DOWNTOWN / UNIVERSITY / 4TH AVE

Select Galleries Jan 2014

December 30, 2013 | Marisa Bernal

CENTER FOR CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY Charles Harbutt, Departures and Arrivals continues through Sun, Jan 26. Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm; Sat & Sun, 1pm-4pm. 1030 N. Olive Rd. 621-7968, CreativePhotography.org

CONRAD WILDE GALLERY Construction/Remodel Fundraiser Auction takes place Sat, Jan 4 from 6pm-9pm. Tue-Sat, 11am-5pm. 101 W. 6th St. 622-8997, ConradWildeGallery.com

“La Fiesta en el Cielo” by Mel Dominguez shows as part of the exhibit “Hasta El Fin” at Contreras Gallery through Sat, Jan 25.
photo courtesy of ContrerasHouseFineArt.com

CONTRERAS GALLERY Love, Quietly Waiting by Carmen Sonnes and Hasta El Fin by Melo Dominguez continues through Sat, Jan 25. Tues-Fri, 11am-5pm; Sat, 11am-4pm. 110 E. 6th St. 398-6557, ContrerasHouseFineArt.com

DAVIS DOMINGUEZ GALLERY Paintings by Tim Murphy and Debra Salopek open Tue, Jan 2. Tue-Fri, 11am-5pm; Sat, 11am-4pm. 154 E. 6th St. 629-9759, DavisDominguez.com

DEGRAZIA GALLERY IN THE SUN Vibrant colors of children and everyday life by Francisco Romero continues through Jan 10. 2D and 3D objects by Kathy Kibby, Fran Siverston, Darcy Siverston and Gail Brynildsen shows Jan 12-Jan 24. Modern landscapes and nature by Seth Critchley opens Sun, Jan 26. Holiday Fantasies continues through February. Daily, 10am-4pm. 6300 N. Swan Rd. 299-9191, DeGrazia.org

THE DRAWING STUDIO A Breath of Plein Air shows Jan 10-Jan 24, with a gala on Jan 24 from 6:30pm-9:30pm. Tue-Sun, noon-4pm. 33 S. 6th Ave. 620-0947, TheDrawingStudio.org

ETHERTON GALLERY Spill featuring artists Bailey Doogan, Ann Simons-Myers and Luis Jimenez, continues through February. Tue-Sat, 11am-5pm. 135 S. 6th Ave. 624-7370, EthertonGallery.com

JOSEPH GROSS GALLERY Culture Cache continues through February. Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm. 1031 N. Olive Rd. 626-4215, CFA.arizona.edu/galleries

LOUIS CARLOS BERNAL GALLERY Magical Realism, featuring artwork by Gail Marcus-Orlen, Robert Cocke, Penny McElroy and Janet Prip, opens Mon, Jan 27. Construct: Putting It Together continues through Jan 29. Mon-Thu, 10am-5pm; Fri, 10am-3pm. 2202 W. Anklam Rd. 206-6942, Pima.Edu/cfa

OBSIDIAN GALLERY Ceramic Sculpture by Wesley Anderegg, Claire Loder and Cheryl Tall, continues through Jan 5. Wed-Sat, 11am-6pm. Obsidian Gallery, 410 N. Toole Ave. 577-3598, Obsidian-Gallery.com

PHILABAUM GLASS GALLERY & STUDIO Holiday Showcase continues through Jan 25. Tue-Sat,10am-5pm. 711 S. 6th Ave. 884-7404, PhilabaumGlass.com

PORTER HALL GALLERY Art by Karen Bellamy continues through Wed, Jan 15. Treasures of the Amerind opens Jan 18 with a reception Fri, Jan 17 from 5pm-7pm. Daily, 8:30am-4:30pm. $13, adults; $12, student/senior/military, $7.50, children 4-12; Free, children 3 and younger. 2150 N. Alvernon Way. 326-9686, TucsonBotanical.org

SACRED MACHINE See website for information. Wed-Fri, 5pm-8pm; Sat, 4pm-9pm. 245 E. Congress St. 777-7403, SacredMachine.com

SOUTHERN ARIZONA WATERCOLOR GUILD Creme de la Creme- Signature Member’s Show opens Tue, Jan 7. Opening reception Thu, Jan 16, 5pm-7pm. Tue-Sun, 11am-4pm. SAWG Gallery, 5605 E. River Rd. 299-7294, SouthernAzWatercolorGuild.com

"French Lessons" by Valerie Galloway shows as part of her exhibit at Wee Gallery through Thu, Jan 30. photo courtesy of GalleryWee.com

“French Lessons” by Valerie Galloway shows at Wee Gallery through Thu, Jan 30.
photo courtesy GalleryWee.com

TUCSON MUSEUM OF ART Common Elegance: The Still Life of Paintings of William Shepherd and Rock/Paper/Scissors continues through Jan 12. Tue,Wed, Fri, Sat, 10am-5pm; Thu, 10am-8pm; Sun, 12pm-5pm. $10, adults; $8, seniors; $5, students 13+; free, children under 12. Free to all the first Sunday of the month. 140 N. Main Ave. 624-2333, TucsonMuseumofArt.org

WEE GALLERY Valerie Galloway Show exhibits Jan 4-Jan 30. Thu-Sat, 11am-6pm. 439 N. 6th Ave Suite #171. 360-6024, GalleryWee.com

WILDE MEYER GALLERY Southwest Fiestas and Lo Mejor de Wilde Meyer continue through Jan 31. The Journey- 30 Years opens Thu, Jan 9. Mon-Fri, 10am-5:30pm. Wilde Meyer Gallery, 3001 E. Skyline Dr. WildeMeyer.com

Tidbits

December 30, 2013 | Zocalo Staff

Out With the Old
Make room for your new holiday goods! Clear out your closets and cupboards of swap-able items and head to your local Pima County Public Library on Saturday, Jan. 4. Seven locations are hosting the annual post-holiday Freecycle™ swap from 2 p.m.-4 p.m., including: Dusenberry-River Branch Library, 5605 E. River Rd., Eckstrom-Columbus Branch Library, 4350 E. 22^nd St., Himmel Park Branch Library, 1035 N. Treat Ave., Joel D. Valdez Main Library, 101 N. Stone Ave., Martha Cooper Branch Library, 1377 N. Catalina Ave., Quincie Douglas Library, 1585 E. 36^th St., and Woods Memorial Branch Library, 3455 N. First Ave. Inquiries can be answered by calling 791-4010.

TreeCycle!
Continuing through Jan. 12, residents can recycle their Christmas trees through the City of Tucson’s TreeCycle Program. There are nine locations accepting trees, with the list available at TucsonAZ.gov/treecycle. Remember to remove all ornaments, decorations and tree stands and consider tree pooling—fewer trips means cleaner air! Be advised, the City of Tucson is not collecting Christmas trees from curbs and alleys and other green waste cannot be accepted at TreeCycle. Additionally, from Jan. 4 through Jan. 12, the City of Tucson will have wood chips from shredded Christmas trees available for pick-up at Udall Park, Randolph Golf Course, and the Los Reales Landfill. Bring your own container and take home some free wood chips for your garden. Details are on the website or by calling 791-5000.

