Pardon their dust as the Arizona Museum for Youth [AMY] continues to trailblaze the pathway to exceptionally interactive, hands-on fine art for Valley families and children. The months of construction have finally come to an end giving way to tons of more fun for everyone.

Based on their visitors’ feedback, the need for increased capacity, and the museum’s desire to stay relevant in the high-tech age for youngsters, AMY has expanded their popular Township of ArtVille for little ones, ages 0-4, and its ArtZone Gallery for older youths. They’ve also enlarged and reconfigured their lobby, adding a beaming new skylight and three big fish eye bubbles to allow sneak peeks into the glorious world of art upon entry.

“The renovations will help to ensure our museum remains an effective environment for healthy cognitive development,” remarks Sunnee Spencer, Executive Museum Director, “and teach Valley youth how to experience their world differently through art, creativity and imagination.”

ArtVille has refurbished Art’s Living Room, Kitchen and Garden spaces. A new Tot Square has been commissioned with age-appropriate, master artworks placed at your child’s eye level. Art discovery boxes are now available for older siblings to increase their engagement in ArtVille’s “helper” program. Additional seating now maximizes little one’s participation in the Artful Tales early literacy and art program, and new musical instruments and a costume dress-up area now make-up the newly improved Performing Arts room. The renovation has increased ArtVille by over 800 sq-ft to also provide a new studio classroom for the ever popular “Parent-Tot Music Time” and “Small Snaps: Parent and Child Photography” workshops.

AMY has historically served as an Arizona jewel and a vital community resource for countless families and children for the last 32 years. The first of its kind nationally, the museum continues its legacy of stimulating curiosity, visual and tactile sensory. Their state-of-the-art exhibitions nourish self-expression, imaginative play and self-discovery. Museum activities and workshops also enable little ones to develop fine and gross motor skills; bring awareness of shape, line, color and texture; and develop visual and spatial judgment and kinesthetic movement.

AMY is officially debuted its brand new digs at its Grand Open House on Saturday, May 8. The museum is located at 35 North Robson Street in historic Downtown Mesa. Cheaper than a movie ticket, admission is just $6.50 for everyone aged 1 year and older while AMY Members are free! Stop by and enjoy the fun. For more information, please visit them online at: www.ArizonaMuseumforYouth.com.

ABOUT AMY
The Arizona Museum for Youth (AMY) is a fine arts museum for children and families and serves as a terrific place to introduce life-changing art. The museum hosts 6 world-class exhibitions, annually, and features ArtVille, a special art township for kids under 4 years of age. As part of the exhibitions, a dynamic array of art classes, fun workshops, and family programs are available to teach basic art principles and techniques. Located at 35 N. Robson in downtown Mesa, AMY is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. AMY is closed most government holidays. Please visit www.arizonamuseumforyouth.com or call 480.644.2467 for current information.

“Inspiring children of all ages to experience their world differently through art, creativity and imagination.”