In late fall of 2000, PSA Art Awakenings was born out of PSA (People Service Action) Behavioral Health Agency, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization incorporated in 1971 whose mission is to enhance and empower the mental health community through creativity, innovation, and diversity. The brainchild of PSA Chief Executive Officer Sara Marriott, PSA Art Awakenings began as a consumer run business with funding from the Rehabilitation Services Administration and only four adult consumers creating and selling artwork.
Today the program is funded by Mercy Maricopa Integrated Care, Cenpatico, Community Partnership of Southern Arizona and Gila River Indian Community.
From its modest beginning, PSA Art Awakenings has grown into a significant psycho-social rehabilitation program with 13 studios and five galleries serving approximately 1,500 artists annually – all working toward empowerment and recovery through creativity.
The Mesa Arts Center, owned and operated by the City of Mesa, is a unique, architecturally stunning, international award winning facility located in the heart of downtown Mesa. Arizona's largest arts center is home to four theaters, five art galleries, and 14 art studios. Guests, patrons, and students come to Mesa Arts Center to enjoy the finest live entertainment and performances, world-class visual art exhibitions, and outstanding arts education classes. The facility is an architectural showpiece and a destination for visitors to the Phoenix area. The Mesa Arts Center mission is to inspire people through engaging arts experiences that are diverse, accessible, and relevant.