Happy Fall! Or should I say “happy last-gasp-of-summer”!?

Even if it doesn’t feel like autumn, we’re heading into September and October, and fall things are going on!

So here’s the current Happenings List, my seasonal selection of goings-on for lovers of art, craft, culture(s), and nature.

• *Goodies: The List is peppered with extras, freebies, and discounts! Just look for the asterisks (*).
• While the in-person events are pretty much all in Arizona, you can skip down to the last section for Happenings and Goodies you can enjoy from virtually ANYWHERE!
• I link to artists’ Etsy sites and may earn a small commission if you click through and purchase something. But no one has paid to be included in the List.
• What Happenings on the List have you gone to? I’d love to hear about it! Send me an email or hashtag social media posts about your experience with #TCJreco.

The Happenings List

– Central Arizona –

Picturing Resistance + With These Hands: Duel Documentary Photography Exhibitions

now – September 30 / Gallery 4 at HD South, Gilbert Historical Museum, Gilbert / Included with admission.

Photography exhibitions inspired by two books by Ken Light, a documentary photographer and UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism professor.

• With These Hands: A collection of Ken Light’s images of undocumented migrant children working in oppressive conditions on farms throughout the United States.
• Picturing Resistance: Images from marches, protests, rallies, and demonstrations, showing people in the public view voicing their passion for change. Public protests embody dissent and express the urgency for policy change.
• ANYWHERE: See select pieces from Gallery 4 exhibitions.

 

Early Days: Indigenous Art from the McMichael: Carving Artist

September 1, 4-8pm / Heard Museum, Phoenix / Free.

Grand opening and U.S. debut of the Early Days exhibition, a survey of Canadian Indigenous art from coast-to-coast-to-coast and from historical to contemporary pieces. Artist James Johnson (Tlingit) from Southeast Alaska will be demonstrating centuries-old carving techniques and sharing his approach to art.

Organized by the McMichael Canadian Art Collection in collaboration with Indigenous scholars, artists, and traditional knowledge keepers, the exhibition will be at the Heard through the end of the year.

• 6pm: Artist talk with James Johnson about his perspectives on key pieces from the exhibition.
• As part of First Friday, the museum, Café, and Cantina are open late.
• Sept. 1, 2023 – Jan. 2, 2024: The exhibition will be at the museum through the end of the year.
• *During regular admission times at the Heard, you can save 10% by purchasing online tickets in advance.
• *ANYWHERE: James Johnson talks about the ways he is continuing Tlingit carving traditions (on Vimeo).

 

Creative Saturday: Fireflies

September 9, 10am-2pm / Phoenix Art Museum, Phoenix / Included with admission.

Re-opening of Yayoi Kusama’s interactive infinity mirror room installation, “You Who are Getting Obliterated in the Dancing Swarm of Fireflies” (2005). This special Fireflies-themed Creative Saturday features art programming, workshops, and specialty food and beverages.

• *Save 10% on PhxArt memberships if you purchase by September 6 + use code FIREFLIES10. As a bonus, you’ll get admission to member preview days to see Fireflies before it re-opens to the public!

 

Ryan’s Case for Smiles Sew Day: Sew Helpful

September 22, 10am-2pm / A Quilter’s Oasis, Mesa / Free.

Join other crafters in sewing bright and cheerful pillowcases for children in 5 local hospitals. You can stay and sew all day or as long as you wish.

• There’s no fee to participate.
• Pre-register (required) online or by calling the store (480-354-4077).
• Kits will be available.
• Pillowcases will be distributed by Ryan’s Case for Smiles, Phoenix Chapter.

 

Ballet Under the Stars: Dancing the Night Away

September 23-30, 7pm / Fountain Hills, Glendale, Goodyear, Phoenix / Free. (Donations accepted.)

Ballet on an outdoor stage with lighting and costumes! These performances kick off Ballet Arizona’s 2023-2024 season. Dancers perform excerpts from both contemporary and classical ballets, so you get a preview of what’s ahead.

• Bring a blanket or lawn chair.
• Go early to save your spot and watch the dancers warm-up against the backdrop of an Arizona sunset!
• *If you go to Fountain Hills, you can take a self-guided art walk tour before the performance. There are 35 pieces in Fountain Park alone! (PDF map)
• Related: Why free, outdoor performances are great!

Performance dates:

• Sept. 23 – Sahuaro Ranch Historic Park, Glendale
• Sept. 28 – Fountain Park, Fountain Hills
• Sept. 29 – Estrella Lakeside Amphitheater, Goodyear
• Sept. 30 – Steele Indian School Park, Phoenix

 

Cine Cubano: Cuba-Centric Film Series

September 27 + October 11, 6pm / Phoenix Art Museum, Phoenix / Tickets $8.

The last half of a four-film series celebrating Cuba’s complex history, which provides deeper context for the museum’s current exhibition Juan Francisco Elso: Por América (which runs until 9/17). Each monthly screening will be on a Wednesday at 6pm in Whiteman Hall on the first floor of the Phoenix Art Museum.

• The special-engagement Juan Francisco Elso exhibition is in the Steele Gallery and requires a $6 ticket for adults (youth 17 and under are free)!
• *Enjoy free general admission to the museum before the films (starting at 3pm), because all 4 screenings take place during Pay-What-You-Wish-Admission evenings!
• Read about a film costume exhibit we saw at Phoenix Art Museum.

 

Hop Around the Valley: Quilt Stores Cut Loose

October 6-14 / Quilt shops throughout the Phoenix area, Phoenix / Passports $10

The Hop Around the Valley: Maricopa County Shop Association Shop Hop is a Valley-wide celebration of local quilt shops with demonstrations, giveaways, and activities. Purchasing a passport to the Shop Hop allows you to join in the extra festivities and be entered for prize drawings. If you “hop” to all 9 participating shops, you’re eligible for even bigger prizes!

• Purchase a Passport at any of the participating shops.
• Related story: My mom and I went on a fact-finding mission to get the dirt on this Hop Around the Valley!

 

– Northern Arizona –

Art with Nature in Mind: Organic Assemblages

Now – September 14 / ‘Tis Art Center in the Mezzanine Gallery, Prescott

Exhibition of ceramic and mixed media sculptural works by Denise Incao. She creates her art using a spontaneous process, drawing inspiration from nature and her past travels.

• *ANYWHERE: ‘Tis Art Center virtual gallery tour
• *SECRETS: Guide to Prescott’s public art that includes a map to public art sites in Prescott, photos, and historical facts about each piece. It’s available at ‘Tis for a suggested donation of $3.
• H/T Experience Prescott

 

Music on the Square: Flagstaff Summer Concerts

now – September 29 / Heritage Square, Flagstaff / Free.

Free concerts in Heritage Square all summer long! Follow Downtown Flagstaff on Instagram and Facebook for details and updates.

• Thursdays 5-7pm: Jazz, blues and funk.
• Fridays 6-8pm: Local bands in the evening.
• Sundays 12-2pm: Local bands at lunchtime.

 

Faire on the Square: Prescott Arts + Crafts Show

September 2-4 / Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza, Prescott / Free.

Art festival on the lawn of Prescott’s town square with artwork, crafts, and food vendors. Old West re-enactment group the Prescott Regulators and Their Shady Ladies will perform hourly.

• *National Cabernet Sauvignon Day Special: $10 off a bottle of award-winning 2019 Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon at the Del Rio Springs Vineyard Tasting Room Sept. 1-3! The Tasting Room is located in the Old Firehouse Plaza, about a block away from the Faire.
• Related info: Quilt shops in Northern Arizona.

 

Flagstaff Art in the Park: Crafts with a Soundtrack

September 2-4 / Wheeler Park, Flagstaff / Free.

Fine arts and crafts festival that takes place over the Fourth of July and Labor Day weekends in a grassy park in Downtown Flagstaff.

• Vendors: Juried selection of 70 artists from across the Southwest. Crafters include Created with Repurpose (upcycled lamps and book art), Kimbajul (jewelry) and HatsNThings By Shelly (crocheted hats. And things.)
• Food + beverage: Square Root Foods, Hot Bamboo, Safari Samosas, Cody Coyote Kettle Corn, Lulu’s Italian Waterice, Single Speed Coffee Roasters, and the Shady Beer Garden, which features local and regional breweries and benefits Special Olympics Arizona.
• Entertainment: Nonstop live music, including Craig Yarbrough, Flag5, Matt Bingham, Matthew Henry Hall, Rideshare, Sister and the Sun, Two Hand Union, Stan Clark and Tim Hogan, Paul and Friends, and TheatriKids.

 

Music in the Pines: Country Club Concert Series

September 2, 3:30pm / Pinetop Lakes Golf and Country Club, Pinetop / Free.

Live music and dancing on several summer Wednesdays and Saturdays. The event is free and open to the public! Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets to sit on.

• Food + beverage: Hamburgers, hot dogs, adult beverages, and soft drinks available for purchase. (Cash only.)
• Entertainment: Free line dance lessons at 3:30pm. Music by Lakesides 4:30-7:30pm.

 

Prescott Indian Art Market: Fine Art + Fry Bread

September 16-17 / Sharlot Hall Museum, Prescott / Admission $15 per day.

Juried show featuring artwork from over 100 top Native artists in a variety of media, including oil painting, beadwork, pottery, and weaving. Plus music, performances, demonstrations, and food!

 

Flagstaff Festival of Science: Discuss DNA + Discoveries

September 22 – October 1 / venues throughout Northern Arizona (particularly Flagstaff) / Free.

Annual 10-day event designed to promote awareness and enthusiasm for science in Northern Arizona and beyond. Established in 1990, it is the longest continuously running, entirely free science festival in the world.

This year’s theme is “The Mammoth World of Science” to highlight research and scientific discovery by Beth Shapiro, PhD, a pioneer in the field of ancient DNA.

