Experience our country’s unique destinations and culture this summer at the i.d.e.a. Museum. Through art and hands-on activities, Roadside USA offers a journey through offbeat and popular family vacation destinations and roadside attractions where you will learn about people and places from coast to coast.

Coming June 14 – Sept. 8

The Roadside USA exhibition, opening June 14, features games, trivia and interactives that whisk you and your family into the heart of an American tradition – the summer road trip.

“We’re highlighting the fun of exploring new places and learning about other cultures this summer,” said i.d.e.a. Museum Executive Director Sunnee O’Rork.  “Being able to see and experience the world around us is instrumental in opening up our imaginations.”

Hands-on art and fun

Planned activities for children of all ages include:

  • Weaving via loom activity
  • Driving a motor home
  • Crafting a travel journal and making maps
  • Changing a tire
  • Creating magnetic license plates and vacation postcards
  • Placing yourself in a surfboard/vacation scene via green screen

Exhibition sponsors

Roadside USA – which runs through Sept. 8, 2019 – is sponsored by POGO Pass, the City of Mesa, the i.d.e.a. Museum Foundation, and the Arizona Commission on the Arts, which receives support from the state of Arizona and the National Endowment for the Arts. Other financial contributions come from Wells Fargo Foundation and Season for Sharing.

Wells Fargo Foundation and Season for Sharing support the museum’s Access for All fund, which helps pay for programs such as school field trips and free days at the museum.

Nationally recognized artists

The exhibition features 59 artworks from 21 artists from around the United States, including Arizona. Works include paintings, digital art, ceramics, quilts, photographs, video and a mixed-media collage.

Roadside USA is included with regular museum admission, which is $9 for ages 1 and older; i.d.e.a. Museum members are free. Learn more at ideaMuseum.org

About the museum

The i.d.e.a. Museum is a part of the City of Mesa and is supported by the i.d.e.a. Museum Foundation. The foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization with a mission to provide sustainable resources to fulfill the i.d.e.a. Museum’s mission through fundraising, advocacy, and partnerships. Its vision is to create infinite possibilities for  the i.d.e.a. Museum. 

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