Tempe Center for the Arts: Worth a Visit

The Tempe Center for the Arts reveals the city of Tempe's concerted effort to support cultural ventures. Located on the Rio Salado Parkway, the building is a striking departure from the expanse of chic condominiums and posh office complexes surrounding it. Look in either direction from the art center's back terrace, scrubby desert landscape has given way to sod and concrete paths. As Tempe capitalizes on its close proximity to Phoenix and role as the area's educational hub, it is only fitting to have a venue like the Center for the Arts. The neighboring cities of Scottsdale, Mesa, and Phoenix all have impressive arts centers, so why not Tempe?

The building's exterior denotes it as a unique architectural contribution to the skyline - soaring roof lines, shiny copper trim, a grand entryway surrounded, desert vegetation, and the biggest anomaly of all...free and ample parking. The interior of the building reflects the Tempe's desire to construct a sleek image. High ceilings, exposed beams, slate gray walls - the illusion of cool in a hot desert setting. Staff members don vests and ties and are eager to assist visitors in the main lobby. Chefs in white jackets cook up lakeside treats, while a bar offers view of Tempe Town Lake...and the highway. Red carpets and brass railings announce the theatre, while the contemporary gallery façade, with its neon signage and clean design, sits just a few steps away.

The most stunning aspect of the arts center actually may be its view, distant big rigs notwithstanding. A large window stretches across the facility's back wall, exposing a glassy reflecting pool against the backdrop of Tempe Town Lake. Outdoor fire pits offer additional ambiance on crisp winter nights.

A casual stroll along the banks of Tempe Town Lake, however, is decidedly less enchanting; the lake is, more or less, a sorry excuse for a body of water. Then again, this is the desert, and we'll take what we can get. The architects manage to capitalize on the cards they are dealt. An elegant back window frames the best snapshot of the water, with the reflecting pool seamlessly merging into it.

The facility houses a performance hall as well as a more intimate gallery. The gallery provides a bright exhibition space for local and international artists. For a fancier affair such as a banquet or party, the arts center also boasts the aptly dubbed Lakeside space, with views of Tempe Town Lake and the Papago Mountains.

A large parking lot sits to the west of the facility, as does an as-of-now dusty and vacant strip of land extending toward Priest Road. Orange barrels and construction equipment have taken up residence on said land in recent months, and the landscape will likely become home for more condominiums and office parks once the economy picks up steam. Sky Harbor Airport is just a few miles down the road. The enormous Fed Ex jets flying overhead will make that fact abundantly clear. Behind the center, park-like landscaping and the continuation of the lakeside trail encourage public enjoyment. So take a walk, take in some art, and visit the Tempe Center for the Arts.