• Sept. 22, 7pm: Keynote Presentation “How to Clone a Mammoth” at NAU. Dr. Beth Shapiro will share her expertise on the science of de-extinction. Free keynote tickets are now available for reservation.
• Other event reservations will be open for booking on Sept. 8.
• *ANYWHERE: Videos of past festival presentations.
• *ANYWHERE: Free 43-page ebook, Girls Just Like You Who Grew Up to Become… Scientists (Flagstaff edition), by local science writer and festival board member, Kerry Bennett. (H/T “Ecologist Clare Aslan Encourages Girls To Imagine, Be Creative, And Be Curious About Science”)

 

Flagstaff Fadeaway: Music Fest at a Mod Mountainside Motel

September 30, 5pm. / High Country Motor Lodge, Flagstaff / General Admission Ticket $75

All-ages festival outside a refurbished mid-century motel off Route 66. Featured performers include Color Green, Sylvie, The Senators, Spencer Cullum + Rich Ruth, and Kacy + Clayton. Proceeds benefit the Glen Canyon Institute, which is working to restore the ecosystem of Glen Canyon and Colorado River.

• Doors open at 4pm. Bands start at 5pm.
• Food trucks and a full bar will be on-site. All attendees will be carded.
• The show will go on rain or shine!
• *Complimentary valet parking for all attendees presenting a valid Flagstaff Fadeaway ticket.

 

Pop Up Program: Behind the Mask

October 27, 10am – 1pm / Sharlot Hall Museum, Prescott / Included with admission.

Learn about the history behind masquerade parties in the Arizona territory, while making a mask of your own during this pop-up program held in one of the museum’s exhibits. These monthly mini-programs give you the chance to engage with Arizona history in an interactive, hands-on way through crafts, games, and activities!

• Open to all ages.
• No reservations required.
• H/T Experience Prescott

 

Día de los Muertos (Sedona): Remember Me

October 28 – November 1 / Tlaquepaque Arts + Crafts Village, Sedona / Free.

Five-day celebration of life and remembrance with large-scale installations and vignettes throughout Tlaquepaque. It’s also a commemoration of Mexican culture and heritage.

• Oct. 28: Special performances.
• Oct. 28 – Nov. 1, 11am-5pm: Marigold Mural Project. Visitors can paint tributes to their loved ones on a 26-foot long community remembrance wall on the Calle Independencia. Paints and brushes will be provided on site.
• Related: Día de los Muertos symbolism + DIY ideas

 

– Southern Arizona –

Popol Vuh and the Maya Art of Storytelling: Anyone else take Latin American Lit? Just me?

now – October 20 / Tucson Museum of Art, Tucson / Included with admission.

Exhibition that looks at the traditions of Maya storytelling and image-making from ancient times up to the present. As a starting point, it uses the Mayan creation story, Popol Vuh, and a series of images by Guatemalan modern artist Carlos Mérida, which were inspired by it.

• *First Thursday. On the first Thursday of the month, TMA offers extended hours (5-8pm), pay-what-you-wish admission, art and gallery activities, entertainment, and a cash bar. Reserve your free ticket online.
• *Second SundAZe. Focused on intergenerational learning, the Second Sunday of the month features activities and art-making for kids, as well as docent talks, free performances, and pay-what-you-wish admission.

 

Sabino Canyon Crawler Night Tours: Desert Night Riders

now – October 28, on Saturdays / Sabino Canyon Visitor Center, Tucson / Tickets $15/adult, $8/child + $8/vehicle Sabino Canyon Recreation Area fee

Evening tours through beautiful Sonoran desert on the Sabino Canyon Crawler. Normally, the electric shuttle’s daily rides end at 4pm. However, during the hottest months, they add an extra tour time on Saturday nights. Night tours start at 7pm in September and 6:30pm in October.

• The Crawler offers year-round tours on a 7.4-mile route with automated narration about Sabino Canyon.
• *Now through 10/14: Summer Family Rates to Sabino Canyon Dam. $15 per family rides on the Bear Canyon shuttle to Sabino Canyon Dam, where you can picnic in a shady spot.

 

Arizona Biennial 2023: Arizona Artist Showcase

Now – October 1 / Tucson Museum of Art, Tucson / Included with admission.

Every-other-year exhibition of innovative and diverse new works by Arizona artists. It provides an opportunity for emerging artists to exhibit their art in a museum setting and to introduce it to the public.

A new juror from outside the state is selected to curate each Arizona Biennial, reviewing the works of hundreds of artists to create a cohesive exhibition that becomes an overview of artistic creativity in Arizona.

 

Colors of the Stone: Gem Show Warm-Up

August 31 – September 3 / Casino Del Sol, Tucson / Free.

Colors of the Stone with To Bead True Blue and Artisan Workshops is a show that includes established and emerging glass artists, gem cutters, ceramists, bead makers, jewelry artists, mineral hunters, lapidaries, and goldsmiths.

Shop from a collection of artisan handcrafted products made from sustainable materials in natural colors and buy directly from the source.

• Hands-on workshops offered daily, 8am-9pm.
• Part of the Tucson Fall Gem Show.

 

Tucson Comic-Con: Pop Culture Fans Convene

September 1-3 / Tucson Convention Center, Tucson / Adult Full Weekend Membership Pass $64

Community-based pop culture event that seeks to be America’s friendliest convention! The 3-day con features Q+A panels, workshops, costume contests, photo ops, and a large exhibitor hall. There will be actors, authors, comic book artists, and cosplayers appearing as special guests.

• Artist Alley: Meet writers, pencillers, inkers, and colorists from all over the world. Some offer one-of-a-kind sketches and commissions at their tables (usually grouped together in one aisle or section of the exhibitor hall).
• Game Area: Play video games – including vintage arcade games – board games, card games, and role-playing games!
• Inclusive Quiet Zone: A welcoming place to take a break from the hectic convention floor.
• *Hotel McCoy offers 15% off stays of 3 nights or more with code STAY – that means that for a 8/31-9/3 stay you’d pay $286.45 instead of $337!

 

Sonoran Restaurant Week: Taste a New Place

September 8-17 / restaurants across Tucson

10 days when many Southern Arizona restaurants offer special prix fixe menus for $25, $35 or $45 to encourage diners to try restaurants they haven’t been to, as well as revisiting old favorites. Ask for the Sonoran Restaurant Week menu at participating eateries.

Each year, part of the proceeds benefit a local non-profit, like the San Xavier Co-op Farm, a Tohono O’odham landowners’ cooperative committed to using healthy farming practices to grow traditional crops.

 

Summer Night Market: After Hours at the Annex

September 29, 6- 10pm / MSA Annex, Tucson / Free.

Over 60 local vendors, plus music, food trucks, and extended hours for MSA Annex shops the last Friday evening of the month. It runs from May through September, so this will be the last one of the year!

• Related: What you might find at the MSA Annex Summer Night Market.

 

Tucson Meet Yourself: T-Town is Talented… and Tasty!

October 13-15 / Downtown Tucson / Free.

Annual three-day celebration of the folk arts of the Sonoran region that’s been going on for 50 years! It features food, artisans, dancers, musicians, and special exhibits from the richly diverse communities in Southern Arizona and Northern Mexico.

Where to start? Here are some TMY artists we’ve seen before:

• Bonyang Michaels, who demonstrates beautiful Lao weaving on a large loom.
• Jaliya World Contemporary Music – we saw Yacouba Traore (half the duo!) perform one year during the Arizona International Film Festival.
• Las Azaleas popular all-female mariachi group.
• Ukrainian American Society‘s booth displays several traditional Ukrainian crafts, including pysanky.

 

Sky Islands Fall Artisan Market: Fall Festival at 4000 Feet

October 14-15 / Patagonia Town Park, Patagonia / Free.

Festival to showcasing the Patagonia community’s talent in a park nestled at over four thousand feet in the mountains of Southeast Arizona.

Vendors: 100 booths of the region’s top artisans who work in ceramics, textiles, glass, jewelry, wood, painting, photography, and metalwork. Plus, a library book sale!

Food + beverage: Food court with Patagonia Fire Department’s annual barbecue and a variety of food trucks.

Entertainment: Bluegrass, rock, jazz, and classical music performances from regional and local acts throughout the weekend at the Town Park Gazebo. For kids, there will be arts experiences, crafts, and youth music acts.

• A few of the artisans who participated in 2022: Michelle Caillet (Greyt Escape), Diane Fortney (Phun Potz and KChi Ceramics), Lenor Glover (Camino Lenor), Dan Kihl, Deanna Martinez-Hay (Art 4 Your Glasses), and Robin Tenelshof (Little Leoni Paints).
• Well-behaved leashed dogs are allowed. (I think they specified “well-behaved” after the year Quijote was there barking at everyone.)
• *ANYWHERE: Wine sale! $55 off the Wingman Trio of three bottles of wine (reg. $113) plus free shipping from AZ Hops and Vines in nearby Sonoita!

 

Pulse: Weavings and Paintings by Marlowe Katoney: Diné Today

October 14, 2023 – March 23, 2024 / University of Arizona Museum of Art (UAMA), Tucson / Included with admission.

Exhibition of approximately thirty weavings and paintings created by Marlowe Katoney. The multidisciplinary artist combines elements from painting with traditional Navajo iconography and designs to create pieces that take inspiration from popular culture, street art, nature, Navajo culture, and his own life.

• *Get free admission for two when you check out a Culture Pass from an Arizona Library.
• Related: The stolen painting we had to see at UAMA!

 

Willcox Wine Festival: Yes, they make wine there!

October 20-22 / Railroad Park, Willcox / Admission $30-45

Festival with over 15 Arizona wineries, along with live music, and fine arts, artisan foods, and vintage vendors. Admission includes 10 tasting tickets + commemorative wine glass.

• *Save $10 by purchasing admission tickets in advance instead of at the gate!
• *Outside of the festival, wine tasting flights at Willcox wineries usually include a souvenir glass, which you can take with you for a discount at the next Willcox tasting rooms you visit!

 

Cameron Carpenter: Metropolis (1927): Silent Movie Score Live

November 3, 7:30 pm / Fox Theatre, Tucson / Tickets $20-55

Concert of world-renowned organist, Cameron Carpenter, playing the Fox’s Wurlitzer organ to accompany the 1927 film, Metropolis.

