Things to Do in Florence

"From the first time I worked extensively with clay, I felt a connection to it, and a passion for it that has never waned," asserts Michelle Katz, owner of Desert Dragon Pottery. A ceramics artist for more than a quarter century, Katz harnesses her fine arts degree and aesthetic aptitude to teach students of all levels how to exercise their imaginations. Through a roster of classes, pupils explore the shapes of vases and plates, before leaving their finished works for Michelle to fire in her self-made, gas-fired car kiln. When not teaching, Katz often exhibits her work with pottery guild Arizona Clay Association, a collection of regional artists who share with the community their insights, masterpieces, and tips for creating life-like body doubles

Scott Barclay, a former gymnastics champion and current coach of ASU men's gymnastics team, dreamed of opening a facility to help young kids discover gymnastics. In turn, Aspire Kids Sports Center began with recreational gymnastics for kids as young as 15 months. Through time, the organization—headed by Scott and his wife, Donna—grew to include classes for martial arts, swimming, dance, and cheer.

At Aspire's present 32,000-square-foot facility, instructors help fledgling gymnasts traverse an 80-foot tumble track on multiple trampolines. For tykes, there's a wealth of preschool gymnastics equipment, while more advanced gymnastics teams can compete on spring competition floors. Or take advantage of the indoor heated swimming pool with movable platforms, where you can immerse yourself in year-round swimming lessons and stage performances of The Little Mermaid.

Mesa Arts Center curates artistic goings-on inside a sleek structure filled with four theaters, five art galleries, and 14 art studios. Graced by the likes of Yo-Yo Ma and Bill Cosby, the stages of the facility's theaters showcase a cultural cocktail of live music, Broadway, dance, and comedy performances. Grooming the next generation of artisans with the help of advanced equipment, seasoned instructors teach everything from acting and beading to woodworking and welding during art classes tailored to both kids and adults.

For inspiration, students and visitors can stroll through the galleries of the Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum for glimpses at a revolving selection of contemporary art from international artists. Speckled with gardens, shapely architecture, and colorful lighting, the facility’s modern grounds welcome guests for everyday visits or annual events and festivals.

Clean angles and an uncluttered aesthetic give the auditorium at Comerica Theatre a refreshing air of minimalism. No columns, chandeliers, or giant neon cowboys distract from the stage, which has hosted such celebrities as Harry Connick Jr., Jerry Seinfeld, George Lopez, and the Blue Collar comedians. Thanks to the facility’s state-of-the-art audio and visual capabilities, the stage can be reconfigured to suit everything from arena concerts to standup comedy and ballet performances.