O2 Closes, DNA Opens
After four years of offering a variety of fitness classes, O2 Modern Fitness closed shop on Dec. 30. The same location, 186 E. Broadway Blvd., will be the new Downtown locale for DNA Personal Training–which offers personal training, semi-private training, group training and nutritional consulting. DNA will honor O2 patrons’ remaining class passes through the end of February, and is aiming to open Monday, Jan. 6. An “O2 Closing, DNA Opening” potluck is on Saturday, Jan. 4 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Find more information at O2ModernFitness.com and DNAPersonalTraining.com.

“A Certain Slant of Light”

“A Certain Slant of Light: Emerging from the Shadows of Mental Illness”

The Coyote Task Force, whose mission is to “support individuals recovering from persistent, chronic mental illnesses; to help them regain their ability to move towards their recovery with a focus on reintegration into the community,” releases a chapbook this month comprised of works by participants in the task force’s Thursday Writing Group.

As board member of Coyote Task Force, which includes Café 54 and Our Place Clubhouse, Sheila Wilensky explains in the press release, “Misconceptions about mental illness abound. A few weeks after the Jan. 8, 2011, Tucson shooting, an Our Place Clubhouse member asked, ‘What is it with people? Why do they think that anyone with a mental illness may pull out a gun anytime and indiscriminately start shooting?’”

The question stuck with Wilensky, who is also a local writer, editor, and educator. She started the task force’s Thursday Writing Group in September 2012 to confront such erroneous notions with the intention of producing a chapbook to educate the public on biases toward those with mental illnesses.

The result, “A Certain Slant of Light: Emerging from the Shadows of Mental Illness,” features 14 co-authors ranging in ages from 20s to 60s along with suggestions for concrete action on how to change attitudes about mental illness.

The reception is on Friday, Jan. 17 from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. at Our Place Clubhouse, 66 E. Pennington St. Email Wilensky at sheilawilensky@gmail.com for more information.

Skrappy’s Reopens with a New Face & Name

December 30, 2013 | Craig Baker

Tom Collins, Executive Director of City on a Hill & new leader for 191, previously known as Skrappy’s.
photo: Craig Baker

Throughout the month of December, a handful of volunteer do-gooders were hard at work gutting out the building formerly known as Skrappy’s in the Warehouse Arts District on Toole Avenue. The place was more or less in ruins, says Tom Collins, Executive Director of City on a Hill (COAH)—the Christian outreach non-profit that took over the lease on the property from Skrappy’s founder Kathy Wooldridge in November of last year. The venue and youth outreach center held its last show Saturday, Nov. 2 before closing its doors with no clear path to reopening.

Collins said that he simply expressed an interest in the property to a board member and the ball was quickly rolling to transfer control of the all ages-haven to COAH. Collins brought youth-driven Epicenter Church on board to help with outreach and operations (they will also be holding worship services on site every Sunday), and their collective progress in renovation has put the place on track for their Grand Opening celebration, scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 11.

Though capacity is limited at the moment due to the fact that the building has only one bathroom (plans are in place to build a second), a lineup of nearly a dozen bands including the California-based Cool Ghouls has already signed on for the January show.

This most recent facelift marks at least the fifth iteration of the center which focuses on providing a drug and alcohol-free space where at risk and homeless teens can safely mingle. Past-lives of the center include a short-lived phase as a nightclub on Oracle, and stints downtown next to the Rialto at 201 E. Broadway Blvd., in the basement of the Boys’ and Girls’ Club on Alameda, and finally in their present location since 2009.

Skrappy’s ran as a partnership with local homeless outreach organization Our Family Services from 2002-2009, when it transitioned to self-management as the Tucson Youth Collective. The center gained some notoriety that supporters claimed was unwarranted when a man was shot to death outside the Broadway Boulevard location during a concert in December of 2005. Our Family Services settled a wrongful death suit with the victim’s family out of court for $150,000 in the summer of 2007. The lease on the Broadway location was subsequently not renewed and the group struggled to regain financial traction ever since.

Tom Collins, Executive Director of City on a Hill & new leader for 191, previously known as Skrappy’s.
photo: Criag Baker

Collins and his friend Matt Baquet—another Skrappy’s old-schooler-turned-volunteer who works as a Booking Agent and Club Liason at Hotel Congress—say that, after the shooting, the social culture at the center really began to decline. They say it became cliquey and attracted only a small fraction of the up to 500 daily visitors the center had handled in its heyday.

“We kind of want to just open the doors with this Jan. 11 show saying, ‘Hey, anyone can be here; whatever your background, wherever you’re from, you can come and hang out’… that’s what we want to bring back (to this place),” says Collins.

In the spirit of a fresh start, though the paint on the building’s façade is not likely to change anytime soon, the name “Skrappy’s” will be going into retirement. Collins and his crew have opted for the simplified echo of the building’s address, “191,” in lieu of the traditional moniker.

Those getting their hands dirty for the project are optimistic about the prospects for the future of the roughly 12,000 square-foot center. Baquet thinks Collins’ leadership promises to usher in a new “golden age of Skrappy’s.”

“I really think this is going to be something special. Like five years down the road it’s going to be the premiere all-ages spot in Arizona,” he says, his gaze fixed on something in the distance.

Like him, Collins is also looking ahead. In the ramshackle, slightly water-damaged warehouse he sees a full working kitchen, a computer gathering and conference area, a lounge. In the basement, strewn with the litter and bullet holes from previous tenants, he sees a plan for offices and a green room for visiting artists.

Though he intends to still pass out food and clothing from the location, his dream of providing counseling, job training, and eventually even paying jobs to the community’s at risk youth from 191’s warehouse site is still a long way off. But what they lack in funding these young activists make up for in energy. And it is their dedication to providing teens a safe place to go after school and on weekends that may well be what reinvigorates Tucson’s young musical culture.

191 is located at 191 E. Toole Ave. The Grand Opening Show is Saturday, Jan. 11 from about noon until the wee hours, if all goes to plan. It is a free, all-ages show.

Invite Sonoran Visitors to Shop Locally Already!

December 15, 2013 | Miguel Ortega

Right now, my huge, extended family in Sonoroa, Mexico is gearing up to do some Christmas shopping in Tucson. Soon they will be hitting our shopping malls and buying a bunch of stuff.

And soon you will join them, driving your car in those full lots as you notice all those Sonoran license plates and – because I know you are smart and you get it – you will smile knowing that these Mexican tourists are pumping millions into our local economy.

Some local tourism leaders, however, think that my relatives are obsessed with chains. They think the only way to keep my cousins coming back to Tucson is by emphasizing corporate shops. These tourism experts use social media to showcase Golden Corral, Best Buy, Starbucks, etc.

Why? Well, they say that is just how Sonoran visitors are and it’s the only way to get them here to shop.

Really?

When is the last time the Italians said you would not visit Rome if they did not first entice you with a visit to their Olive Garden? When is the last time you saw Mexico City tourism experts promote Taco Bell as a great place to get a bite to eat while visiting their great city?

News flash: Mexicans attend colleges and read books. They have things called museums. And, in big cities like Hermosillo, local business owners understand how sales taxes work and how that revenue stream helps their local economies.

