaking, acting to capoeira, there’s sure to be something to spark your interest.

Desert Dragon Pottery: Curious to try your hands at clay? North Phoenix’s Desert Dragon offers pottery wheel and sculpting for kids and adults.

Painting with a Twist: If you’re in the mood for a little bit of paint, a little bit of wine, and a whole lot of fun, Painting with a Twist is sure to deliver. With locations in Gilbert and Tempe, the studios pair instructional art with wine and an enthusiastic instructor.

Creative Juice Art Bar: Similar in concept, this Tucson studio offers classes for kids and adults in a casual environment that promises to help you relax and discover your inner artist.

WHAM: What’s Happening Art Movement is a nonprofit offering a place for classes and artist collaboration in the West Valley. Upcoming workshops include freedom in watermedia, alcohol ink art, and Sharpie line art.

The prospects for getting your art on in Arizona are endless. Take your soul on an art-cation this break and dust off that soul in time for a new semester.

Heather Sparks is a writer, educator, and mom of four. An Arizona native, she holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and a master’s degree in gifted education from Arizona State University.