Strange Encounter: A Halloween Scavenger Hunt in Downtown Mesa

October 17-November 8th

Mesa Arts Center is thrilled to announce internationally acclaimed sculptor, pumpkin carver and creative installation designer Ray Villafane will install his Strange Encounters exhibition in Downtown Mesa from October 17 – November 8. Just in time for Halloween, this extraordinary exhibition will feature Halloween carvings, humorous vignettes and creepy characters in 15 installations outdoors and in store windows throughout downtown Mesa, all visible out of doors for safe, distanced family fun.

The Strange Encounters Map, which will be available online and at locations throughout downtown Mesa, will include a fun scavenger hunt with clues for identifying items in the displays. Find them all and enter to win prizes! PLUS an online instructional video will be created by Ray Villafane and provided FREE to the public, sharing Carving Tips for elevating your  Jack-o-Lantern to a work of art AND how to use natural & recycled materials to create fun Halloween yard installations.

The Ray Villafane Strange Encounters exhibition is presented and generously supported by Downtown Mesa Association in partnership with the Mesa Department of Arts and Culture, and also sponsored by Mesa Councilmember Jennifer Duff, Visit Mesa, The Grid, Habitat Metro, Okland Construction, CORE Construction, Debby and Mike Elliott, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, Rose Law Group, Wist, and Pew and Lake. Special thanks to Alice Cooper’s Teen Rock Center.

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***COVID-19 UPDATE***

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Enjoy a unique blend of farmers, food vendors, artists, home goods and other local makers. Families and community members will enjoy the newly renovated Pioneer Park, the perfect setting for outdoor shopping, eating, playing and lounging on the main lawn to listen to live music. Visitors can experience the large splash pad with a 15-foot water wall, 9,000 square foot tree house style playground, basketball courts and the Historic Engine 2355 Steam Locomotive in the center of the park. The market will run every Saturday from 8am-1pm (subject to seasonal changes). Summer Hours 7am-11am (June-August).