Maybe a better approach would be to entice Sonoran visitors to shop locally owned businesses because, by doing so, more of their money stays here in Tucson to support the schools, roads and public safety that many of their Tucson relatives depend on. Do our tourism experts truly believe that Mexican visitors can’t understand that?

Besides, our local shops rock! Sonoran visitors would love The Sunshine Mile, 4th Avenue, Campbell Avenue or the Furniture District if they were simply informed of their existence. Sonoran visitors are no different than tourists from all over the world that crave authenticity when they travel.

What’s our problem, anyway? Let’s put away the tupperware and break out with the good stuff already!

Miguel Ortega is an independent business development consultant. His radio program, “Locally Owned with Miguel Ortega”, airs on KVOI 1030AM every Saturday at 11 a.m. You can also listen to his radio columns on KXCI 91.3FM and follow his blog at LocallyOwnedAZ.com.

Maynards’ Food-Forward Remodel

December 14, 2013 | Jade Nunes

Say goodbye to the aisles and shelves, Maynards Market & Kitchen has taken on a whole new look and taste.

What once was a hub for specialty goods and products – wines, jams, food – is still a hub for specialty goods and products, just revamped with some added flare.

“We’ve moved away from the retail business of the market. We’ve focused more on food-forward, chef-assembled and prepared food in the market,” said Frank Kose, Maynards Market & Kitchen general manager. “It’s a true market-deli for everyone.”

Following the remodel of Marynards, the kitchen stopped serving lunch early last month. But don’t fret. Stop by the market and you can still grab fresh, quality delicatessen morsels to satisfy any craving.

“The concept now is people can do the best of both worlds – they can still come in and get their beer and wine, they can sit at the bar and have a quick beer, and order sandwiches and stuff too,” said Addam Buzzalini, Maynards’ executive chef. “It’s kind of what the market was – just deluxe.”

Wide-open and bright, the new Maynards has a new feel and a new draw – fresh foods, bar and community area and still retains the appeal of a unique dining, “market” experience.

“The build-out is gorgeous. It’s a great use of the space. It opened up the market. It’s made the market feel larger. It’s more food-focused. That’s what Maynards is known for – the great food,” Kose said. “We’ve gotten a lot of ‘ooos’ and ‘ahhs’.”

Maynards opened in 2008 and originally offered their kitchen as a lunch and dinner restaurant and their market as a place for people to buy quality goods from the shelves. Now, the market and kitchen offer two distinctly different experiences.

“The kitchen is identified as French-inspired American food. And the market is fast casual-prepared foods to-go,” Kose said. “It’s really defined the identities and the visions for each separate business under the same roof.”

During the renovation, Maynards closed for only about eight weeks, according to Buzzalini. In the interim, a pop-up market served regular guests, the wine shop remained open and the kitchen served lunch and dinner.

“It’s kind of cool. It’s fresh. It’s definitely different for downtown. We’re already seeing a really pretty massive difference from what it used to be like,” he said. “I’m just happy to see people coming and smiling and grabbing a quick beer and eating off butcher paper.”

Some of the tasty finds that have made a home at Maynards include Isabella’s Ice cream, Caffe Luce, Lusby’s Honey, and Margie’s Jams. Kose said that the vision for all of the foods at Maynards is “local and organic when we can and responsible when we can’t.”

“It’s giving people options – different choices of what they can do,” Buzzalini said. “You might come in for a salad, you might come in for a bite of ice cream, for a beer, and you might decide to stay for a sandwich or take a chicken home.”

With the classic, big city feel of some of America’s famous markets – New York, Los Angeles, Nappa – Maynards Market & Kitchen has brought downtown a unique place to dine, wine and socialize.

“You never know who you might be sitting next to at the bar or community table. It kind of creates a really hip environment I guess,” Buzzalini said. “It’s definitely different than the restaurant.”

Maynards Market & Kitchen is located at 400 N. Toole Ave. For more information and to see the full menu, visit MaynardsTucson.com or call (520) 545-0577.

Eight Stars a-Shopping

December 2, 2013 | Monica Surfaro Spigelman

The Holiday Everything Guide

What will your true love give to you in this month of holiday everything? These suggestions from local taste makers help expand definitions of holiday and get everyone in the zone.

Here’s the deal: Because style is so individual, what matters most in holiday gifting is staying mindful of your own flair, at the same time thinking outside the box for that special something.

So it is with these eight local notables from a long list who have climbed into the ranks of Tucson taste makers without trying. It takes a little digging to unearth treasures, but these masters of local style have done the hard work for us, curating a delectable collection of good stuff that goes to the edge of what’s on fire now. Because savoring tradition is one of the best gifts to give this season, our taste makers also share tidbits about creating their own traditions and personal sense of holiday meaning.

From locally-distilled whiskey to hand-sewn leather bags, you can totally feel the love that went into this tasty list. It will be hard to decide which you prefer — the joy of starting a tradition, receiving a locally-sourced curio, or giving one of these fabulous finds.

Anne-Marie Russell

Anne-Marie Russell
Executive Director, Museum of Contemporary Art-Tucson

Russell’s list is plucked from a mix of high style sleek to lushly traditional.

Russell likes gifts that support local endeavors and also have value year-round – thus she suggests a membership to Tucson Community Supported Agriculture (TucsonCSA.org) or any of our local museums.
Desert-folk rocker Howe Gelb (HoweGelb.com) has just released “The Coincidentalist” album, and Russell recommends a vinyl version of this low-key indie Americana classic. Order it from Gelb’s website.
Shelve the sangria….for winter imbibing, Russell suggests that you shake up the season’s alchemy with a Tucson-distilled Whiskey del Bac from Hamilton Distillery (HamiltonDistillers.com). It seems everyone is talking about the latest project of Arroyo Design furniture maker Stephen Paul, who is crafting mesquite-smoked whiskey and un-aged raw whiskey from his micro-distillery on North Hoff Avenue. The whiskey will be offered soon at downtown hot spots, so the suggestion is to get on the website’s mailing list to learn about availability before the holidays.
Perfect Picks from MOCA: If pressed for a MOCA gift shop (MOCA-Tucson.com) gem she suggests a piece of Nick Tranmer’s celadon pottery, Dave Sayre artist t-shirts, Nicki Adler jewelry and Alexander Girard dolls. Call the museum if you want a heads up on what’s in stock at the gift shop before you visit (520) 624-5019.

Old Timey Traditions to Treasure
Growing up, holidays for Russell were spent in the woods in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. But now she associates this time of the year with the desert, and most of the fun and pleasure revolves around cooking and eating: “My fiancé and I have a new holiday tradition that we’ve established over the last few years. We make a country pate with pork shoulder and chicken thigh, tons of garlic, sage and thyme. We bought a hand-turn meat grinder at a junk store and we make enough to give to all of our favorite people… our favorite vegans get wine.” Playing pool at The District also is part of Russell’s tradition, as is celebrating the solstice by pulling out the telescope for what she calls “perspective and grandeur.”

Patricia Schwabe

Patricia Schwabe
Owner, Penca

The holiday visions that dance in Patricia Schwabe’s head are definitely of the family kind – rich with tradition and filled with the spice of local and handmade goods.