 

Into the Spider-Verse World Tour: Live in Concert: The Amazing Spider-Music!

November 5, 7pm / Fox Theatre, Tucson / Tickets $20-67.50

Screening of the animated film Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse with live musicians and a DJ on stage playing the film’s soundtrack, which blends symphonic orchestral music with hip-hop. Into The Spider-Verse’s score is composed of of boundary-pushing original music that supports its themes of resilience and universal heroism.

– Anywhere –

Art Chat @ Five: Talk about Artwork by Women (virtual)

September 1, 15, 29 + October 6, 5pm (ET) – 5:45pm / Free.

Informal discussions with National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) educators about selected artworks from the museum’s collection. Each chat will have a different theme and sampling of artworks, which you can see in advance.

• All chats are scheduled on Fridays at 5pm (ET) for 45 minutes.
• Registration is required in order to get the link to the event.
• Limited to 45 participants each chat.
• Art Chats will be all virtual until the Museum re-opens in late October, when some will move to being an in-person/virtual hybrid (“”Art Chat Live””).
• *NMWA @ Home: resources and online exhibitions
• Related: Art-viewing and craft-making when we visited NMWA in DC.

 

The Jubilee Series with Lucy Barter: Scotland’s Thistle + Wales’s Daffodil

September 6 – October 18, 10 am-3 pm / Class fee $360 + materials

Two-session Zoom courses using embroidery to explore the history of the national flowers of the United Kingdom. It is part of a series on the symbolic flora of the UK’s four countries taught by Lucy Barter, SFSNAD Creative Director. Each classic design will consist of cross filling, blackwork patterns, gold couching, pearl purl, and padded satin stitching.

Upcoming courses will be centered around the thistle of Scotland and the daffodil of Wales.

• Materials: The kit for these classes will be sold separately. Your instructor will email you with further instructions.
• September 6 + 13: Scotland’s Thistle
• October 11 + 18: Wales’s Daffodil

 

Annular Solar Eclipse Livestream: Ring of Fire

October 14, 9am PDT / Free.
An annular solar eclipse is when the Moon only covers the center of the Sun, and there’s still a ring of light around it. The October 14th annular eclipse will be visible in parts of the Americas. However, the Exploratorium will be providing live coverage of the eclipse from the Valley of the Gods, Utah, so you can see it from anywhere in the world!

• *How to make your own pinhole projector for safe eclipse viewing.
• *Other ways to safely view an eclipse.

 

Goodies to enjoy anytime + anywhere:

• ‘Tis Art Center virtual gallery tour
• Video: Artist James Johnson talks about traditional Tlingit carvings and his work continuing the centuries-old art form.
• Videos of past Flagstaff Festival of Science presentations.
• Free 43-page ebook, Girls Just Like You Who Grew Up to Become… Scientists (Flagstaff edition), by local science writer and festival board member, Kerry Bennett.
• $55 off the Wingman Trio of three bottles of wine (reg. $113) plus free shipping from AZ Hops and Vines in Sonoita!
• See select pieces from the Gallery 4 exhibitions that are at Gilbert Historical Museum.

 

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P.S. Photos are by me unless noted otherwise and linked to their source.

While we haven’t seen any big storms yet, it’s technically Arizona monsoon season. One of these days, the clouds will move in overhead to deliver much-appreciated rain to this desert town.

In the meantime, our schedules shift to avoid the midday heat. Events move to nighttime, indoors, or up in elevation. This season’s Happenings List focuses on events in cooler parts of Arizona and at cooler times of day.

If you’re new to the Happenings List, here’s what to know:

1. The Happenings List is my seasonal selection of goings-on for lovers of art, craft, culture(s), and nature.
2. *Goodies: The List is peppered with extras, freebies, and discounts! Just look for the asterisks (*).
3. Not in Arizona? In the last section are Happenings and Goodies you can enjoy from virtually ANYWHERE!
4. World Embroidery Day is July 30! So this time, the ANYWHERE section also includes worldwide embroidery classes and bonus embroidery Goodies!
5. Full disclosure: There’s not much to disclose. I’m not paid to list particular events. I don’t work for any of these companies. As an Etsy affiliate, I may earn a small commission from links I share, but I choose which artists and products to highlight.
6. Did you go to one of the events on the List? I’d love to hear how it went! Send me an email or hashtag social media posts about your experience with #TCJreco.

That’s enough things, right?! Let’s get to the List…

 

The Happenings List

• Central Arizona

 

Try Taiko Classes: Intro to Japanese Drums

July 8, 4-5:30pm / Fushicho Daiko Dojo, Phoenix / Trial class fee $20

Single-class sessions on Taiko, Japanese ensemble drumming, so you can try it out before deciding whether to commit to ongoing classes. Learn the background and significance of Taiko and learn your first song! Try Taiko classes for adults are on Saturday evenings at the beginning of each month. Classes for kids happen less frequently, so watch the registration page.

• Secure facemasks required inside the dojo.
• *On Phoenix First Fridays, the dojo is open to visitors and you can watch classes practice taiko (free).

 

Page Possibilities: Papercraft Peacocking

July 9, 2-4pm / Tempe Public Library, Tempe / Free.

Step-by-step paper craft class on turning a “retired” book into a colorful, decorative peacock! There is no fee, but registration is required.

• *Part of the library’s Adult Summer Reading Program. Earn points and prizes by signing up, logging your time reading, and participating in events (like this class)!
• Read more about Why I look for Art in Libraries.

 

Cine Cubano: Cuba-Centric Film Series

July 12 – October 11, 6pm / Phoenix Art Museum, Phoenix / Tickets $8.

Four-film series celebrating Cuba’s complex history, which provides deeper context for the museum’s current special-engagement exhibition Juan Francisco Elso: Por América (which runs until 9/17). The films will screen monthly, starting this summer and continuing through Hispanic Heritage Month. Each screening will be on a Wednesday at 6pm in Whiteman Hall on the first floor of the Phoenix Art Museum.

• The related Juan Francisco Elso exhibition is in the Steele Gallery, (between the museum entrance and the room where the films are showing). This special exhibition requires a $6 ticket for adults (youth 17 and under are free)!
• *Enjoy free general admission to the museum before the films (starting at 3pm), because all 4 screenings take place during Pay-What-You-Wish-Admission evenings!
• Read about a film costume exhibit we saw at Phoenix Art Museum.

 

• Northern Arizona

Music on the Square: Flagstaff Summer Concerts

now – September 29 / Heritage Square, Flagstaff / Free.

Free concerts in Heritage Square all summer long! Follow Downtown Flagstaff on Instagram and Facebook for details and updates.

• Thursdays 5-7pm: Jazz, blues and funk.
• Fridays 6-8pm: Local bands in the evening.
• Sundays 12-2pm: Local bands at lunchtime.

 

2023 Lavender Bloom + Wine Festival: A Feast for the Nose

now – July 22 (Thursdays through Saturdays) / Red Rock Ranch and Farms, Concho / Free.

Six-week festival of lavender grown in the mountains of northeastern Arizona. See the fields in bloom, learn about growing and cooking with lavender, visit the lavender shop to purchase plants and gift items, or cut your own lavender bouquet (clippers provided).

• Red Rock Ranch’s wine tasting room will be open during the festival for tastings, as well as for purchasing wine and cheese plates.
• Pets are not allowed at the farm during the festival.
• Post-festival hours: Starting July 29, the Wine Tasting Room and Shop will be open Saturdays 1-6pm.

 

July 4th Fine Arts + Crafts Festival: Celebration of High Country Craftsmanship

July 1-3 / Charlie Clark’s Orchard, Pinetop / Free.

Arts festival with live music, food and drink under tall pines. Attended by thousands of seasonal and year-round residents and visitors, it takes place in the Orchard, a park-like setting adjacent to Charlie Clark’s restaurant.

• The Festival is organized by the High Country Art Association, a non-profit, all volunteer organization dedicated to showcasing creative, original visual arts and fine crafts in the White Mountains.
• Read about a camping trip we took near Pinetop-Lakeside.

 

Flagstaff Art in the Park: Handcrafts at High Altitude

July 1-3 / Wheeler Park, Flagstaff / Free.

Fine arts and crafts festival that takes place over the Fourth of July and Labor Day weekends in a grassy park in Downtown Flagstaff.

• Vendors: Juried selection of 70 artists from across the Southwest.
• Food + beverage: Square Root Foods, Hot Bamboo, Safari Samosas, Cody Coyote Kettle Corn, Lulu’s Italian Waterice, Single Speed Coffee Roasters, and the Shady Beer Garden, which features local and regional breweries and benefits Special Olympics Arizona.
• Entertainment: Nonstop live music, including Craig Yarbrough, Flag5, Matt Bingham, Matthew Henry Hall, Rideshare, Sister and the Sun, Two Hand Union, Stan Clark and Tim Hogan, Paul and Friends, and TheatriKids.

 

Music in the Pines: Country Club Concert Series

July 1 + 10, August 2 + 16 / Pinetop Lakes Golf and Country Club, Pinetop / Free.

Live music and dancing on several summer Wednesdays and Saturdays. The event is free and open to the public! Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets to sit on.

• Food + beverage: Hamburgers, hot dogs, adult beverages, and soft drinks available for purchase. (Cash only.)
• Entertainment: Free line dance lessons at 3:30pm. Live music 4:30-7:30pm.

 

Japanese Boro Stitch and Scrap Scarf: Sew Sustainable!

August 3, 10am-3pm / Prescott Quilt Works, Prescott / $45 class fee

5-hour course on the art of Boro stitching, a traditional Japanese textile technique renowned for its beauty, history and sustainability. Instructor Socorro “CoCo” Alaniz will explain how Boro originated in Japan during the Edo Period (1609-1868) as a means of mending and repurposing textiles in rural farming communities. Learn about its profound cultural significance and walk away with a beautiful handmade scarf!

• A limited number of kits will be available for purchase at Prescott Quilt Works
  a week before the class. These will include linen or muslin fabric for the scarf,
  lace findings, and other cute accessories to add to your project.
• Fabric scraps not included.

