See them before it's too late: These 5 art exhibits will leave Phoenix at the end of summer

There are some seriously great exhibits at museums around metro Phoenix right now that you won't want to miss before the summer ends.

These five art shows feature artists from far and wide — from the colorful paintings in "Full Circle," which depicts artist Beverly McIver's life story to "Desert Rider," which looks at the cultural tradition in a new light. The shows are all compelling, unusual and in their final runs. So, if you haven't seen them yet, it's time to plan a trip, because they'll be gone before the temperatures drop.

Here is your guide to the exhibits and art shows to see in Phoenix before they move on.

'Beverly McIver: Full Circle' at SMoCA

“Beverly McIver: Full Circle” features more than 70 works at SMoCA that tell the story of her 25 years of painting. McIver, an internationally acclaimed contemporary painter, has works in the collections of the National Portrait Gallery at the Smithsonian, the North Carolina Museum of Art, the Weatherspoon Art Museum and the Baltimore Museum of Art, among others. The gallery will showcase portraits of McIver, as well as portraits of others — all of which explore expressions of individuality, stereotypes and intimate moments with loved ones. The exhibition will also highlight McIver’s work from a year in Rome with the American Academy’s Rome Prize.

In addition to “Full Circle,” “In Good Company” will feature artists who have both mentored and studied under McIver, including Faith Ringgold, Richard Mayhew, Melissa Button, Michael Dixon and others.

Details: Through Sept. 4. Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, 7374 E. Second St., Scottsdale. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday. 480-874-4666, smoca.org.

The story behind the artist: This nationally renowned artist started in Phoenix. 

Imagine, Design, Build! at the i.d.e.a Museum

This interactive art exhibition displays the works of 15 artists from across the country and the world. With paintings, sculptures, fiber works, digital videos, LED lighting and digital photography, the exhibition invites viewers into an architectural fiesta of creativity and color. In addition to artwork, the show features several interactive experiences where visitors can design forts in the outdoor atrium space and see architects' work in action in the design studio. The exhibit aims to educate viewers on the art and science behind designing buildings and other structures.

Details: Through Aug. 7. i.d.e.a. museum, 150 W. Pepper Place, Mesa. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Tuesday through Saturday. Noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday. 480-644-2468, ideamuseum.org.

'Laloland' at Mesa Arts Center

Phoenix artist Lalo Cota will display artwork featuring Chicano low-rider culture and Mexican folk art. The muralist and painter is known across the Valley for his Dia de los Muertos imagery of skeletons juxtaposed with Sombrero-shaped spaceships flying over a southwest landscape. In "Laloland," visitors will deep dive into the last 20 years of Cota's work.

Details: Through Aug. 7. Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St., Mesa. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Closed Mondays. 480-644-6560, mesaartscenter.com.

'Desert Rider' at Phoenix Art Museum

Desert Rider is an exhibition that explores the modes of transportation in the Southwest Inspired by the counter cultural developments of the 1960's "Easy Rider" phenomenon, this exhibition displays customized vehicles through the lens of wide-open landscapes in the Southwest. The exhibition — which blends transportation, industry, landscape and identity — will feature large-scale installations, prints and sculptures by Latinx and Indigenous artists including Caro Romero, Douglas Miles, Margarita Cabrera and Liz Cohen.

Details: Through Sept. 18. Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. 602-257-1880, phxart.org.

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'Somos Southwest' at Mesa Arts Center

Collected by businessman Judson C. Ball and educator Nancy Sue Ball, "Somos Southwest" will highlight 29 artists from the Southwest who are all part of the Chicano art movement. The vibrant works include a variety of subject matters and mediums from oil to acrylic, watercolor, wood, metal and ink drawings.

Details: Through Aug. 7. Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St. Mesa. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Noon to 5 pm. Sunday. Closed Monday. 480-644-6560, mesaartscenter.com.

Reach the reporter at sofia.krusmark@gannett.com. Follow her on Instagram @sofia.krusmark 

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Art exhibits in Phoenix, Scottsdale and Mesa to see this summer