Spring into new exhibits and events around the Valley’s museums, gardens and art centers.

Musical Instruments Museum

I Am AZ Music

Celebrate 100 years of Arizona music at the Musical Instruments Museum’s (MIM) “I Am AZ Music.” This special exhibit commemorates composers, musicians, instrument makers and sound engineers across the state and their amazing feats in the music industry. From Native American sounds to rocker beats from Stevie Nicks and Alice Cooper, this showcase is sure to bring out the best in every music lover. Exhibit will be showcased from now until January 6, 2013. www.themim.org.

Phoenix Art Museum

The Sea, Ellman Fashion Design Gallery

In the world of fashion, inspiration comes from the most obvious to the most obscure. For the Phoenix Art Museum, the sea has been the ultimate muse for fashion artists. Capture the essence of mermaids and marine apparel through artists’ renditions like Emilio Pucci, Emanuel Ungaro and Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel now until July 15.

W. Eugene Smith, Norton Photography Gallery

Calling all history buffs, photographers, journalists and story-tellers. The Phoenix Museum of Contemporary Art is opening an exiting exhibit from March 10-June 17 that will frame the life and work of W. Eugene Smith, a World War II photojournalist who captured the core of American culture during that time of destruction and growth. His photographs paired with his groundbreaking essays as well as copies of Life magazine, which his work was featured, adorn the walls and spaces of the exhibit room. www.phxart.org.

Mesa Center for Arts

Mesa Takes Flight

Come fly with us as the city of Mesa takes on the year-long project “Mesa Takes Flight,” an exploration of the concept of flight through animals, art and aviation. The project works alongside the city’s celebration of the centennial and will be planned by a consortium of 20 businesses, aviation organizations and cultural and community opportunities. The event runs from March 18-March 31. www.mesaartscenter.com.

Desert Botanical Garden

Maxine and Jonathan Marshall Butterfly Pavilion

Speaking of flight, take a stroll through the beautiful Desert Botanical Garden (DBG) and experience some of the most beloved winged creatures: butterflies. The Marshall Butterfly Pavilion is open now until May 13. This special opportunity lands in amidst hundreds of fluttering butterflies as they perch in the sun or, if you’re lucky, land on you. www.dbg.org.