 

Flagstaff Fadeaway: Music Fest at a Mod Mountainside Motel

September 30, 5pm. / High Country Motor Lodge, Flagstaff / General Admission Ticket $75

All-ages festival outside a refurbished mid-century motel off Route 66. Featured performers include Color Green, Sylvie, The Senators, Spencer Cullum + Rich Ruth, and Kacy + Clayton. Proceeds benefit the Glen Canyon Institute, which is working to restore the ecosystem of Glen Canyon and Colorado River.

• Doors open at 4pm. Bands start at 5pm.
• Food trucks and a full bar will be on-site. All attendees will be carded.
• The show will go on rain or shine!
• *Complimentary valet parking for all attendees presenting a valid Flagstaff Fadeaway ticket.

 

• Southern Arizona

Summer Safari Nights: Evening Event for Party Animals

Now – August 12, Saturdays 6pm – 8pm / Reid Park Zoo, Tucson / Admission $6-11.

The zoo opens up on summer Saturday nights for live music and entertainment, keeper chats, animal encounters, crafts and games. Each week is themed around a different kind of animal from the zoo.

• Face painting and glitter tattoos will be available for purchase.
• Ticket details: $10.50 for adults (ages 15-61), $8.50 for seniors (ages 62+), $6.50 for youth (ages 2-14), and free for children under 2.
• *ANYWHERE: Zoo web cams. 

Highlights:

• July 15: Shopping Night showcasing the creative, one-of-a-kind artwork and products of Tucson’s local makers.
• July 29: Entertainment by The Circus Academy.
• August 12 (World Elephant Day): Focus on African Elephants.

 

Sonoran Quipu: Immersive Installation of Knotty Art

Now – August / Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), Tucson / Included with admission.

Incorporating locally-found materials, Chilean artist and poet Cecilia Vicuña arranged hundreds of hanging knotted fibers and into what she calls a “poem in space,” which speaks to the way we are interconnected with each other and our environment. This is an exhibition created specifically for the Great Hall of MOCA Tucson, shaped by contributions from the community!

Goodies:

• *Outside the museum is Mini MOCA, a small artworks exchange in the style of a little free library.
• *Discounts for Downtown Clifton Hotel guests: 2 for 1 admission at MOCA, as well as 10% off any purchase in the MOCA Shop.

 

Arizona Biennial 2023: Arizona Artist Showcase

Now – September 17 / Tucson Museum of Art, Tucson / Included with admission.

Every-other-year exhibition of innovative and diverse new works by Arizona artists. It provides an opportunity for emerging artists to exhibit their art in a museum setting and to introduce it to the public. A new juror from outside the state is selected to curate each Arizona Biennial, reviewing the works of hundreds of artists to create a cohesive exhibition that becomes an overview of artistic creativity in Arizona.

• This year’s juror, Taína Caragol, is the Curator of painting, sculpture, and Latinx art and history at the National Portrait Gallery, who led the portrait commission of former President Obama by Kehinde Wiley.
• *First Thursday. On the first Thursday of the month, TMA offers extended hours (5-8pm), pay-what-you-wish admission, art and gallery activities, entertainment, and a cash bar. Reserve your free ticket online.
• *Second SundAZe. Focused on intergenerational learning, the Second Sunday of the month features activities and art-making for kids, as well as docent talks, free performances, and pay-what-you-wish admission.

 

Independence Day Celebration Concert: July 4th Pops!

July 1, 7:30pm / St. Augustine’s Cathedral, Tucson

Independence Day concert by the Tucson Pops orchestra, bringing back the tradition of this performance in the historic church.

 

Moonlight Market: Night Shopping among Nightshades

July 1, 7-10pm / Rozet Nursery and Landscape Design, Tucson / Free.

Music, food, drinks, local artists, and plant folks in a plant nursery on a cool(er) summer evening! All ages.

 

Paint Nights in the Park: Stable-side Painting Class

July 14 + Aug 11, 6-8pm / Marana Heritage River Park, Marana / Fee $38

Evening painting class inside a barn on July and August evenings! An experienced instructor will guide you stroke-by-stroke to create your very own take-home masterpiece! The cost of registration includes a 16×20″ canvas and painting supplies. No experience necessary.

• Participants who are over 21 may bring beer or wine to enjoy responsibly (with ID). Although not provided, you can also bring your own food to the event.
• Each month’s paint subject will be on the Town of Marana Parks and Recreation Facebook page.
• Advance registration is required on the event website.
• H/T Discover Marana 

 

Old Pueblo Market: Makers You Might’ve Missed

July 15, August 12, September 16, 10am-5pm / The Annabelle Studio, Tucson / Free.

Indoor market meant to reflect Tucson’s unique, diverse maker community, especially BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ artists. Every Old Pueblo Market has new vendors, because they give priority to creators who are just starting out and may have not have market experience.

 

Summer Night Market: After Hours at the Annex

July 28, August 25, September 29, 6- 10pm / MSA Annex, Tucson / Free.

Over 60 local vendors, plus music, food trucks, and extended hours for MSA Annex shops the last Friday evening of the month, May through September.

 

Tohono Chul Plant Sale: A Plant-Lover’s Paradise

July 29-30 / Tohono Chul Gardens, Galleries, and Bistro, Tucson / Free.

Annual plant sale where Tohono Chul hosts dozens of nursery growers, who showcase their botanicals under the shade of ramadas. You can pre-order plants from Borderlands Restoration Network to pick up there.

• *Free admission to Tohono Chul during the sale!
• More about Tohono Chul.

 

Southeast Arizona Birding Festival: Birder is the Word(er…)

August 9-13 / Headquarters: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Tucson – Reid Park, Tucson / $30 registration + activity fees.

4-day festival for recreational birders, featuring a Nature Expo / vendor fair, field trips, workshops, photography events, and social hours. It’s organized by Tucson Audubon Society, a nonprofit for engaging people in the conservation of birds and their habitats.

• The Opening Celebration and the Nature Expo are free and do not require registration.
• Scholarships Available: Tucson Audubon Society is committed to connecting all people to nature regardless of income. Anyone with a financial need is encouraged to apply. Scholarships are given based on availability of funds.
• *ANYWHERE: Online guide to the birds of Southeast Arizona.

 

Celebration of All Things Tucson: The Old Pueblo turns 248!

August 19, 6:15pm – 9:30pm / Presidio San Agustín del Tucson Museum, Tucson / Free.

Modern-day Tucson’s official founding day fiesta to “Celebrate All Things S cuk-sǫn/Tucson.” Food, drinks, family activities, and cultural performances, including folklorico dancing and Waila Music!

• H/T Visit Tucson
• *ANYWHERE: Visit virtually 
• ANYWHERE: Online Auction benefitting The Presidio Museum August 7-30.

 

Colors of the Stone: Gem Show Warm-Up

August 31 – September 3 / Casino Del Sol, Tucson / Free.

Colors of the Stone with To Bead True Blue and Artisan Workshops is a show that includes established and emerging glass artists, gem cutters, ceramists, bead makers, jewelry artists, mineral hunters, lapidaries, and gold smiths.

Shop from a collection of artisan handcrafted products made from sustainable materials in natural colors and buy directly from the source.

• Hands-on workshops offered daily, 8am-9pm.
• During the Tucson Fall Gem Show.
• *The hotel at the casino offers special room rates for Fall Gem Show attendees. (Book in advance.)
• *Casino Del Sol RV Park is offering discounts up to 10% off.

 

Tucson Comic-Con: Pop Culture Con

September 1-3 / Tucson Convention Center, Tucson / Adult Full Weekend Membership Pass $64

Community-based pop culture event that seeks to be America’s friendliest convention! The 3-day con features Q+A panels, workshops, costume contests, photo ops, and a large exhibitor hall. There will be actors, authors, comic book artists, and cosplayers appearing as special guests.

• Artist Alley: Meet writers, pencillers, inkers, and colorists from all over the world. Some offer one-of-a-kind sketches and commissions at their tables (usually grouped together in one aisle or section of the exhibitor hall).
• Game Area: Play video games – including vintage arcade games – board games, card games, and role-playing games!
• Inclusive Quiet Zone: A welcoming place to take a break from the hectic convention floor.
• *Early Bird Pricing: Adult (age 14+) Full Weekend Pass $50 through 7/7. Kids (age 9-13) $20.

• Anywhere

Anytime:

• Virtually Visit Tucson Presidio Museum
• Online guide to the birds of Southeast Arizona

Watch:

• • Water Harvester – short documentary about rainwater collection that’s perfect for monsoon season!
  • Reid Park Zoo web cams– see what the animals are up to! August 12 is World Elephant Day.
  • The Thief Collector documentary looks at the painting Woman-Ochre’s theft and the secret lives of the crime’s main suspects. It is available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime. You can also pre-order the Blu Ray/DVD before its August 15 release date.

Events:

Coffee, Tea, and Books

July 18 + August 15, 6-8pm / Free.

Tempe Library volunteer-lead discussion of recent novels or the occasional nonfiction title on the third Tuesday of the month.

• 7/18: American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
• 8/15: The Nightingale by Kristen Hannah
• Socialize with the group 6-6:30pm
• Book discussion 6:30-7:45pm
• You will receive the URL after you register.

Art Talk: Juan Francisco Elso and Mexico: Curator Cuauhtémoc Medina in dialogue with artist Magali

July 19, 12pm – 1pm / Free.

Learn about Juan Francisco Elso’s deep cultural and aesthetic ties to Mexico and Mesoamerican cultural traditions from Mexico City-based artist Magali Lara and Cuauhtémoc Medina, Chief Curator at MUAC (University Museum of Contemporary Art, Mexico City).

• Presented on Zoom (in Spanish with live English translation).
• Juan Francisco Elso exhibition

 

Online Auction Benefitting The Presidio Museum

August 7-30

The Presidio Museum is auctioning off fun and unique items to raise money for operations and programming.

 

July 30 is World Embroidery Day!

“Make 30th July a day filled with creativity for the sake of Peace, Freedom and Equality.”