Like other taste makers, Schwabe heads to Bon, MAST and MOCA for favorite gifting. But she also recommends University Avenue’s Ooo! Outside of Ordinary (OooOutsideofOrdinary.com) for its eclectic and stylish collection of gifts, fashion, home décor and jewelry.
If you have not shopped at the utilitarian and awesome Too Strong (TooStrongUSA.com), Schwabe says you should. The guys with the sewing studio downtown on South Sixth Avenue make jeans, shirts and jackets sourced with Pima cotton and Arizona copper rivets, but Schwabe’s most favorite item is the Too Strong chunky leather messenger bag.
Perfect Pick from Penca: Since food is a gift that always delights, Penca (PencaRestaurante.com) creates a chef’s dinner as a holiday food gift above-the-ordinary, with good wishes folded into every course.

Old Timey Traditions to Treasure
With five children, Schwabe and her husband Ron still follow the tradition of a family shopping night the evening before Christmas Eve: “Each kid suggests something they would like to receive for Christmas… the others have to listen! Later we divide ourselves in groups. It’s big yet fun logistics. When we get home, each kids gets a chance to wrap their gifts and each year they look forward to surprising each other.” And of course they cook, affirms Schwabe, who also recommends families hear the Boys Chorus at Sabino Canyon. “My mom and I try to cook everything possible, from Bacalao a la Vizcaina, bunuelos, tamales de mole and capirotada (Mexican bread pudding, kind of). We then celebrate Christmas Eve, following my Mexican tradition and on Christmas Day.”

Kristen E. Nelson. Photo: Sarah Dalby.

Kristen E. Nelson
Executive Director, Casa Libre en la Solana

This Tucson poetess and Casa Libre founder channels her literati instincts into a few suggestions for the book lovers among us.

At least one of Nelson’s picks may be hard to come by, but she suggests anyone searching for rare, out-of-print books head to The Book Stop (BookStopTucson.com) or Bookman’s (Bookmans.com). Nelson’s spent years hunting for an affordable copy of Sophie Calle’s “Exquisite Pain.”
To anyone who likes to read, Nelson recommends “Troubling the Line,” a transgender and genderqueer poetry anthology co-edited by TC Tolbert, and “The Sin Eater,” a short story collection by Elizabeth Frankie Rollins. Both of these books should grace everyone’s bookshelves and you can find copies at Antigone Books (AntigoneBooks.com).
Because Casa Libre, CasaLibre.org, is on Fourth Avenue, Nelson says she is surrounded by the best local places to find unique holiday gifts. Beyond longing for a bottle of Stephen Paul’s mesquite-smoked Whiskey Del Bac her favorite shop these days is Pop-Cycle (PopCycleShop.com), with its assortment of recycled artwork from local artists. Nelson particularly likes the vintage leather cuffs they carry and the succulents planted in dinosaur toys.

Old Timey Traditions to Treasure
This is the first time in about a decade Nelson will be in Tucson for the winter holidays, and she’s looking forward to spending time with her partner and some good friends to start new Tucson traditions: “Perhaps a trip to the trampoline park Get Air (GetAirTucson.com), sitting on the beautiful new outdoor patio at Che’s Lounge (ChesLounge.com) on a Sunday and listening to their acoustic musicians, or hiking Pima Canyon early in the morning on New Year’s Day.” Nelson also is looking forward to spoiling her brand new honorary niece, Vivian Charlotte Saterstrom, will piles and piles of presents. Don’t tell, but Vivian will be getting books, clothes and toy trains.

Ben Johnson
Filmmaker and Tohono Chul Park’s Curator of Exhibitions

Ben Johnson is just as adept at selecting gifts as he is at curating the Tohono Chul’s exhibitions. His deep appreciation for nature mixes happily with modern urban style in these selections.

A favorite go-to gift haunt is the Native Seeds SEARCH (NativeSeeds.org) retail store on Campbell Avenue, with its wonderful selection of beans, teas and chiles as well as artisan crafts by native peoples of the region. This time of year is great to think about soups and chili, and in that direction, during a recent visit Johnson sampled the shop’s chiltepin water, which he recommends.
Sarnoff Art Supply (SarnoffArt.com) and Summit Hut (SummitHut.com) are two additional shops for spot-on local gifting. Johnson is eying Sarnoff’s drawing pens and sketchbooks, while the day packs at Summit Hut also have caught his eye.
Perfect Pick from Tohono Chul (TohonoChulPark.org): The new Small Works Exhibition features works by over 130 local artists, all smaller than 12 inches in size and less than $250. Stepping outside of Tohono Chul Park, Johnson is a huge fan of the museum shop at the Tucson Museum of Art (TucsonMuseumofArt.org) and its selection of artwork and crafts by local artists.

Old Timey Traditions to Treasure
Although Holiday Nights at Tohono Chul is a favorite tradition, Johnson and his wife Frankie also make a point of spending the holidays outdoors, hiking: “When we lived on the East Coast that always meant a shivery huddled hike under grey skies, but we were dedicated! Since moving to Tucson, it’s been ever more our calling to go for as many hikes and picnics as we can manage during the holiday season. Hiking up into the Tucson Mountains or Santa Catalinas, and finding a rocky outcropping with a vista to have a picnic lunch while talking over our year is a perfect way to celebrate.”

Patricia Katchur. photo: Valerie Gallowa

Patricia Katchur
Proprietress, Yikes Toys & Gift-O-Rama

As expected, the Yikes proprietress’ brand of gifting runs on the curious side, and Tucson certainly offers her a banquet of the unusual for her shopping.

Katchur encountered an intriguing, mysterious animal treasure last year from Broadway Village’s Bon Boutique (Bon-Boutique.com) and has been dreaming of it ever since. Not necessarily a holiday decoration, the Wolf Head ornament can grace a corner or shelf year-round as an object of conversation. Of course, everything at Bon is exquisitely beautiful for gifting, says Katchur.
Katchur also recommends a visit to Etherton Gallery (EthertonGallery.com) for amazing works of art. Her favorites: Mayme Kratz (of Phoenix) or Kate Breakey (of Tucson)
Memberships to Loft Cinema (LoftCinema.com), MOCA or Tucson Museum of Art also make much appreciated gifts.
Perfect Picks from Yikes (YikesToys.com): For some endearing, pop culture gifting, the shop offers hand-tooled and painted wallets by Tucson artisan Allegiant Brand Leather/Tony Pickup. There’s also the super-cute and French Neko Wood Pull Along Toy, Watercolor Collages by Tucson artist Valerie Galloway, and Vegetable Candy (in a tin, in carrot, green bean and corn flavors) for stocking stuffers.

Old Timey Traditions to Treasure
Hanging out with her family of friends is Katchur’s most treasured tradition. “Friends are the best gift in the world, and I am so lucky to have such wonderful and embracing beings in my life. My friend Sharon Holnback invites me every season to her Triangle L Ranch in Oracle. It is wintery and cold, and the main house is heated by an old, adobe fireplace. We play Yahtzee and Scrabble; tell tall tales and true tales; and merry-make among our group of oddball friends. I stay for a few days and commune in the high desert. A fantastic way to end the year and kick start the new one.”

