Artistic Tucson

The 2009 Arizona Biennial is up at the Tucson Museum of Art through September 26th. As usual this is a show not to be missed due to its eclectic mix of styles, subject matter and materials. I have been attending biennials for as long as I can remember, and in fact am represented in the show this time, the first time since 1995. As with any juried show, the viewer will agree and disagree with some selections, as well as some omissions given the depth and breadth of Arizona talent in the arts. The show presents an interesting mix of mediums with: 2 video works, 18 paintings, 10 photographs, 5 sculptures, 9 mixed media works, 1 installation and 3 prints. This, all from 44 artists who all are currently residing in Arizona.

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Well its almost Biennial time at the Tucson Museum of Art. This every-other-year exhibit (hence the name) showcases the best in Arizona contemporary art. Drawn state-wide from submissions, and guest curated by a prominent juror, the show promises to let the public get a sense of contemporary art being created by Arizona artists. Full disclosure – I am in the Biennial this year after a 14-year dry spell, but I am just one of 44 selected artists, several hundred applied. It is important to remember that this is one juror’s show/vision of contemporary art in Arizona. There are mnay more artist working than are represented at the Biennial. Support your local artist – even if they are not in the show!

The show opens Friday July 10th and runs through September 26th and is a must view for art fans in Tucson and Southern Arizona. This year’s guest juror is Tim Rodgers, the Chief Curator at the New Mexico Museum of Art.

Look for good work from artists including; Carrie Sied, Ken Rosenthal, Gwyneth Scally, David Elliot, Moria Geoffrion, Simon Donovan, Matt Cotton and many others in the show. I will post after the opening with my favorites and report on the response the show is getting.