Arts: Off the Beaten Path

	Japanese Friendship Garden
	In the middle of our bustling metropolis is a lush and tranquil garden offering reprieve from the daily grind: the Japanese Friendship Garden. Gain serenity sipping tea at the on-site teahouse or strolling through this Zen-esque property that includes Koi ponds (complete with water lilies), a waterfall, more than 50 [...]

	Great Arizona Puppet Theater
	Great Arizona Puppet Theater in Downtown Phoenix produces some of the most unique shows around. For example, on April 19 (i.e. National Puppetry Day), Phillip Huber, an internationally renowned puppeteer made famous by the puppet-classic movie “Being John Malkovich,” made a one-time appearance. While presenting fun and quirky puppet shows [...]

	Children’s Museum of Phoenix
	With a grand opening on June 14, Children’s Museum of Phoenix will giddily fling open its doors after waiting 10 years for the project to materialize. Its interactive exhibits, geared towards children ages 0 to 10, will help children learn through play. The mission of this creativity-driven museum is “engage [...]

	African-American Multicultural Museum
	The approximately three-year-old African-American Multicultural Museum in Scottsdale emphasizes education as a way to bridge cultural divides. Highlighting the positive contributions of other races or cultures, the museum’s exhibits include art and historical items, mostly donated from private collections. Admission is free. Don’t miss the gift shop that features books [...]

	The Bead Museum
	Who knew there could be so many beads in one place? Well, The Bead Museum in Glendale houses an international collection of more than 100,000 beads and beaded artifacts and stresses learning about history, ideas, and other cultures through the study of beads. This unique spot also offers outreach programs, [...]

	West Valley Art Museum
	If you haven’t made the trek, it’s time The building is stylish; the museum’s educational and outreach programs are creative; and instructors even teach art classes throughout the year. The institution exhibits countless Arizona artists, but also houses an extensive collection of American and international art. And when the [...]

	Arizona Broadway Theatre
	When one attends a dinner theater, there are two things to hope for: good food and a good show. However, Arizona Broadway Theatre, an approximately three-year-old venue in the West Valley, seems to get both right every time. With a gourmet chef on board and a full Broadway-style stage, this [...]

	Comedy Spot Comedy Club
	For a funny night on the town for approximately one-third of the price of The Improv, head down to Old Town Scottsdale and grab your laughs at the Comedy Spot Comedy Club. While there’s a slim chance you’ll see Jerry Seinfeld, the up-and-coming talent here provides gleeful entertainment. Also, for [...]

	Phoenix Airport Museum
	There, I said it. The Phoenix Airport Museum is not only there, it’s actually pretty darn good. Granted, when thinking of the airport, art doesn’t often come to mind. But as you’re wandering through Sky Harbor Airport waiting for your flight, when suddenly, an enclave of thought-provoking public art appears, [...]

	Heard Museum North
	Sure, we’ve all heard about the Heard Museum, but did you know about Heard Museum North? Well, the folks from Heard Museum near Downtown Phoenix are sharing their beloved Native American art collection by recently opening up Heard Museum North in Scottsdale. As a well-respected authority on Native American culture, [...]