Erin Cox

Erin Cox
Master seamstress, Southwestern Belle Alterations and Design

Re-purpose, restore is the mantra of Tucson seamstress Erin Cox, formerly of Preen and now proprietress of her own alterations shop. Food is on her mind for memorable, one-of-a-kind gifting.

With so many delicious restaurants popping up all over downtown, Cox believes anyone (including herself) would be thrilled to receive a gift certificate to any of these establishments. New favorites at the moment are Proper (ProperTucson.com), Reilly’s (ReillyPizza.com), and Penca (PencaRestaurante.com), although her long-standing darlings are Little Poca Cosa (LittlePocaCosa.com) and 47 Scott (47Scott.com).
One gift that that she never tires of is a good candle, and Cox recommends the naturally-scented, 100 percent vegetable wax candles made by Izola and found at MAST (iLoveMAST.com)
Vintage-loving Cox also recommends a trip to Desert Vintage (ShopDesertVintage.com), particularly to source a lovely selection of Native American jewelry. Cox recommends the collection of Fred Harvey sterling and turquoise cuffs at the Fourth Avenue shop.
Perfect Picks from Southwestern Belle (Facebook.com/SouthwesternBelle76): If a friend has out-dated garments that deserve remaking into new fashion, Cox is offering gift certificates. For ornaments or bookcase baubles, Cox also hand-beads old horseshoes with Czech and vintage glass, mixed with sterling and African beads. Call (520) 955-3719 for an appointment.

Old Timey Tradition to Treasure
Erin’s holiday ritual involves preparing three or more dishes that she and her husband have never cooked before. “We wake up in the morning and start prepping immediately. Once the dishes have been completed we graze throughout the evening while opening up a gift or two in between courses. Last year’s dinner was perfectly roasted lamb ribs with rosemary, French mussel bisque with lavender baguette, and an asparagus salad.”

Joe Pagac, right.
Photo: Wendy Van Leuveren

Joe Pagac
Muralist, portrait and performance artist

Much acclaimed muralist Joe Pagac shows fans a series of personas via his large-scale art – it’s no wonder that there’s a bit of freestyle funk and local love thrown into his holiday gift-giving.

For one-of-a-kind booty Pagac says there is great gift fodder in Fourth Avenue’s Pop-Cycle. “My friend Ashley recently gave me a glittered-up photo of a child holding a chicken and smoking a cigarette mounted on a tiny cabinet door. Perfect!”
Although not a man who craves many material things (Pagac says he has all the fur pillows he needs), Pagac has had his eye on a “Keep Tucson Shitty” shirt for a while now. You may have heard of the KTS movement (with origins of the phrase traced per Tucson Weekly reporting to 1990s graffiti in the Fourth Avenue tunnel.) Local artist Donovan White (Facebook.com/Donovan.White.75) has most recently pressed the phrase on oh-so-Tucson t-shirts he sells around town and direct from his Facebook page.

Old Timey Traditions to Treasure
You’ll often chance upon a Pagac mural by just wandering downtown, and a similar meander is what Pagac says is his holiday tradition: “I really enjoy filling a thermos with spiked apple cider and wandering Winterhaven, or running it when they do the organized runs through it. I also always ‘plant’ my dead tree in an empty lot at the end of the season. A lone pine really spices things up when driving around town. More people should do this.”

Gabriel Ayala

Gabriel Ayala
Musician

This is the time of year when wish lists magically appear. If there’s a Kris Kringle out there, Native American Artist-of-the -Year and local guitarist Gabriel Ayala wants you to buy him a saxophone. In return he has some suggestions for your holiday gifting.

Finding worthwhile holiday gifts is easy, says Ayala, and you skip the malls and give Fourth Avenue love instead. Ayala, without wanting to single out one shop, feels the avenue is the city’s best option for holiday bazaar in terms of artisan eats, home decor and vintage threads. You’ll find your perfect functional pieces of art and worthy gift options here, where Ayala shops often: “I’ve bought small, random home decor inexpensively. Nothing like supporting our own entrepreneurs…buy local and make sure our community is thriving.”
Perfect Pick from Gabriel Ayala: Ayala (AyalaGuitarist.com) is offering a boxed gift set of five CDs at a special discount. His “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” was released in 2007 and can be purchased via the website or directly through Ayala (ayalaguitarist@yahoo.com).

Old Timey Traditions to Treasure
If you’re looking to stroll among thousands of holiday lights with your hot cocoa and sugar cookie, Tohono Chul Park offers one of Ayala’s favorite traditions. Holiday Nights at the Park are held the weekends of Dec. 6-7 and Dec. 13-14, from 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Ayala loves the holiday season for the mood that it puts people in: “I’m very fortunate to perform at Tohono Chul Park for the past 5 years now, and this year I’ll be performing there on Dec. 6 and 7. Seems like people just tend to be a little nicer around the holidays ‘cause of the holiday spirit.”

A Light Parade, Old Pueblo Style

December 1, 2013 | Jamie Manser

Santa at the 2013 Downtown Parade of Lights.
Photo: Scott Griessel/courtesy Downtown Tucson Partnership

It is crazily popular. Tucsonans love this parade.

It’s an eclectic, Old Pueblo eccentric glorious mishmash of goofy to serious entries – storm troopers meeting dog groups meeting accordion players meeting high school marching bands meeting church groups. There are local dignitaries in convertibles; car clubs, scooter clubs, motorcycle clubs; dance troupes, mariachi and folklorico groups. All of these various Tucsonans coming together Downtown, dancing and laughing and singing and showing off lights and song and joy and the inner and outer glow of the season’s spirit.

Meander along the parade route, sit and stare and soak in the ambiance of community.

As a previous employee of the organization that pulls it together, and as a freelance contributor for the same organization – the Downtown Tucson Partnership (DTP) – I am always amazed by the crowds that consistently come out in droves for the annual Downtown Parade of Lights (POL).

Over the last several years, the parade has featured 70 to 80 groups with over 500 participants. The crowds are even more impressive – easily 30,000 attendees gather along the parade’s footprint.

This wasn’t always the case.

As City of Tucson’s Events Coordinator Chris Leighton remembers – on good authority as he was one of the event’s founders – the first parade in 1995 had 15 entries with perhaps 1,500 to 2,000 people showing up to watch. The five-person committee that ignited the annual holiday parade, says Leighton, included “Sheila King from the [now defunct] Downtown Arts & Business Alliance, someone from TPD, myself, and Sarah Clements from the [now defunct] Tucson Arts District Partnership, Inc. And Beth Walkup we dragged in too, she was head of the Children’s Museum then, before Bob became mayor.”

That committee thought it was important to have a local holiday parade as, Leighton says, it seemed like “a tradition that most other cities have that we were missing. We still had some retail Downtown at that point that was struggling, so it was a way to compete against the mall and get crowds down there on Black Friday.” It was a daytime event that year, explains Leighton, “and boy did it piss off the malls; we were getting calls complaining about it!”

The next year, Leighton recalls, the parade was on the Saturday after Thanksgiving and moved to nighttime with the name eventually morphing to Holiday Parade of Lights “because then we made everyone light everything.”

