Current Exhibits
Gaman: Enduring Japanese American Internment at Gila River
Feb. 4, 2025 – Jan. 26, 2026
During World War II, more than 120,000 Japanese Americans were ordered out of their homes and incarcerated at various internment camps across the western US. Near Chandler, the Gila River Internment Camp held 16,655. Their crime? Looking like the enemy.
This poignant exhibit highlights how the Japanese value gaman—enduring the seemingly impossible with patience and dignity—guided these American citizens’ experience of loss and incarceration in the Arizona desert.
- Japanese American Citizens League Arizona Chapter Essay Contest
Ceangal/Connections
March 15 – August 24, 2025
Did you know that Chandler has a sister city? For 15 years, Chandler, Arizona has been “twinning” with Tullamore, Ireland and we’re celebrating with an exhibition that showcases the cities’ reciprocal relationship. Ceangal/Connections is an art and culture collaboration between eight artists—four from Chandler, Arizona and four from Tullamore, Ireland.
Connect with the various ways artists across mediums explore the contrasts and similarities between the two cities including landmarks, landscapes, and culture of both places.
¡MONSTRAS!: Female Legends of Latin America
April 26 - August 31, 2025
The Spanish word for monsters is the masculine monstruos, but we all know that women can be monsters too! More than just an invented word for ‘female monsters,’ ¡MONSTRAS! represents feminine power and anger. ¡MONSTRAS! is based on the podcast of the same name created by Dr. Orquidea Morales and Brenda Salguero (M.M.St & MBA). The exhibit pairs their research and storytelling of these dark and foreboding Latin American myths with beautiful and terrifying depictions created by contemporary artists.
Pony Up! Cowgirls of Chandler
May 9 - November 2, 2025
From ranch work to rodeo stardom, Arizona’s women have made their mark on horseback— defying gender barriers and earning respect along the way. Pony Up! Cowgirls of Chandler, features photographs, rodeo memorabilia, oral histories, and historical news articles that capture the spirit, skill, and determination of these trailblazing women.
Upcoming Exhibits
Sonoran Shapes + Structures: Desert-Inspired Architecture and Design
Sept. 20, 2025 - Feb. 1, 2026
From the soil underfoot to the sky above, the desert offers inspiration to artists and architects. Learn how organic architecture is site-specific, designed to be at one with the land around it.
Explore interpretations of the desert landscape from practitioners like the iconic Frank Lloyd Wright, to those who followed and evolved the style, such as Paolo Soleri. After this primer, you’ll look at desert architecture with fresh eyes.
The Newest Americans: New Citizens Reflect on What America Means to Them
Sept. 30, 2025 - Jan. 18, 2026
Featuring portraits of recently naturalized U.S. citizens, The Newest Americans explores a wide range of immigrant experiences and the meaning of the American Dream. Personal stories, captured by writer Michael Estrin, accompany striking large-scale photographs taken by renowned artist Sam Comen. The Newest Americans inspires visitors to reflect on and take pride in America’s core values: diversity, freedom, and opportunity.
The Newest Americans, an exhibition from Sam Comen (photography) and Michael Estrin (reporting), is produced in partnership with The California Museum and traveled by Exhibit Envoy.