Wayne Brown spent decades working to improve Mesa, from its arts programs to its financial standing. Under his leadership on the city council and as mayor, the city saw a new spring training facilities built, a new convention center created and the establishment of the Mesa Arts Center.

Here is a collection of thoughts and stories from those who've crossed paths (personally or professionally) with former Higley district athletic director Art Wagner, who died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound on May 15.

It is with a heavy heart that the City of Mesa announces the passing of Mayor Wayne Brown on Tuesday, May 14. Brown served as Mayor from 1996 to 2000. He also served as a Councilmember from 1968 to 1976.

A theatrical look at the life of an amazing young woman whose courage paved the way for all future Americans. Christian Youth Theatre of Phoenix stages this elaborate production with a 60 member cast.

E-Books and Amazon.com may spell the demise of the publishing industry, but Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe, named “Best Bookstore” yet again by “2013 Best of East Valley Voters, continues to thrive.

The great thing about the Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum isn’t that it houses expansive galleries chock full of pieces of famous modern art. The great thing is that it doesn’t.

There once was a time when having a tattoo would make a person an outsider. Now in this day and age, it seems like everyone and their mother has a tattoo somewhere on their body.

Months of collaboration and research into the history and community of Mesa will culminate Wednesday and Thursday when Mesa on Stage presents “If Not Me, Who?”

With rakes and shovels in hand, 40 volunteers with DMB Associates turned a once vacant lot in Mesa into a community garden last week.

What do you get when you cross a networking opportunity with some of the most prominent businessmen, officials and celebrities in the country with a quest to crack open cases of missing children? What if you put it all into a life-size board game that includes some of the finer qualities of Trivial Pursuit, the legendary “Cannonball Run” rally, and movies of the same name?

What do you get when you cross a networking opportunity with some of the most prominent businessmen, officials and celebrities in the country with a quest to crack open cases of missing children? What if you put it all into a life-size board game that includes some of the finer qualities of Trivial Pursuit, the legendary “Cannonball Run” rally, and movies of the same name?

Zaharis Elementary's Lemonade Club presented $414 to Academy Award winner, author and musician Jeff Bridges, international spokesperson for Share Our Strength: No Kid Hungry, last week. Principal Mike Oliver shared this story:

Zaharis Elementary's Lemonade Club presented $414 to Academy Award winner, author and musician Jeff Bridges, international spokesperson for Share Our Strength: No Kid Hungry, last week. Principal Mike Oliver shared this story:

Longtime guests on “A Prairie Home Companion,” this roots band revives an old-fashioned genre in a new era. They are touring in support of their latest album, “Carry Me Back,” along with special guests, Dale Watson and the Texas Two.

Browse the artwork of Mesa Unified School District juniors and seniors while enjoying live theater, dance and music performances. You'll also be able to sample cuisine created by Mesa Public Schools culinary arts students.

He has given standout performances in the likes of “The Big Lebowski,” “Crazy Heart” and “True Grit,” but Oscar-winner Jeff Bridges’ enormous talent doesn’t stop there. His illustrious resume runs the gamut from musician to author to humanitarian, which begs the question: Is there anything he can’t do?

The 300-plus-member Phoenix Children’s Chorus will be heard nationally with the broadcast of their appearance on National Public Radio’s “From the Top.” One of the most popular weekly music series on public radio, the show reaches more than 700,000 listeners on 250 stations across the country.

Emily Woodward-Shaw, a seventh-grader from Chandler's Athlos Traditional Academy, was awarded a gold medal for photography in the 2013 National Scholastic Art & Writing competition. The name of her work was “Standing By."

“Reveille” mini camps offer a wake-up call for addicts, their families and helpers; while a two-hour workshop for couples provides the means for “Reunification.”

An evening of snazzy clothes, cocktails, art, music and fine dining could be fun for you — but crucial for some of Arizona’s struggling men, women and children.

Revel in days gone by with this high energy musical revue, featuring live musicians and dancers celebrating the music of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman and The Andrews Sisters, among others.

Wyndsong Designs, an exhibitor at the April 6 and April 20 MACFests in downtown Mesa, is owned and operated by Karin “Kai” Sullivan. She has been a Master Beader, with a focus on spiritual semi-precious wearable art, for more than 30 years. Recently, Kai discovered polymer clay.