Since 1996, POL has been an evening event. In more recent history, it was generally on the second Saturday of December and coincided with the 4^th Avenue Street Fair. This year, however, the event is moving to the third Saturday, on Dec. 21.

Leighton thinks the date shift is a good idea. “I’m excited to see what the late date is going to do; I have a feeling it may get even more people out because by late December, there is less to do other than Christmas coming up and Christmas shopping, so I’m thinking we may get a bigger crowd this year.”

Downtown Parade of Lights Dec. 2013.
Photo: Scott Griessel/courtesy Downtown Tucson Partnership

Brandi Haga, Downtown Parade of Lights Coordinator and DTP’s admin extraordinaire, further elucidates that the date was chosen based on “so many other events happening every other weekend in December, so we decided on Dec. 21 – we didn’t want to compete with other events and wanted to give the public a more holiday feel,” since that date chronologically brings the parade closer to Christmas.

Haga, who has been coordinating the POL since 2008, (Zócalo publisher David Olsen – who is also a previous employee of DTP – ran it from 2003 to 2007), takes a hands-on approach when it comes to managing entries and placing parade participants.

“A lot of parades have online registration these days, but we get entries mailed in,” Haga explains as we sit together at her desk. She pulls out a purple folder, stylized with white flowers, and extracts some applications.

“It makes it more personable, and I like that, having that communication.” As she is talking, Haga is handed mail that includes another application – which punctuates the point. “And, seeing the envelopes come in!”

There is certainly something to having tactile experiences in an ever increasingly digital world. She demonstrates the physical process of separating the applicants into four piles – float, vehicle, walking, and musical. Haga pours over the applications, making sure to not put musical groups next to each other, respecting requests of walking groups to not be behind big diesel floats.

Haga says some of the most rewarding aspects of the hard work includes meeting new people and working with different Tucson organizations. The various participants, long term and newbies, are also stoked to be a part of the parade and work with Haga and the DTP.

Coming into their sophomore year, Cher Conklin of Peppermint Jim says via email that they enjoy interacting with the parade’s enthusiastic crowds, meeting Santa in the line-up and “getting the display/float ready, making it better and nicer each year.” Their groovy shtick last year was a mock mint distillery with “steam” and mint coming out on all ends. Conklin says they appreciate that “the organization/management is solid and there seems to be a very loyal following for it in Tucson, which makes it all the more fun.”

Both Carondelet St. Mary’s and the Tucson GLBT Chamber of Commerce are first year participants, and are looking forward to the event. Amy Beiter, M.D., president and CEO of Carondelet St. Mary’s Hospital (the parade’s presenting sponsor) says via email: “We enjoy supporting organizations and events that are also uniquely Tucson and that promote good health and a strong sense of community. I’ve heard it described as fun and eclectic and a true representation of Tucson’s character. We love the fact that so many volunteers rally to put on a festive holiday parade in Downtown Tucson.”

Timothy Brown, with the Tucson GLBT Chamber of Commerce, says, “Many people in Tucson do not know that we exist as a chamber so this will be great publicity for us and way to let people know that there are other options for networking and meeting other business people in the Tucson area.”

Debra Jackson, Tucson Parks and Recreation Recreation Supervisor, wrote through email that they’ve been involved since the beginning and always look forward to it.

“The excitement starts months ahead when we sit down and brainstorm the theme for the year. Then the construction, and finally the night of the event when all 200 plus kids from our after-school program come out and see what has been created, and how they fit in to the overall theme. It’s a great time for sharing the joy to those lined along the streets of Downtown.”

For Haga, after months of planning and hours of work before the entries unhitch, her favorite part is a few minutes of quite solitude in the dark. “After the parade takes off, I drive the golf cart into a little dark corner and watch. Even if they are out of order, it doesn’t matter because people are happy and having fun – especially all of the cute kids!”

The 19th Annual Parade of Lights is Saturday, Dec. 21 and starts at 6:30 p.m. The Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony happens before the parade at Armory Park, 221 S. Sixth Ave. at 5:45 p.m. More information on the festivities, along with a route map, is available at DowntownTucson.org/visit/parade-of-lights/. Entry forms are also available on the website and are accepted through Dec. 9. Email brandi@downtowntucson.org with inquiries.

Downtown Parade of Lights Dec. 2013.
Photo: Scott Griessel/courtesy Downtown Tucson Partnership

Where L’Chaim Illuminates

November 30, 2013 | Monica Surfaro Spigelman

Head to Downtown’s Jewish History Museum to learn local Jewish lore that goes beyond this month’s Hanukkah candles and Christmas-Day Chinese dinners.

The front of the Jewish History Museum.photo courtesy Jewish History Museum

The front of the Downtown Jewish History Museum. photo courtesy Jewish History Museum

To delve into the sometimes-odd-but-always-fascinating corners of Southwest Jewish history, you need to turn onto the road less traveled: Go south on Stone Avenue, past the police station and the cathedral, to the simple, classical revival structure that was the original synagogue in the Arizona Territory, in fact the first house of worship for Jews throughout the Southwest.

There’s lots of what you might call the stranger side of Tucson Jewish folklore there to be discovered.

Before 564 S. Stone Ave. was re-opened as the Jewish History Museum in 2001, iterations as a Mexican radio station and a flophouse collected in the 1910 building’s long and storied history. Abandoned after Temple Emanu-El moved further east from Downtown in the 1940s, the building thankfully survived and is now a restored showcase of one-offs and collections depicting a rich regional Jewish history. The museum specializes in found objects — amazing stuff that somehow made its way out of owners’ hands and into this house of treasures.

Take, for example, one of the first 48-star flags flown in Tucson (February 14, 1912). Mercantile businessman Charlie Gold flew the flag over his shop on Congress Street, just west of Church Avenue. There’s also a Tucsonan-owned pocket watch with a Hebrew-inscribed time-face that was given to Jewish soldiers who served the Kaiser during World War I. And there’s an 1897 centavo Mexican coin, which was in the time capsule placed in the cornerstone laid at the synagogue in 1910.

A timeline of western Jewish lore and the personalities who shaped it surround the meticulously-preserved original woodwork and pews as well as the cases of memorabilia. The Jews of the late 19th and early 20^th century territorial Tucson were an interesting mix of miners, bankers, merchants and businessmen prominent in the entertainment business. Some of these Jewish pioneers include Drachman (earliest Tucson Jewish businessman), merchandiser Zeckendorf (and nephew Steinfeld), Mansfeld (founded first public library and helped found UofA), Levin (founded first entertainment district, whose descendants include Linda Ronstadt), and Strauss (Tucson’s first Jewish mayor). Gabby Giffords and her family also are highlighted (Gabby’s dad Spencer became a bar-mitzvah at Temple Emanu-El, when it was still on Stone Avenue, and just last month Gabby, a member of Congregation Chaverim, was honored with the Museum’s 2013 Jewish Heritage Award.)

This picture of Charles Strauss – the first Jewish mayor of Tucson, with his son – can be viewed at the Jewish History Museum. photo courtesy Jewish History Museum

Local volunteers conduct enthusiastic, informative tours, regaling visitors with tales of territorial Jewish oddities. One story worth listening to involves Southern Arizona mine owner Mark Lulley, the scrappy proprietor of Wandering Jew Mine who captured bear cubs in the Santa Rita mountains. Lulley apparently made a saloon wager which called for him to walk the bears down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House if McKinley was re-elected in 1900. The January 1901 newspaper clip of McKinley’s inauguration, and also Lulley’s presentation of the Southern Arizona bears to the National Zoo, are on display through December at the museum.

