Phoenix Art Museum announced on April 20 a full schedule of public events for May, featuring the inaugural Small Symposium, Mother’s Day festivities, First Friday programming, and new art exhibitions.
The museum’s upcoming programs are designed to engage diverse audiences with art experiences that range from lectures and workshops to music performances and family activities. According to the official website, Phoenix Art Museum operates as the largest art institution in the southwestern United States and aims to ignite imaginations while fostering connections by providing a vibrant space for experiencing the power of art.
Highlights this month include the Small Symposium on May 2-3, where artists, academics, and authors will discuss miniatures’ cultural impact. Events include talks by Jorge Ruiz and Dr. Christopher “Kit” Maxwell, panel discussions moderated by Associate Curator Rachel Zebro, hands-on workshops about miniature making techniques, and presentations on topics such as forensic dollhouses. The symposium is hosted by Lemon Art Research Library with support from Cathie Lemon.
On Mother’s Day (May 10), visitors can enjoy live music by Sweetwater Strings, Italian-themed refreshments like gelato and charcuterie bars, family crafts including tote bag design with birth-month flowers or macramé keychains with Shrinky Dink charms, professional photography sessions for families, shopping discounts at the museum store for mothers, and a screening of “Mamma Mia!” in Whiteman Hall.
Other notable events include Kids Day on May 9 focusing on miniatures through interactive projects; SOUNDCHECK featuring Diné band Dirt Rhodes led by Ryan Alison; Create Playdate sessions throughout Saturdays in May; docent-led tours highlighting Chinese cloisonné collections; book club meetings; storytime readings followed by treasure hunts; curator tours; film screenings such as “The Passion of Joan of Arc”; Pay-What-You-Wish Wednesdays sponsored by SRP and City of Phoenix offering voluntary-donation admission every week; military discounts for active-duty personnel and veterans.
The museum will also debut an updated contemporary collection installation titled “The Collection: 1960 – Now” starting May 13. Meanwhile “Colorwear: A Kaleidoscope of Fashion,” commemorating six decades of fashion collecting at PhxArt with ensembles arranged according to color theme—will remain open through August next year. According to the official website, Phoenix Art Museum maintains a collection exceeding 20,000 objects representing diverse cultures and periods while reaching hundreds of thousands annually through its programs.
Founded more than sixty years ago in Phoenix’s Central Corridor,the official website reports that Phoenix Art Museum promotes inclusivity through accessible community engagement opportunities. The institution offers world-class exhibitions along with educational initiatives intended to inspire visitors across generations.
