With all the conversation around rethinking work in a post-lockdown world, I’d like to add an item to the collective agenda: the siesta. Let’s not miss this opportunity to restructure our schedules around not having to go anywhere when it’s really hot!
Summer events where things stay open later to take advantage of cool evening temps are a good start. There are a couple of those on this season’s Happenings List.
You’ll also find….
- Sculpture exhibitions: from large-scale outdoor works to some so small they literally fit on the head of a pin.
- Unusual ways to appreciate nature: from the night sky to the desert flora and fauna.
- Events you can experience from anywhere, in addition to the ones you can go to in person here in Southern Arizona.
I’ve also asterisked goodies that go along with some of the events. Have fun!
now – Jun 26 / anywhere
Sale of artwork contributed by artists from all over the country. Proceeds are split between the artists and two organizations supplying humanitarian aid in the desert, Casa Alitas and No More Deaths/No Mas Muertes.
H/T Spring + Vine, whose beautiful Desert Monsoon Mobile has already sold, but there are still lots of great pieces available!
In the Eye of a Needle: Micro Miniatures by Flor Carvajal
now – Jun 27 / Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures, Tucson / Admission $11.50, Youth (3+) $8
U.S. debut of Flor Carvajal’s micro-miniature resin sculptures – which are tiny enough to be mounted along the edge of a sewing needle.
- *$1 off tickets purchased online.
now – Jul 4 / Brandi Fenton Memorial Park, Tucson / free
Inaugural exhibition of SculptureTucson’s Sculpture Park! It currently features 20 large-scale works on two acres in the northwest corner of Brandi Fenton Park (across River Rd. from the Visitors Center).
- Hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 12pm to 5pm – or whenever the gates are open.
- SN: Phillip, Quijote, and I stopped by the other night around 6pm, and the gate was ajar. We practically had the place to ourselves! The evening light was beautiful. However, it seemed like a lot of the sculptures were facing east, so a morning visit might be better if you’re planning to take photos.
Now – Jul 11 / anywhere / free
Virtual exhibition of works by grad students, whose Master of Fine Arts Thesis Exhibition had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Rialto Theatre Gallery Project
now – Jul 24, weekly / Rialto Theatre, Tucson / free (donations accepted)
Exhibition of photography and posters from past shows at the historic Rialto Theatre.
- Open Fridays + Saturdays, 6-9pm.
- Patio bar with local beverages and live music from Tucson artists.
- Merch for sale and donations accepted to support The Rialto.
- SN: We got to hear Sharkk Heartt, a singer/songwriter with an amazing voice!
now – Aug 14, weekly / Reid Park Zoo, Tucson / Tickets $10.50, Kids (ages 2-14) $6.50
The zoo opens up on summer Saturday evenings from 5:30-8:30pm for live music, games, activities, food and drink specials, and theme nights.
- Jun 26 theme: “Art in the Animal Kingdom” with music performed by native Tucsonan singer/songwriter Leila Lopez.
- *Listen to Leila Lopez’s music and download free tracks on her site.
- *Not nocturnal? Here’s a daytime deal: $3/person admission on 6/22 + 6/29! Purchase $3 Tuesday Tickets at the gate. (Safari Nights are not included. Regular 8am-2pm visits only.)
now – Aug 29 / anywhere
Annual exhibition of work by high school artists from across Pima County, selected by local teachers. Artwork in this show was created during the 2020-2021 school year.
- *The free Carnegiea webzine also featured a couple of the students’ work in their Winter edition.
now – Sep 30 / Tubac Presidio State Historic Park and Museum, Tubac / Included with admission: $7, Youth (7-13): $2
Exhibition of works in diverse media – printmaking, painting, photography, glass art – all inspired by Arizona’s magnificent night sky. A percentage of artwork sales will benefit the Presidio, which was the first State Park in Arizona.
now – Oct, weekends only / next to the General Store, Summerhaven / free admission
Local artisan market in Summerhaven on Mt. Lemmon.
- Saturdays and Sundays through October.
- Benefits Southern Arizona Animal Food Bank (SAAFB).
Ready to Launch: Arizona’s Place in Space
now – Nov 30 / Arizona History Museum, Tucson / Admission $10, Youth (ages 7-13) $5
New exhibition investigating the impact that the people, landscape, and universities in Arizona have had in space exploration.
- *Free validated parking at the Main Gate Garage (815 E. 2nd Street).
- *The K-2 Museum in a Box curriculum, an online collection of lesson plans and activities that uses primary sources from the Arizona Historical Society’s collections, is free for educators until June 30, 2021.
- H/T Visit Southern Arizona
Tucson Juneteenth Virtual Celebration
Jun 19, 9-10pm / anywhere / free
Celebration of Black culture, history, dance, and song that will be livestreamed by Pima Community College.
Mesquite Bean Harvesting Walk with Borderland Restoration Network
Jun 19, 9-11am / Patagonia / free
Walk through mesquite bosques with local mesquite expert, Martha Muffin. Learn about the natural history of mesquite, its nutritional value, how to select pods to harvest, and how to store them. You’ll also receive mesquite recipes and informational resources.
- Space is limited.
- Sign up is required. Email Denisse Ortega Lorona at dortega(@)borderlandsrestoration.org.
- Exact location provided after RSVP.
Agaves for Bats with Borderlands Restoration Network
Jun 22 / Appleton-Whittell research station, Elgin
Agave planting with Borderlands Restoration Network staff and Bat Conservation International in celebration of National Pollinator Week.
- Space is limited to 20 participants.
- Email horticulture(@)borderlandsrestoration.org to sign up.
- *Recipe: “Batman of Mexico” is both the nickname of Dr. Rodrigo Medellín, co-founder of the Bat Friendly Tequila and Mezcal Project, and a cocktail named for him.
Jun 25, Jul 30, Aug 27, Sep 24 / Tucson / free admission
MSA Annex shops stay open late (6-10pm), joined by over 40 local vendors, the last Friday of the month, May through September.
- SN: We went to one of the first Night Markets after we moved here in 2019. I’m happy that the market is back!
- H/T Why I Love Where I Live, one of my favorite Mercado San Agustin shops!
Santa Theresa Tile Works, Tucson
Hands-on classes using beautiful Santa Theresa tiles. These workshops are currently limited to 8-10 participants. No art experience is necessary.
- Mosaic Table Workshop / Jul 11, 10am – 4pm / Fee starts at $255 for a 10″ table.
- Mosaic Sunset Workshop / Jul 17, 11am – 3pm / Fee starts at $148 for an 8” x 8”piece.
- Intensive Tile Making / Aug 9-14 / $675 for the week.
Jul 22 – Jul 25 / anywhere / free
At-home film festival for kids. Each day includes…
- Movie recommended by The Loft Cinema that you can stream on Kanopy (free signup with a library card).
- Animated short.
- *Kids Fest bonus video, created by The Loft Cinema, that includes an introduction to the film.
- *Crafting project with the staff of Mildred + Dildred Toy Store.
- Prize raffles.
Happenings on this list are handpicked by me. It’s not an ad – just some good things I wanted to share!
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