Because you can’t look at memorabilia all the time, the museum also is ringleader of a number of quirky Tucson happenings, including trivia and Brooklyn nights. It also masterminds the annual Christmas Day Chinese Dinner; however, this year the overworked and tiny volunteer museum staff has decided to give the formalized Chinese-food-for-Christmas dinner a rest. Would-be yentls, however, are encouraged to continue the tradition via their own serendipitous gatherings at Chinese restaurants across the city on Dec. 25.

And instead of Christmas day sesame chicken, museum staffers hope you’ll join them New Year’s Day, when a museum gathering will offer 2014 New Year refreshments, a fashion show and the kick-off of a new exhibition.

Combining Judaism and art, the Jewish History Museum’s exhibition will feature Ketubahs, beautifully-decorated Jewish marriage contracts written in Aramaic, and wedding dresses. Even Tucson has a long tradition of creation and signing these formal contracts that are ceremonial works of Jewish art and the January exhibition, with its collection of dresses and related items dating back to the late 1800s, should be perpetually absorbing.

“You don’t have to be religious to enjoy it,” promises Dr. Barry Friedman, the hardy Jewish History Museum president and all-around advocate. “The museum is a carefully-preserved collection-turned-public treasure that’s relevant, incredibly diverse and phenomenal fun.”

In October, in collaboration with the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona, the museum opened The Holocaust History Center – a walk-in, floor-to-ceiling installation that’s a poignant yet ultimately inspirational depiction of over 130 Holocaust survivors who made Southern Arizona their home.

Photos and digital displays immerse the visitor in a tiny space, opened adjacent to the Jewish History Museum in a portion of a partially-restored 1880s territorial purchased by the museum.

There is a Jewish custom of placing stones rather than short-lived flowers on graves as a sign of permanence. A bowl of small stones sits at the entrance to the museum’s Holocaust center, for all who wish to leave such an offering for the survivors.

Open to the public Wednesday-Thursday, Saturday-Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m., and Friday from noon to 3pm, the small museum (JewishHistoryMuseum.org) and its carefully-curated homage to Tucson Jewish lore helps you travel back in time. There’s everything to surprise you, with displays that treat Tucson history with respect and thorough documentation. A visit here also will make you laugh. Your eyes will be opened and so will your heart.

Events Dec. 2013

November 29, 2013 | Marisa Bernal

Fri 6

TEDX TUCSON Chuk Shon To Tucson will feature TED videos, artists, live music and seven speakers. $21. Rialto Theater, 318 E. Congress St. 740-0071, TedXTucson.com

TUCSON FESTIVAL OF TREES A celebration for the holiday season and benefit for the Arizona Oncology Foundation. Twelve elegantly designed holiday trees, wreaths and arrangements will be displayed. 6:15pm. $75. Savory Opera House, 6541 E. Tanque Verde Rd. 870-6060, ArizonaOncologyFoundation.org

Fri 6-Sat 7

BICAS ART AUCTION Art, music, bikes, libations, food trucks, kids activities and more. Fri, 6pm-10pm. Sat, 11am-5pm & 6pm-9pm. Whistle Stop Depot, 127 W. 5th St. 628-7950, Bicas.org

Sat 7

TAMAL & HERITAGE FESTIVAL Experience the rich flavors of the tamale in a fun-filled day of art, culture and entertainment. Free. 10am-5pm. Ava Amphitheater, 5655 W. Valencia Rd. CasinoDelSol.com

ARIZONA HISTORICAL SOCIETY’S ANNUAL HOLIDAY FESTIVAL Musical performances by The Tucson Junior Strings, The Tucson Boys Chorus, a magic show by Chris Wright, Story Telling and crafts by Ben’s Bells. $5. 10am-4pm. AHS Arizona History Museum, 949 E. 2nd Street. 628-5774, ArizonaHistoricalSociety.org

1ST SATURDAY ART WALK Walking tour of Central Tucson Gallery Association’s participation galleries and museums. 6pm-9pm. Downtown art galleries along 6th Street, 6th Avenue, Congress Street, Toole Avenue and 4th Avenue. FirstSaturdayArtWalks.com

ART ON TAP Craft beer festival presenting sixteen Arizona craft breweries, food trucks and musical performances by Carlos Arzate and the Kind Souls and Saint Maybe. $20-$65. Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N. Main Ave. 624-2333, TucsonMuseumOfArt.org

Sun 8

13TH ANNUAL SUGAR PLUM TEA Features a festive holiday boutique, silent auction and a narration of the Nutcracker story with characters from the ballet. 11am and 3pm. $75 per person. Marriott Tucson University Park, 880 E. 2nd St. 745-3000, BalletTucson.org

Ballet Tucson holds its 13th annual Sugar Plum Tea on Sun, Dec 8.
Photo by Ed Flores

Tue 10

CHAMPAGNE & MISTLETOE: A VICTORIAN HOLIDAY AUCTION Annual holiday celebration featuring live and silent auctions and food to benefit the National Association of Women Business Owners. 3:30pm-6:30pm. The Historic Scottish Rite Cathedral, 160 S. Scott Ave. 326-3926, NawboTucson.org

Fri, Dec 13-Sun, Dec 15

4TH AVENUE STREET FAIR 400 arts and crafts booths, 35 food vendors, performance stages, street musicians, food, jugglers, kids entertainment, face painting, balloons, more. 10am-6pm. Free. 624-5004, FourthAvenue.org

Sat 14

SANTA LANDING Breakfast buffet, crafts for kids, and Santa flying in by helicopter! Adults;$12.25-$15.50. Children, $9. Under 6, free. 8:30am-2pm. Pima Air & Space Museum, 6000 E. Valencia Rd. 618-4850, PimaAir.org

STUFF THE HUMMERS FOR CHILDREN IN TUCSON Toy Drive and Car Show being put on by Sullivan’s Steakhouse. 9:30am-noon. Sullivan’s Steakhouse,1785 E. River Rd. StuffTheHummers.com

PRESIDIO LUMINARIA FESTIVAL A living history celebration to welcome the holiday season. Free. 5pm-9pm. Presidio San Agustín del Tucson, 133 W. Washington St. 837-8119, TucsonPresidioTrust.org

2ND SATURDAYS A monthly downtown festival with live music, performers, and vendors! 3pm-8pm. Free. Scott Avenue Stage: Payphone Mafia, Tesoro, The Long Wait. Santa at MEB Management, 120 E. Congress St., 4pm-7pm. Kids Area with Cinema La Placita & Southern AZ Transportation Museum at 414 N. Toole Ave., 4pm-8pm – interactive magic, art & train activities; 5:30pm, screening of “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” (1966). 2ndSaturdays.com

Tesoro performs at 2nd Saturdays Dec. 14, 4:15pm-5:30pm. Photo courtesy Tesoro

Sun 15

LA FIESTA DE GUADALUPE The annual family festival celebrates Our Lady of Guadalupe with spirited outdoor performances by youthful mariachi and ballet folklorico groups. 10am-4pm. Free Degrazia Gallery in the Sun, 6300 N. Swan Rd. 299-9191, Degrazia.org

BOHEMIAN HOLIDAY: AN ARTISAN’S SHOWCASE Over 25 artists are selling unique items for your special gift-giving needs (and also offering raffle prizes). Includes live performances by some of Tucson’s best musicians. Noon-6pm. YWCA Tucson, 525 N. Bonita Ave. More info here or call 884-7810.