–from the World Embroidery Day Manifesto (English translation)

Embroidery goodies:

• Fern Stitch Embroidery Tutorial + Free Pattern via Wandering Threads Embroidery
• Special pricing on kits and patterns (at least 30% off!) from Bird Brain Designs
• 18 Modern Embroidery art pieces for inspiration

 

Online Courses

Upcoming embroidery classes from around the world that you can take without leaving home…

Traditional Ukrainian Embroidery Workshop

July 12, 10-11:30am / Class fee $12

San Francisco School of Needlework and Design (SFSNAD) exhibiting artist Lesia Pona demonstrates traditional embroidery techniques from across Ukraine. She will highlight embroidered shirts from regions such as Merezshka (drawn thread), Vyrizuvania (cutwork), and Nyzynka (vertical weaving stitch).

• There are over 250 stitches used in Ukrainian folk embroidery with techniques unique to each region.
• A portion of ticket sales will go towards Razom for Ukraine, a 501(c)3 based in the Bay Area helping provide humanitarian assistance to people affected by the war in Ukraine.

Related in-person San Francisco School of Needlework and Design events:

• July 22 – September 16: Lesia Pona’s exhibition, “Life is One Fragile Thread: Traditional Embroidery of Ukraine” in SFSNAD’s Hanging Thread Gallery. Free admission.
• July 22, 10am-1 pm: donation-based Merezshka (drawn thread) embroidery workshop with Lesia Pona at SFSNAD. Followed by an artist reception (2-4pm).

 

Embroider Your Own Tote with Claribel

July 22, 10:30am – noon (Central) / 9:30-11:am Pacific / Class fee $60

Class with a master embroideress from Sumpango, Guatemala, a town known for its beautiful embroidery tradition. Fee includes live Zoom instruction, background cultural information on the patterns, step-by-step stitching PDF guide, a canvas tote stenciled will the embroidery pattern, and a variety of naturally-dyed cotton threads.

• Materials will be shipped to you.
• Class recording will be available for participatants to re-watch.

 

 

The Jubilee Series with Lucy Barter: Ireland’s Shamrock

August 9 (part 1) + August 16 (part 2), 10 am-3 pm / Class fee $360 + materials

Two-session Zoom course using embroidery to explore the history of the shamrock of Northern Ireland. It is part of a series on the symbolic flora of the UK’s four countries taught by Lucy Barter, SFSNAD Creative Director. Each classic design will consist of cross filling, blackwork patterns, gold couching, pearl purl, and padded satin stitching.

Upcoming courses will be centered around the thistle of Scotland and the daffodil of Wales. (The course on Englands’s Tudor rose was in June.)

• Materials: The kit for these classes will be sold separately. Your instructor will email you with further instructions.
• September 6 + 13: Scotland’s Thistle
• October 11 + 18: Wales’s Daffodil

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PS Photos I didn’t take link to their respective sources.

The Happenings List

The Happenings List is my seasonal selection of goings-on for lovers of art, craft, culture(s), and nature.

• *Goodies: There are bonus items, freebies, and discounts sprinkled throughout the list and asterisked to make them easier to find.
• Events you can enjoy anywhere: Happenings and Goodies you can participate in without having to physically be in Arizona are marked as “ANYWHERE” and all listed in the last section.
• Tell me about it! I can’t make it to as many Happenings as I’d like, so I’d love to hear about any you go to! Send me an email or hashtag social media posts about your experience with #TCJreco.

 

 

• Central Arizona

Masterworks by Nicolai Medvedev: Gem Art

now – June 2023 / Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, Scottsdale / Included with admission.

Collection of boxes covered in elaborate patterns made of gem materials. This complex form of lapidary art is known as “gem intarsia.” Artist Nicolai Medvedev uses deep green malachite and dark blue azurite from Bisbee, turquoise from Globe, as well as other minerals sourced worldwide.

• *ANYWHERE: See the West from Home! Listen, read, or watch videos about subjects featured in the museum.

 

The Metro Phoenix Saguaro Census 2023: Counting Cactus

May 1 – May 31 / throughout Metro Phoenix / Free.

Project for Valley residents to document saguaros you see. Each observation can include photos, a location, and notes about the general health of the saguaro and can be recorded using iNaturalist, a free smartphone app and website.

• This is a project lead by the Desert Botanical Garden.
• Data will help to learn about the biology and distribution of saguaros, as well as to understand how extreme urban heat and drought affects them.

 

Nepali New Year: Party Like It’s 2079!

May 6, 3pm – 7pm / Chandler Community Center, Chandler / Registration fees: adults $30, kids (age 4-9) $15, ages 3 and under are free

Welcome in the year 2080 B.S. (according to the traditional Nepali lunar calendar) with the Nepalis and Friends Association! The celebration will include dinner, performances of Nepali songs, and a cultural fashion show.

The Nepali New Year festival is just one of the events the Nepalis and Friends Association (NAFA) organizes in Arizona and celebrates with the Nepalese community and American friends. The non-profit organization promotes Nepali culture and strives to educate the next generation on their heritage.

• 3-5pm: registration and dinner
• 5-7pm: performances
• Pre-registration is required.

 

Try Taiko Classes: Intro to Japanese Drums

May 6, June 3, July 8, 4-5:30pm / Fushicho Daiko Dojo, Phoenix / $20

Single-class sessions on Taiko, Japanese ensemble drumming, so you can try it out before deciding whether to commit to ongoing classes. Learn the background and significance of Taiko and learn your first song! Try Taiko classes for adults are on Saturday evenings at the beginning of each month. Classes for kids happen less frequently, so watch the registration page.

• Secure facemasks required inside the dojo.
• *On Phoenix First Fridays, the dojo is open to visitors and you can watch classes practice taiko (free).

 

Valley of the Sun Juneteenth Celebration: Black History is Happening Every Day

June 17, 5pm – 10pm / Eastlake Park, Phoenix / Free.

Black history and culture appreciation event with musical and arts performers, community groups and schools, free health screenings, educational workshops, a youth essay contest, childrenʼs activities, arts and crafts, vendors, games, and soul food.

• Reserve a free ticket.
• Vendor and sponsor application deadline June 8.
• H/T Valley of the Sun Juneteenth Celebration on Facebook.

 

Summer Solstice Celebration: Library Light Show

June 21, 11am-1pm / Burton Barr Central Library, Phoenix / Free.

Event centered around the once-a-year moment when sunlight lines up perfectly to illuminate the tops of columns across the library’s Great Reading Room, designed by architect Will Bruder. It only happens at solar noon on the summer solstice!

• Music begins at 11:30am
• Solstice presentation at 12pm

 

• Northern Arizona

¡Qué Hermoso!: Latinx Life in Art

May 3 – May 26 / Sedona Arts Center (SAC), Sedona / Free.

Exhibition featuring painting, drawing, mixed-media, photography, and art installation that celebrates Latino/a cultural identity, histories, traditions, and contemporary social justice issues. Diverse Arizona artists – both established and emerging – have created imaginative works to spark conversation, cultural connections, and community.

• May 3, 4pm: Celebrate Sedona! Bi-monthly celebration of the community’s music, food, drink, and artistry. This special edition of the event will take place in the upper parking lot of Sedona Arts Center. There will be music by Guitarras Latinas, a ceramics sale and demos by SAC, plus additional local art and eats.
• *ANYWHERE: Sedona Arts Center virtual exhibition of work by featured artists and gallery tour.

 

2023 Lavender Bloom + Wine Festival: A Feast for the Nose

June 15 – July 22 (Thursdays through Saturdays) / Red Rock Ranch and Farms, Concho / Free.

Six-week festival of lavender grown in the mountains of northeastern Arizona. See the fields in bloom, learn about growing and cooking with lavender, visit the lavender shop to purchase lavender plants and gift items, or cut your own lavender bouquet (clippers provided).

• Red Rock Ranch’s wine tasting room will be open during the festival for tastings, as well as for purchasing wine and cheese plates.
• Pets are not allowed at the farm during the festival.
• Post-festival hours: Starting July 29, the Wine Tasting Room and Shop will be open Saturdays 1-6pm.

 

Pride in the Pines: LGBTQ2S Festival + Parade

June 17, 11am – 9pm / Thorpe Park ball fields, Flagstaff / Day-of tickets: ages 11+: $25, free for children 10 and under.

Flagstaff’s family-friendly Pride Festival works to support cultural diversity and human rights by fighting discrimination of any kind. It has been held annually for the past 26 years at the Thorpe Park ball fields. This year, however, will be the 1st Annual Flagstaff Pride Parade! Also on the agenda: vendors and exhibitors, food, a beer garden, and entertainment, including music, performers, a dance tent, and drag shows.

• Parade entry applications are open through June 1.
• Tickets include admission to the festival grounds and a wrist-band for re-entry.
• *Save $5 by purchasing tickets in advance (instead of at the door).
• *Mention Flagstaff Pride for special rates/discounts offered at Sponsor Hotels.
• H/T Flagstaff Pride

 

Heritage Festival: Multi-Tribal Artists’ Market

June 24-25 / Museum of Northern Arizona (outside), Flagstaff / Admission: adults $20, youth (ages 10-17) $10, free for children 9 and under

Showcase for the diverse Indigenous cultures of the Colorado Plateau region, which include the Acoma, Apache, Diné (Navajo), Havasupai, Hopi, Hualapai, Pai, Ute, Yavapai, and Zuni. The expanded 2023 market and mainstage will be located on the forested grounds outside of the museum, so there will be plenty of space and fresh air.

• Entertainment: traditional dances, music, talks by cultural experts.
• Purchases at the festival benefit the artists, who are all enrolled members of recognized Indian tribes.
• *Get full weekend access to the festival for only $5 more than a single-day ticket!

 

• Southern Arizona

Restored: The Return of Woman-Ochre

now – May 20 / University of Arizona Museum of Art (UAMA), Tucson / Included with admission.

Thirty-seven years after being stolen from the University of Arizona Museum of Art, Willem de Kooning’s painting, Woman-Ochre, has returned to the UAMA galleries! This exhibition features the work and its unusual history, including the extensive restoration it underwent after being recovered.

