Inspired by a 21-foot sculpture she sees when driving to and from ASU Gammage for various shows, Lynn Trimble decides to learn a bit more about public art along the Valley METRO light rail line -- and offer suggestions for enjoying the art with children and teens.

Call the babysitter, and keep that classy holiday attire at the ready. Arizona arts and culture brings you a bevy of galas (and some more casual fundraisers) in the coming year -- from an Oscar Night to a Market in Marrakesh.

Still making plans for New Year's Eve? Lynn Trimble explores Valley options of both the kid-friendly and grown-up variety -- all with an arts twist.

Stage Mom Lynn Trimble worries that recent mishaps with "Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark" may signal dark days for musical theater -- and offers reflections on the true magic of musical theater, a craft that once fueled our imagination nation.

Two women sit at their kitchen tables. One enjoys the sunshine while another enjoys the snow. But what do a stage mother and a character actress have to talk about? Plenty.

Mesa 7th grader Cassandra Parker-Swenson, who recently performed with Cirque Dreams Illumination at the Orpheum Theatre in Phoenix, says she aspires to a career in the acrobatic arts.

The Arizona Museum of Natural History in Mesa is home to diverse exhibits featuring everything from dinosaurs to meteorites -- many captured in photos taken by Lynn Trimble and her son Christopher during a recent visit.

Stage Mom Lynn Trimble explores permanent and visiting exhibits at one of the Valley's most child-friendly museums. Think rockets, beads, blocks, books, spacesuits, funky furnishings, drawing tables and more. There's even a gift shop for late-to-the-game shoppers.

Concerned about bullying? Eager to teach your children tolerance? Then you'll want to them to see "New Kid" performed by Childsplay this Saturday at the Arizona Science Center.

"I’m a post-modern feminist,” I quipped. “I believe that chivalry and feminism can peacefully co-exist. Besides, I’ve never advocated that women should have equal rights. Rather, it’s always been my belief that we are entitled to special rights."

Stage Mom Lynn Trimble travels less than a mile in Phoenix -- and encounters two performing arts venues plus two museums that feature both family-friendly and grown-up fare. Walk a mile in her shoes...

When Lynn Trimble's husband notices she appears to have the music for "The Nutcracker" memorized, she realizes it might be time to explore some other dance options.

Lynn Trimble recently toured the new wing of Phoenix Children's Hospital with writer/photographer Daniel Friedman -- and she's concluded that "all the hospital is a stage...and a canvas."

Stage Mom Lynn Trimble shops a local museum gift shop for the perfect "white elephant" gift for the annual "office party" gift exchange.

Imagine auditioning for Jeffrey Katzenberg, CEO of DreamWorks, then getting a role that would take you on tour just as the due date for your first baby drew near. Eric Petersen, on-stage ogre and off-stage daddy, shares his views on balancing baby and Broadway -- as the musical "Shrek" heads for ASU Gammage in Tempe.

Lynn Trimble recently chatted with an ASU business major as he volunteered with the Phoenix Art Museum -- and discovered how the experience has changed his views of non-profit organizations and the arts.