Sat 21

9TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY EXPRESS Write letters to the North Pole, listen to a reading of The Polar Express, watch a screening of The Polar Express, and take a photo with Santa in front of Locomotive 1673. Bring a can of food for the community food bank. Free. 2pm-4pm. 414 N. Toole Ave. 623-2223, TucsonHistoricDepot.org

19TH ANNUAL PARADE OF LIGHTS Young and old bask in the warmth of shimmering, lighted floats, vehicles and musical groups winding through Downtown, includes Santa Claus himself! Free. 6:30pm-8pm. Armory Park, 221 S. 6th Ave. 837-6504, DowntownTucson.org

Santa at the 2013 Parade of Lights.
Photo: Scott Griessel. Courtesy Downtown Tucson Partnership

Tue 31

TUCSON JAZZ SOCIETY 8TH ANNUAL NEW YEARS EVE GALA Join The Tucson Jazz Orchestra, The Jim McCullum Jazz Band and George Howard’s Motown and Rhythm & Blues Show to celebrate the Tucson Jazz Society’s 8th Annual New Year’s Eve Spectacular. 6:30pm. Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa, 3800 E. Sunrise Dr. 903-1265, TucsonJazz.org

RESOLUTION 2014: A GLAMOUR & GLITZ NEW YEARS EVE Enjoy a state of the art light and multimedia show, and participate in a champagne toast at Aloft! Hosted by Tucson Young Professionals. $75 pre-sale (available here), $85 at door. 9pm-2am. aLoft, 1900 E. Speedway Blvd. MeetUp.com/tucson-young-professionals

ONGOING

TUCSON FOOD TOURS Tucson’s only walking food tour. Combination of foods and a little history of downtown Tucson. Takes you through the historic downtown and 4th Avenue districts of Tucson. See website for dates. 477-7986, FoodToursTucson.com

WILDCAT HOCKEY Wildcats take to the ice on Fri, Dec 6 and Sat, Dec 7 against Arizona State. Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave. 7:30pm. Prices vary. ArizonaWildcatHockey.org

Sat, Dec 14-Sat, Dec 28

WINTERHAVEN FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS 63rd Annual Festival of Lights. Central Tucson neighborhood adorned with holiday decorations, using LED lights. Walk through every night. Drive-through on Dec 17, 27, 28. Free. 6pm-10pm. Winterhaven Neighborhood, in between Fort Lowell Road, Prince Road, Country Club, Tucson Boulevard. 881-4483, WinterhavenFestival.org

Mondays

MEET ME AT MAYNARDS (@Hotel Congress) Southern Arizona Roadrunners’ Monday evening, non-competitive, social 3-mile run/walk, that begins and ends downtown at Hotel Congress, rain/shine/holidays included. 311 E. Congress St. 991-0733, MeetMeAtMaynards.com

Bike Parts & Art

November 29, 2013 | Jade Nunes

A collage of past BICAS art auction items.
photos: Patrick Cobb

There are innumerous mediums of art – paint, clay, photos, metal, paper – the list goes on and on. Annually, bicycle parts collide with these various elements in a spectacular display of talent and skill at BICAS’ annual art auction.

For nearly 25 years, BICAS – Bicycle Inter-Community Art and Salvage – has provided Tucsonans with a place to recycle, learn about, and build bicycles. Their efforts in and around the community help people find affordable transportation and stay healthy. And they don’t throw away anything.

“BICAS exists to show people what they are capable of, empowering people to try to new skills,” said Kylie Walzak, BICAS’ administrative coordinator. “Learning to reuse things that could be considered trash and giving those items a second life.”

This year marks the organization’s eighteenth annual auction and is its largest fundraiser. According to Walzak, last year’s auction brought in a record breaking $21,000. A large portion of the artwork up for auction has been crafted out of used bike parts. Artists use the bike parts as a medium for sculptures and even jewelry crafting.

“I’m always amazed at what people come up with and the things that people can make out of bike parts,” said Troy Neiman, shop coordinator and artist. “The art work is great because it is so unique.”

Neiman added that BICAS recycles and uses as much material as they can, whether it be in the form of refurbishing older bikes or creating amazing bike art.

“We keep tons of stuff from going into the landfills every year,” he said.

But it’s not just recycled bike parts that have made their way into the auction. There will be prints, paintings and even fiber works such as a blanket that was specially made for the event.

“It’s bicycle themed artwork and art made from bicycles,” said Tanya Rich, BICAS art coordinator. “This year, we’re pulling out all the stops.”

The art auction helps BICAS continue their mission to “promote education, art and a healthy environment while providing service and opportunity for those in need.” The event will also have music, activities, food and libations. All proceeds from the art auction will benefit BICAS’ continuous community-centered efforts.

“It is not just about artists,” Kylie Walzak said about the auction. “It’s about standing up to the BICAS mission.”

This year’s art auction will also serve as the kickoff to BICAS’ twenty-fifth anniversary, which will be a year of fun events celebrating BICAS’ community involvement. The auction also serves as a way to raise funds for BICAS to find a new home in the future.

“We want to make it another 25 years,” said Tanya Rich. “The space we’re in is fantastic. I think we want to be in a place we can grow into. We would like to solidify our place in the community by becoming building owners.”

If you can’t make it to the art auction, BICAS has art on display and for sale in their gallery, or “bike-tique” as it has more appropriately been dubbed. Small bicycle jewelry pieces are sold alongside t-shirts and other artworks. Early submissions for the upcoming art auction are also on display.

“It’s really cute and beautiful and we have some great stuff for sale,” Rich said.

In addition to the auction, this upcoming February will see BICAS hosting the fifth-annual Tucson Sculpture Festival.

“It kind of aligns with our twenty-fifth anniversary,” Rich said. “It won’t be limited to just bicycle inspired artwork.”

BICAS welcomes people from all walks of life to their art auction, events and classes. They continue to work on projects with a variety of organizations such as the Pima County Library, schools and local neighborhoods. Some of their public work can be seen around town such as the bike racks along the Fourth Avenue entertainment district.

Classes offered at BICAS include, but are not limited to, bike rebuilding, riding and maintenance. They also offer shop time exclusively for women and transgender identified persons. Art classes are also offered along with the opportunity for people to use the art area of BICAS during open shop hours.

The BICAS Art Auction is from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7 at the Whistle Stop Depot, 127 W. 5^th St. and is free to the public. Early bidding takes place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the silent auction will follow from 6 to 9 p.m. A preview party is on Friday, Dec. 6 from 6 to 10 p.m. All proceeds benefit BICAS. For more information, call (520) 628-7950 or visit Bicas.org. BICAS is located at 44 W. Sixth St.