• After the Restored exhibition ends, the Woman-Ochre painting itself will remain on display at UAMA – returning to museum’s second floor.
• ANYWHERE: The Thief Collector documentary looks at Woman-Ochre’s theft and the secret lives of the crime’s main suspects. You can pre-order the Blu Ray/DVD via Amazon now. Starting in May, it will be screening in select North American theaters and available on Amazon Prime in the UK.

 

JOY: Rotating Sculpture Collection

now – May 27 / Sculpture Park (in Brandi Fenton Memorial Park), Tucson / Free.

16 large-scale sculptures all about awakening joy!

 

Haiku Hike: Poetry in Planters

Now – June 1 / Downtown Tucson, Tucson / Free.

Self-guided walking tour of haiku poetry printed on signs in planters along Congress Street and Stone Avenue. The 20 poems are winners of an annual literary competition, submitted by the public and chosen by Tucson’s poet Laureate, TC Tolbert. This year’s theme is “Planting Seeds.”

 

Tucson Botanical Gardens Art Exhibits: Flower Power on Display

Now – June / Tucson Botanical Gardens, Tucson / Included with admission.

Cultivating Colors by Colored Pencil Society of America, Phoenix

• • Now – June 4
  • Exhibit featuring the amazing plant life of Arizona through the colored pencil medium.
  • The Phoenix Chapter of the Colored Pencil Society of America (CPSA) is a part of a national nonprofit organization. Members of the Society exhibit their work throughout the country and conduct workshops and lectures.

Flower Mounds by Lex Gjurasic.

• • Now – June 11
  • Exhibition of cohesive, vibrant artwork by Lex Gjurasic.
  • Her work aesthetically alludes to the folkloric floral motifs of her Slavic heritage and expresses her exuberance for life.

 

Sonoran Quipu: Immersive Installation of Knotty Art

Now – August / Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), Tucson / Included with admission.

Incorporating locally-found materials, Chilean artist and poet Cecilia Vicuña arranged hundreds of hanging knotted fibers and into what she calls a “poem in space,” which speaks to the way we are interconnected with each other and our environment.

Goodies:

• *Outside the museum is Mini MOCA, a small artworks exchange in the style of a little free library.
• *Discounts for Downtown Clifton Hotel guests: 2 for 1 admission at MOCA, as well as 10% off any purchase in the MOCA Shop.

 

Arizona Biennial 2023: Arizona Artist Showcase

Now – September 17 / Tucson Museum of Art, Tucson / Included with admission.

Every-other-year exhibition of innovative and diverse new works by Arizona artists. It provides an opportunity for emerging artists to exhibit their art in a museum setting and to introduce it to the public. A different juror from outside the state is selected to curate each Arizona Biennial, reviewing the works of hundreds of artists to create a cohesive exhibition that becomes an overview of artistic creativity in Arizona.

• This year’s juror, Taína Caragol, is the Curator of painting, sculpture, and Latinx art and history at the National Portrait Gallery, who led the portrait commission of former President Obama by Kehinde Wiley.
• *First Thursday. On the first Thursday of the month, TMA offers extended hours (5-8pm), pay-what-you-wish admission, art and gallery activities, entertainment, and a cash bar. Reserve your free ticket online.
• *Second SundAZe. Focused on intergenerational learning, the Second Sunday of the month features activities and art-making for kids, as well as docent talks, free performances, and pay-what-you-wish admission.

 

Pueblos del Maíz: Corn Heritage

May 4-7 / Downtown Tucson

Part of a month-long cross-border culinary celebration of maíz (corn), co-hosted with 4 other UNESCO Cities of Gastronomy: Puebla, Mexico; Mérida, Mexico; and San Antonio, Texas.

• *ANYWHERE: BorderLore monthly online journal special Pueblos del Maíz edition.
• *Receive a 20% discount at Lodging Partner Hotels during Pueblos del Maíz.
  .

Event highlights for Pueblos de Maíz Tucson:

May 4, 5pm: Opening Celebration of Popol Vuh and the Maya Art of Storytelling / Tucson Museum of Art / Free.

• Artist talk with Justin Favela, who will offer insights into his creative practice and his relationships with the Popol Vuh creation story and the series of images it inspired artist Carlos Mérida to make.
• Family Fiesta: A public celebration and performance work featuring the artist’s family’s traditions, live music, and art-making activities!
• *First Thursday: This takes place on the first Thursday of May, when Tucson Museum of Art offers extended hours (5-8pm) and pay-what-you-wish admission. Reserve your free ticket online.

May 4, 7pm: Noche de Maíz Dinner / The Carriage House / $200 (+$25 fee) / 21+

• 6 paired courses + hors d’oeuvres to highlight the wide range of uses for maíz.
• Tucson Chefs Janos Wilder and Gary Hickey will welcome three visiting chefs from the UNESCO Pueblos del Maíz co-host cities, and each chef will prepare a corn-focused course.

May 5, 6:30pm: Maíz Showcase / Tucson Museum of Art / $75

• A bocadito dinner experience that includes TEN small plates, ONE Pueblos del Maíz signature beer by Borderlands Brewery, and some special surprises!
• Featuring a group of Tucson’s finest chefs, restaurateurs, and food artisans.

May 6, 3pm: Maíz Fiesta / Kennedy Park / Free.

• Live music from Los Apson, Gertie + TO Boyz, Los Hermanos Cuatro, + Las Trillizas y Dulce, DJ Gary Chavez + MC Raul Aguirre.
• Chef demonstrations.
• Art installations by Galeria Mitotera.
• Family-friendly activities hosted by Pima Public Library and Pima Reach.

 

Borderlands Nursery Spring Plant Sale: Sow Local

May 6, 8am – 3pm / Borderlands Nursery + Seed, Patagonia / Free.

Shop native plants and seeds with music and retail booths from local farmers and artisans, including artist/designer Jenna Tomasello, and Shooting Star Pottery.

 

Latino Pride Festival Tucson: ¡Qué gay!

May 6, 12pm / Armory Park, Tucson / $15 general admission

Festival promoting liberty, equality, and justice for the Latino LGBTQ community! The event will include national and local performing artists, mariachis, baile folklorico, vendor booths, and food trucks.

• Mobile tickets available on Eventbrite.
• Presented by Latino Pride Alliance (LPA). which addresses issues faced by the Latina/o lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community, such as family acceptance, homophobia, xenophobia, family separation, and homelessness.

 

Nature Photography in the Gardens: Capturing Cacti

May 10, 10:30am / Tucson Botanical Gardens, Tucson / $75

Class about getting outside and taking pictures! Includes targeted instruction on basic composition, nature and landscape photography, close up / macro photography, and the use of props.

• Taught and guided by William Walther and Peggy Steffens.
• Bring a camera or smart phone that you know how to operate.
• Arrive 10 minutes early, and meet in the Education Building Classroom.
• Register soon: class limited to 12 students.

 

Observatory Public Viewing Times: See Stars

Patterson Observatory, Sierra Vista / Free.

The Patterson Observatory has a 20” aperture telescope, capable of observing objects one million times fainter than the human eye can detect! Huachuca Astronomy Club (HAC) volunteers operate the observatory, located on University of Arizona Sierra Vista Campus.

• Events are weather dependent and will be canceled in case of inclement weather. If the sky is even partly cloudy, visitors should check the recording at (520) 626-6649 for a cancellation notice.
• No public viewing events are scheduled during the monsoon months of July and August.
• ANYWHERE: Virtual tour of the Patterson Observatory.

Free Observation Times:

May 13 + June 10, 9-11am: Solar Saturdays. Every second Saturday of the month (weather permitting), HAC Members will show you sunspots, solar prominences and other solar features through safe solar telescopes.

May 25 + June 22, 7:30pm: Public Viewing Nights. Monthly (Sept. – June) on the Thursday nearest the first quarter moon.

• View the night skies! HAC volunteers will be on site to answer questions and share images of stars, planets, and nebulas.
• Observing starts half an hour after sunset.
• Family-friendly event.
• Space is limited, so (free) registration is required. You must present your emailed receipt for entrance.

 

Music Under the Stars: Orchestra Outdoors

May 14, 21, 28 at 7pm / DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center in Reid Park, Tucson / Free. (Donations accepted.)

Tucson Pops Orchestra’s May outdoor concert series, includes these themes…

• May 14: Mother’s Day
• May 21: Nothing But Love
• May 28: Memorial Day

Tips for all DeMeester performances:

• Bring a lawn chair or blanket.
• Parking tends to fill up at Reid Park. Plan to arrive early or use alternate transportation. (#17 bus line’s Country Club/Eastland stop is near the stage.)

 

Mariachi Festival and Wine Tasting: Violins + Vino

May 20, 9am – 7pm / Patagonia Lake State Park, Patagonia / Park entrance fee of $20 per vehicle (up to 4 adults). Kids 13 and under are free.

A day of international mariachi dancing and bands with local wineries, food vendors, and activities for kids.

• Food + Beverage: Roasted corn, fry bread, Mexican fruit cups, tacos, smoked BBQ, kettle corn, snow cones, local wine.
• Entertainment: Five bands and two dance performances.

 

Summer Night Market: Shopping after Sundown

May 26 + June 30, 6- 10pm / Mercado San Agustin Annex, Tucson / Free.

Over 60 local vendors, plus music, food trucks, and extended hours for MSA Annex shops the last Friday evening of the month, May through September.

 

Tucson Juneteenth: Freedom Festival

June 10 – June 17 / multiple venues, Tucson

A week of celebrating the moment when the US “finally and truly became the land of the free.” Festivities include a kick-off concert, jubilee, legacy night, and festival.

