Visual arts

Red dinosaur meets white elephant

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

Business student discovers the arts

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.

Art adventures: Arizona Science Center

Stage Mom Lynn Trimble explores a limited engagement exhibit at the Arizona Science Center, and realizes that museums are fun to explore with family and friends of all ages.

It takes a village

Stage Mom Lynn Trimble explores the week's art offerings -- including theater, visual art, dance, music and museum fare. With so many folks snowed in across other parts of the country, there's no excuse for not getting out to enjoy our amazing weather and art wonders.

Art adventures: Phoenix Zoo

Stage Mom Lynn Trimble shares photos from a recent afternoon spent at the Phoenix Zoo with her son Christopher. Take along a sketch pad and pencils, or your camera, and the Phoenix Zoo makes for a great arts adventure.

From Senegal to Seeger

Lynn Trimble is starting to suspect that banjo players bring a certain brilliance to the banter about history, politics, literature and art. So what's her evidence, and how can you enjoy a bit of banjo music right here in the Valley?

Art adventures: Desert Botanical Garden

Stage Mom Lynn Trimble shares a sneak peek at an annual Christmas tradition at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, and suggests fun ways to explore the Garden with children.

Art for lunch?

Morning music. Lunchtime theater. Afternoon film. Enjoy all this and more at Valley venues offering daytime performance art. After all that carpooling or crunching numbers, a bit of art might be just the bit of "R and R" you need.

Fun with art & festivals

This time of year, we all want to be particularly efficient. Stage Mom Lynn Trimble suggests Valley festivals and other events that'll make being efficient a whole lot more fun.

Lynn's library: Lives of the…

Stage Mom Lynn Trimble shares a trio of favorites from her home library -- just in time to help with gift ideas for the artists, writers and musicians in your life. Also, a companion post exploring "Books & beyond" at one of her favorite haunts.

Books & beyond

Stage Mom Lynn Trimble explores the many wonders of Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe, one of many Local First Arizona businesses with a fun and family-friendly focus.

What's new with you?

What's new with you? Stage Mom Lynn Trimble says there's plenty to be grateful for as she reflects on what's new in the Valley's arts scene -- and invites you to share stories of your own new arts adventures and discoveries.

Black Friday – Arts & culture style

As "Black Friday" approaches, Lynn Trimble alerts readers to Valley arts organizations offering special events or offers to patrons eager to find unique holiday gifts while supporting local arts and culture.

Googly eyes, family travel & the TSA

Lynn Trimble, a Phoenix writer and mom of three, suggests ways arts and crafts can make traveling with children more enjoyable -- and takes a peek at air travel regulations that you'll want to review before packing those project supplies.

Must-see museums for holiday visitors

Looking for fun ways to spend time with family and friends this holiday season? Stage Mom Lynn Trimble shares her picks for museum fun for folks of all ages. See what Valley museums have to offer natives and visitors alike.

The fine art of nursing

After spending several days in nurse mom rather than stage mom mode, Lynn Trimble decides it's time to explore the world of art and medicine -- starting with creative ways nurses and others are healing themselves and others with the arts.

PARTY ARTICLES

Money Lessons from Birthday Parties

Teaching Kids the Value of Gifts & Gratitude Between the cake, balloons, and wrapping paper tornado, birthday parties are often all about fun, but they also provide the perfect opportunity to teach kids early lessons...

Time to Paw-ty

Celebrating your favorite furry friend Call me crazy, but when my husband and I adopted our first dog together, we threw her a birthday party complete with cake, streamers, guests, appetizers, games, and more. Was...

Unique Ways to Host a Joint Birthday Party

My brother and I have birthdays that are just one day apart—his on March 3rd, mine on March 4th, and our oldest brother just a few weeks later on March 21st. Fast forward 31 years...

Out-of-the-box Birthday Party Ideas in Phoenix & Tucson

Wanting to do something a little extra special for your child’s next birthday party? Maybe it’s a milestone birthday—like turning double digits or entering the teen years. Or perhaps your child has requested to...

Birthday Traditions & Clever Theme Ideas

Childhood birthdays are unlike any others. I have fond memories of waking up on my birthday morning anticipating all the fun that was in store. With three kids who had birthdays all in the same...

Out-of-the Box Birthday Party Ideas

Wanting to do something a little extra special for your child’s next birthday party? Maybe it’s a milestone birthday—like turning double digits or entering the teen years. Or perhaps your child has requested to...

Party Etiquette

Whether you’re hosting a party or attending one, you may be wondering—do people really RSVP anymore? What about goodie bags, are those still a thing? Do I need to stay with my child at...

How to Throw a Birthday Party that Won’t Break the Bank

I remember the days when birthday parties consisted of colorful balloons, streamers, a simple cake, and the classics like musical chairs and tag with a few friends. Times have changed and suddenly it feels necessary...

How to do a drive-by birthday party

As we get deeper into quarantine, people have gotten creative with birthday celebrations. One result: the drive-by birthday party.

Home pool party? Hire a lifeguard!

Drowning happens silently and quickly. That’s why children are at risk even when — and sometimes especially when — adults are nearby. Even a "designated pool watcher" can avert his or her eyes for a...

Hiking birthday party

For a child who loves adventure and outdoors, turn a hike into a birthday party.
Tour de Liam, Biking birthday party theme, bike race, outdoor activites, arizona parties

Bike race birthday party

When there are lots of neighborhood friends who love to ride their bikes together, host a birthday party that feels like an official bike race.

Island birthday party

Pool parties are popular in Arizona. Make a stylish upgrade at your next birthday party by incorporating décor and details that will transport guests from the desert to a tropical island paradise.

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