• June 10, 8pm:Evelyn “Champagne” King concert at the Dunbar Pavilion. / Tickets $48 + fees. Proceeds will assist Tucson Juneteenth and Community partners.
• June 11, 1pm:Tucson Juneteenth Gospel Jubilee and Luncheon at Pima College West. Annual community event, featuring the first-ever Tucson Juneteenth Mass Choir, a collective of Pima County musicians and singers bringing together praise and celebration, including performances from Ada Austin, and Nancy Jones. / Lunch: 1- 2:30pm, Concert: 3-6pm / Free (donations accepted)
• June 15, 4pm: Legacy Night at The Loft Cinema. A night of learning history with Tucson trailblazers. Details TBA.
• June 17, 1-9 pm:Juneteenth: Celebrating Freedom at the Kino Sports Park Field. The event will feature live entertainment, vendors, educational and job booths, a car show, food trucks, and a kid zone with free toys.

 

• Anywhere

LGBTQ Virtual Film Discussions

May 18 + June 15, 12pm – 1pm / Free.

Online discussion series about watching films, sharing stories, and having an honest conversation about the tough issues faced by the LGBTQ community. Registration required. Participants will receive an email with instructions on how to join the WebEx meeting.

Upcoming monthly film selections (all will be available through the library’s Kanopy collection)…

• May 18: Expanding Gender: Youth Out Front. Three short documentaries explore the varied identities of trans and gender expansive youth and young adults.
• June 15: Sordid Lives. Cult classic comedy about a gay actor returning home to his small town for his grandmother’s funeral. As generations of his dysfunctional family come together, the truth of their “sordid lives” is revealed.

 

Heat Proof Your Desert Garden: Plant Survival Seminar

May 26, 10am / $30

Learn strategies to help your garden become more resilient to hot temperatures, including heat-proof plants and ways to minimize the effects of the long desert summers within the garden itself.

• Taught by Noelle Johnson (a.k.a. AZ Plant Lady).
• Online class participants will receive a Zoom link for the live class two hours before the class begins.
• All online classes are recorded and participants receive a video replay that is available for two weeks after the date of the class.
• *Native Seeds SEARCH recipes featuring southwestern crops + curated list of warm season seed varieties you can order via their online store.

 

Anywhere Goodies

Extras you can enjoy anywhere there’s internet!

Virtually Visit:

• Experience Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West from home! Listen, read, or watch videos about subjects featured in the museum.
• Sedona Arts Center virtual exhibition of work by featured artists and gallery tour.
• Virtual tour of the Patterson Observatory.

Watch + Read:

• BorderLore monthly online journal special Pueblos del Maíz edition
• Arizona Commission on the Arts virtual mini lessons.
• The documentary The Thief Collector looks at the theft of the Woman-Ochre painting and the secret lives of the crime’s main suspects. Starting in May, it will be available on Amazon Prime in the UK. North American streaming release details are TBD. However, you can pre-order the Blu-ray/DVD now.

“If March comes in like a lion, it will go out like a lamb.”

Or so the saying goes. But if March begins with snow in the desert… then what?!

We did indeed get snow here  in Tucson late Wednesday night. Also on Valentine’s Day. It’s a strange start to the spring season!

There wasn’t enough snow to cancel any events, of course, and it turned warm and sunny a day later. So the spring calendar continues to be full throughout the state!

The Happenings List

The Happenings List is my seasonal selection of goings-on for lovers of art, craft, culture(s), and nature.

• *Goodies: There are bonus items, freebies, and discounts sprinkled throughout the list and asterisked to make them easier to find.
• Events you can enjoy anywhere: Some of the Happenings and Goodies you can participate in from anywhere are listed throughout this List. There will be more in our upcoming newsletter, so make sure you’re subscribed!
• Disclosure: I’m not paid to list any of these events. If there is an artist with an Etsy page, I’ll link to it and, as an Etsy affiliate, I may earn commission when someone makes a purchase after following one of my links.
• Tell me about it! I can’t make it to as many Happenings as I’d like, so I’d love to hear about any you go to! Send me an email or hashtag social media posts about your experience with #TCJreco.

 

• Central Arizona

The Grand Canyon State Group Exhibit: the Canyon According to Artists

now – April 2 / Bob’s Spot Gallery at Herberger Theater, Phoenix / Free.

Group exhibit featuring artists’ interpretation – realistic, impressionistic, or abstract – of the Grand Canyon.

• Exhibit open Monday through Friday, 12:00-4:30pm and during theater performances.
• Enter through the box office.
• *Happy Hour specials at Carcara lounge + bar (across the street at Sheraton Downtown Phoenix): $4 draft beers + $6 house wines Tuesday through Saturday, from 3-6pm. Their bar snacks menu looks pretty good too!

 

The Melrose Street Fair: 7th Ave. Takeover

March 4, 11am-5pm / Melrose District, Phoenix / Free.

20th annual neighborhood street fair along 7th Avenue from Indian School to Camelback Road.

• Vendors: over 200 local and independent artisans
• Food + beverage: food trucks, farmers market, and craft beer garden
• Entertainment: live music, kids’ activities, and Chester’s Classic Car Show (antique and vintage cars, trucks and hot-rods)
• H/T Good Food Finder

 

Mask Alive Festival: Multicultural Masked Performances

March 5 / Pioneer Park, Mesa / Free.

Festival focused on live performances of dance and music that celebrates the global artistic tradition of storytelling through masks.

• Vendors: local artists selling their work
• Food + beverage: food trucks and treats like paletas, conchas, and aguas frescas
• Entertainment: Desert Sounds Mariachi, World Martial Arts Academy Lion Dance Team, Step Junk Funk / Desert Dance Theater, Tatiana Crespo + Chispas, Astarte Egyptian Belly Dancing, Enparoxismo Music, Primavera Ballet Folklórico, Japanese Taiko Drummers, Parade of Puppets, plus free kids’ craft activities
• *Mask coloring sheets and templates
• See also: Dia de los Muertos in Mesa

 

IMPRINT Festival: West Side Storytelling

March 11, 11am – 5pm / Civic Center Plaza, Surprise

Celebration of the richness and beauty of the diverse cultures existing in and around the West Valley. The one-day event features music, live demonstrations, storytelling, visual arts, and an outdoor market. It will take place next to the new Xeriscape Demonstration Garden in the City of Surprise’s Civic Center Plaza.

• Vendors: only Arizona artisans selling their own work
• Food + beverage: local food trucks Puerto Rican Pete’s, Carnivore Creations, and Frios Gourmet Pops
• Entertainment: live performances by Teri Tobin + Friends, Aaron White + Anthony Wakeman, Ballet Folklorico de Santa Maria, Pretty Precise Step Team, Mariachi Pasion, Chi’Chino Spirit O’Odham Dance Group
• H/T Phoenix Urban Guide

 

Ceili Dancing: Learn Irish Dance

March 17 (St. Patrick’s Day) + April 21 / Irish Cultural Center and McClelland Library, Phoenix / Ages 13+: $8, 6-12: $5, children 5 and under are free

Monthly Irish social dance, known as ceili. No prior experience is necessary. This is a family-oriented activity with a focus on fun! You can attend an Orientation/Beginners session, and then the instructors will call the dances as you dance.

• Ceilis are the third Friday of each month in the Great Hall of the Irish Culture Center.
• Orientation at 6:45pm. Ceili begins at 7:30pm.
• Entertainment: live music
• Food + beverage: cash bar

Book of Kells related Goodies:

• *The Book of Kells exhibit. The McClelland Library is home to one of the rare full-color facsimiles of the Book of Kells created in order to increase education and access to the historic work. See it anytime the McClelland Library is open. Free.
• *ANYWHERE: Trinity College Dublin has a free digital exhibit on the Book of Kells.
• *The Secret of Kells, a delightful animated film that weaves a story from the mythology of the Book’s creation is available on Kanopy.

 

Quilt Arizona! 2023: Quilt Show

March 23 – March 25 / Mesa Convention Center, Building B + C, Mesa / $5-10 entry fee

Arizona Quilters Guild (ACQ) annual quilt show with many types of quilts on display, including pieced, applique, hand quilted, kit, art, pictorial, and modern. The 2023 theme is “Canyon of Colors.” It features lectures for quilters and about 35 craft-related vendors.

• Free parking.
• *Membership Special: Sign up at the Quilt Show as a new AQG Member ($30) and receive 3 months free membership, then pay Member Admission Rates to enter the show.
• See also: The Quilt, Craft + Sewing Festival

Admission details –

• Mar. 23 (open 5-8pm): $5
• Mar. 24 (9am-5pm) or Mar. 25 (9am-4pm): $10 for Full Day Pass / $5 for AQC Members
• Mar. 24 or Mar. 25 after 1pm: $5
• Children under 12 are free.

 

• Northern Arizona

Sedona Arts Center’s Juried Members’ Show: Art at the Red Rocks

March 6 – March 31 / Sedona Arts Center State Route 89A + Art Barn Road, Sedona / Free.

The largest and longest-running group exhibition of visual art in Uptown Sedona with painting, mixed media, photography, metal, wood, jewelry, and fiber art!

• H/T Visit Sedona

 

Victory in Times of Struggle: Hopeful Classical Concert

April 14, 7:30pm / Ardrey Memorial Auditorium, Flagstaff / Regular tickets $46-76 + fees

Haydn and Beethoven: Victory in Times of Struggle is a joint performance by NAU’s Shrine of the Ages Choir and Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra. They will play Franz Joseph Haydn’s hopeful Missa in Angustiis (Mass in Troubled Times) and Beethoven’s Eroica symphony, which is described as “a twisting journey of tension, beauty and uncertainty that arrives at one of the great victorious resolutions in the classical repertoire.”

Why it made the list: We could use some victorious sounds in these troubled times!

• 6:30pm: Pre-concert conversation
• *ANYWHERE: NAU online art galleries of student and faculty work.

 

Verde Valley BioBlitz: Riparian Roll Call

April 22 – May 7 / Verde Valley Watershed / Free.

Community science effort to document native and invasive species in the sensitive Verde River habitat systems. To participate, use the iNaturalist app to take photos of plants, animals, birds, and insects along the Verde River, Oak Creek, or West Clear Creek.

• Submitting observations through iNaturalist helps to gather important species data from the area.
• If you post photos throughout the event, use hashtag #PurdyVerde and tag @friendsoftheverderiver.

 

Verde Valley Birding + Nature Festival: Birders Flock Together

April 27 – April 30 / Dead Horse Ranch State Park, Cottonwood / $35 registration fee

Annual celebration of nature that brings together experienced and amateur birders to enjoy workshops, expert-lead field trips, and inclusive events in the beautiful Verde Valley.

• The 2023 Festival Theme is “Riverside Residents,” and its featured bird is the Vermilion Flycatcher.
• *ANYWHERE: Collaborative online gallery: living gallery of photos, videos, written musings, and other original creations.
• *Apr. 29: Free Family Day in Dead Horse Ranch State Park, between the lagoons. A day of family-friendly activities and exhibits, presented alongside the Verde Valley Community BioBlitz.
• *ANYWHERE: Free animal coloring pages.

 

• Southern Arizona

More Than: New Old West Art Exhibition

Now – March 19 / Tucson Museum of Art (TMA), Tucson / Included with admission.

Why it made the list: The western genre tends to narrow its narrative to a few archetypes, overlooking  the rest of the people who lived in the Old West and were a part of its history. More Than: Expanding Artist Identities from the American West explores a more inclusive interpretation of the genre, centering works of art created by women, people of color, and persons of intersectional backgrounds.

• Examples of historic works are creatively paired with contemporary art to make meaningful connections between the past and present.
• The exhibition includes poetry by former Tucson Poet Laureate TC Tolbert and texts by local community members.
• *Mar. 2: First Thursday. On the first Thursday of the month, TMA offers extended hours (5-8pm), pay-what-you-wish admission, art and gallery activities, entertainment, and a cash bar. Reserve your free ticket online.

 

JOY: Rotating Sculpture Collection

now – May / Sculpture Park (in Brandi Fenton Memorial Park), Tucson / Free.

Why it made the list: We enjoyed visiting the Sculpture Park during its inaugural season! Its current exhibit is all about awakening joy. Since it’s completely outdoors, this would be a really nice time of year to visit!

• 16 large-scale sculptures.
• Mar. 17-19: 2023 Sculpture Festival Show + Sale

 

Sonoran Quipu: Immersive Installation of Knotty Art

Now – August / Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Tucson, Tucson / Included with admission.

Incorporating locally-found materials, Chilean artist and poet Cecilia Vicuña arranged hundreds of hanging knotted fibers and into what she calls a “poem in space,” which speaks to the way we are interconnected with each other and our environment.

Why it made the list: This is an exhibition created specifically for the Great Hall of MOCA Tucson, shaped by contributions from the community!

• ANYWHERE: Live stream events in the UA Poetry Center’s Spring 2023 Reading + Lecture Series or find them afterwards on the Poetry Center’s YouTube page.

Goodies:

• *Outside the museum is Mini MOCA, a small artworks exchange in the style of a little free library.
• *Discounts for Downtown Clifton Hotel guests: 2 for 1 admission at MOCA, as well as 10% off any purchase in the MOCA Shop.

 

Tucson Festival of Books: A Reading Revelry

March 4-5 / University of Arizona, Tucson / Free.

Community-wide celebration of literature and literacy, featuring author talks and panels, poetry readings, workshops for writers, and Science City.

• Vendors/exhibitors: authors, museums, independent booksellers, local media outlets, non-profit organizations, publishers, educational institutions, and other literature-related products and services
• Food + beverage: food court with over a dozen local restaurants and food trucks represented
• Parking: Free parking TFOB weekend in U of A’s Park Avenue Garage, Highland Garage, and several surface lots. $5 parking in the Cherry Avenue, 6th Street, Tyndall, Stadium and Main Gate Garages.
• Transit: Sun Link street car 2nd St/Highland Ave stop.

Entertainment…

• For kids: storybook character parade, book nook activity tent, the Bumble Bee singers (Tucson Girls Chorus Kindergarteners and First Graders), Pawdemonium interactive children’s theater, magic show
• For teens: young author + young artist competition, author interviews by teens, YA workshops
• For all ages: accordion duet, Ballet Folklorico (Mexican folkdance), Literary Circus (The Circus Academy of Tucson’s show inspired by literary works throughout the ages), local musicians, Lion Dance, Scandinavian dance, Klezmer music, Hula group

 

Water Is Life Music + Resistance Festival: Indigenous-led Benefit Concert

March 11, 1pm – 10pm / MSA Annex, Tucson / Tickets: $30 + fees

Inaugural Honor the Earth: Water Is Life Music + Resistance Festival, an Indigenous-led benefit concert. Proceeds will go to funding Indigenous land back, sovereignty, and food and water initiatives by Indigenous People in Arizona. The event will feature local and international Native speakers, art, food, and music.

• Vendors/exhibitors: regional artist village, environmental organizations, Southwest Folklife Alliance
• Food + beverage: local + indigenous food vendors
• Entertainment:  performances by Keith Secola, Papago Warrior, Rebel Diaz, XIXA (acoustic), David Huckfelt, Giant Sand, Gary Farmer, Djentrification, One Way Sky, Cihuatl Ce, Humblelianess, DJ Q, Lady Gugu

 

Oro Valley Riverfront Park Classical Concert Series: Concertos at the Catalinas

March 12, 4pm / Riverfront Park Outdoor Grass Amphitheater, Oro Valley / Free.

The Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra concludes the Riverfront Park Classical Concert Series with a special performance showcasing their 2022-2023 season.

Why it made the list: These free outdoor concerts give classically trained musicians a monthly opportunity to perform on Tucson’s North Side.

• Final concert of the season.
• Concerts are 60-90 minutes in length.
• Limited seating is provided. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or chairs.
• Food + beverage: food trucks onsite

 

Made in Tucson Market: Meet Your Makers

March 19, 10am – 6pm / Fourth Avenue District, Tucson / Free.

Market of goods handmade by Tucson artists, many of whom will be there demonstrating their work.

• Vendors: 300 local makers and creatives
• Food + beverage: food trucks + 4th Avenue restaurants
• H/T Made in Tucson Market on Facebook

 

Haiku Hike: Poetry in Planters

March 20 – June 1 / Downtown Tucson, Tucson / Free.

Self-guided walking tour of haiku poetry printed on acrylic signage and placed in planters along Congress Street and Stone Avenue. The 20 poems are winners of an annual literary competition, submitted by the public and chosen by Tucson’s poet Laureate, TC Tolbert.

• Submissions accepted through the online form until March 9, 2023!
• This year’s theme is “Planting Seeds.”
• See also: Poetry in Planters

 

Arizona Biennial 2023: Arizona Artist Showcase

April 1 – September 17 / Tucson Museum of Art, Tucson / Included with admission.

Juried exhibition that showcases innovative and diverse new works being created in the state. For emerging artists, this exhibition provides an opportunity to exhibit their art in a museum setting and to introduce it to the public. It will be on view in the James and Louise Glasser Gallery and Chann Gallery at Tucson Museum of Art.

• For each biennial, a new juror from outside the state is selected to review the works of hundreds of artists and create a cohesive exhibition that becomes an overview of artistic creativity in Arizona.
• This year’s juror is Taína Caragol, Curator of painting, sculpture, and Latinx art and history at the National Portrait Gallery. (She led the portrait commission of former President Obama by Kehinde Wiley.)
• April 6, 5:30 -7pm at TMA: Arizona Artist Spotlight. Join Arizona Biennial 2023 artists as they discuss their process, share insights on their works in the biennial and discuss how they relate to their larger body of works. / $5
• *March 12 + April 9, 10am-5pm: Second SundAZe Family Day. The second Sunday of every month TMA features art-making, performances, and Pay-What-You-Wish Admission.

 

DIY Macrame Wall Plant Hanger Workshop

April 2, 12pm / Hotel McCoy, Tucson / $45 fee

Workshop on how to make your own macrame plant hanger by expert maker Jessica Melrose. All materials are provided, including different yarn color options. You can take home written instructions and a video, so you can try making another one on your own.

• Registration fee also includes a mimosa and a tamale!
• See also: An Artisan Market on Tucson Summer Nights

 

Arizona International Film Festival (AZIFF): Indie film fest

April 19 – April 30 / Downtown Tucson area / Tickets TBD. (Last year: $8/individual film admission.)

The Arizona International Film Festival is a venue for independent filmmakers in search of an independent audience. Screening locations this year include The Screening Room, MSA Annex, Hotel Congress, and UA Main Gate.

• The Selection Committee will be announcing the finalists for the 2023 Festival by March 16.
• See also: Independent Filmmaker Insights from AZIFF

 

Desert Air Market (DAM): Maker-Made Market

April 22, 10am-4pm / 6th Street + 6th Avenue (in front of the Firestone Building), Tucson / Free.

Created and run by local artisans, DAM is a popular popup market that aspires to be a day of joy and connection! This spring’s market will be held on Earth Day and a portion of vendor fees will be donated to a local conservation non-profit.

• Vendors: craftspeople selling items they’ve made
• Food + beverage: Banhdicted food truck (+ they are looking for more)
• Entertainment: live DJ

Goodies from the market’s “neighbors” in the Firestone building:

• *ANYWHERE: Bhava Wellness is offering free shipping for online orders over $100. Use code GETINTHEBHAV at checkout.
• *LET’S SWEAT: First-timers can get a pack of 3 spin/strength classes for $33 (instead of $54 if purchased separately).

 

TPF XL: Poetry Festival

April 22 – April 23 / UA Poetry Center, Tucson

Tucson Poetry Festival (TPF) is celebrating 40 years of poetry in Tucson! The schedule for TPF XL: Poetry and Presence includes workshops at the UA Poetry Center, a featured reading at the Temple of Music and Art, and a Sunday morning open mic brunch.

 

Agave Heritage Festival

April 27 – April 30 / Tucson / Includes both paid and free events.

Sustainability-focused celebration of the agave plant, the culture surrounding it, and the spirits made from it. Events include workshops, traditional agave pit roasting demonstration, spirit tastings, heritage dinners, a Mezcrawl, and an agave fiesta.

See also:

• Agave Expo 2022
• My Cactus + Succulent favorites on Etsy.