The ART GALLERY at 1122 N. Stone Ave. (N. E. corner of Stone and Speedway) (Also houses the Holy Joe Studio Gallery and the Stone Dragon Studio Gallery) has closed its doors for good. It is sad to see yet another Tucson business shut due to our poor economy.

As you know there is a long list of business closures in town and if the streetcar construction on University as well as on 4^th Ave. doesn’t complete soon I expect lots more to follow. Their businesses are off 40-60%.

The ART GALLERY owned by Steve Murray and his wife Maxine moved into this gallery location 5 years ago. The gallery offered some of the finest art in town and a very eclectic mix with something for everyone’s taste. Prior to the Stone Ave. location Steve and Maxine were involved with the downtown Arts Partnership Gallery for several years with a partner. When that structure was to be turned into expensive condos they moved and bought the building at their present location. Many of the artist’s they represented had been with them for over 10 years.

I personally don’t think there is gallery in Tucson that has helped artists and the community as much as Steve & Maxine. They held benefits at their gallery for organizations like Bicas, Arts organizations. Tucson Fire Foundation, and Children’s hospitals and others throughout the 5 years at this location.

Steve is an accomplished sculptor with collectors throughout the US and his wife is a retired schoolteacher. They have both been involved in the ownership of galleries in Elgin, AZ, Tubac and several in Tucson. They have had years of experience in the art market but with the existing economy just could not make a go of it and have decided to sell their 6000 sq. ft. facility and step back awhile.

In addition to Steve’s artistic ability, in 1974 he became a real estate consultant, real estate broker and appraiser. Steve still makes art because that is who he is but he and his wife have gotten tired because of poor art sales in our area and have chosen to call it quits for now. We wish them the best of luck.

Friday evening, May 4, you will enjoy three delightful one-act plays:

Two Saturdays in June   by Sydney Flynn;

Waiting   by Susan Arnold and

UROK  by Jim Ambrosek.

Two Saturdays in June–On a trip back to her hometown, a teacher confronts both her mother and the demons that have haunted her since childhood.

Waiting — A hospital waiting room; a bowler, a nurse, a woman, her daughter.

UROK — A wine tasting; a sister, two brothers, a wine connoisseur and his date.  What could happen?

Saturday evening, May 5, you can return to enjoy the reading of the full-length play, Style and Substance, A Love Story…Sort Of!   by Stuart Reich, about the problems of dating for middle-aged, single people in a techno-savvy world.

These productions are presented by the Tucson Alliance of Dramatic Artists (TADA!) – a new, non-profit, professional-quality, repertory theatre company, dedicated to producing and presenting work that reaches out to our diverse community as it entertains, enriches, and educates its audience.

TADA!  will work to encourage writers, nationally, of all ages to submit their original, never-produced plays. We will be producing events of social, human and political relevance. In addition to traditional theatre stages, TADA will be looking for new, exciting and unusual locations to present the live theatre experience.

ART Gallery is one of the most eclectic collections of beautiful fine art pieces, sculptures, relics, antiques, paintings, jewelry, and more, situated in a uniquely designed location that has become a Tucson landmark. These are evenings for the both the performing and the visual arts.

This inaugural event begins with a reception both evenings from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. followed by the performances at ART Gallery, 1122 N. Stone Ave, NE corner of Stone/Speedway, in Tucson, AZ.  Refreshments will be served. Free admission. However, donations will be accepted and appreciated, with profits going toward underwriting this new venture.

So come early, enjoy art before, at intermission, and after the show.

For more information on TADA!, call Sheldon Metz at 520-722-9553.

For ART Gallery, call 520-624-7099.

Martha From Snowbird series by Charles Spillar

Everyone that lives in Arizona knows that in the winter months we attract a lot of SNOWBIRDS.  A lot of these birds from all over America and Canada have flown north but there are a few of these strange birds still here.

Elmer From Snowbird series by Charles Spillar

6 Foot Mortimer from Snowbird series by Charles Spillar

Wanda "with an attitude" from Snowbird series by Charles Spillar

The exhibition at the Art Gallery on Stone/Speedway has some of these creatures created by local artist Charles Spillar. Besides the Snowbirds this exhibition is joined with some of Arizona’s other strange creatures created by local professional artists Margot Huntingtion, Bob Kray and Melissa Miller.

Original sculpture by Margot Huntington

If you enjoy viewing art that is a “little different” you will be enjoy this unique showing. The opening reception to meet the artists is Saturday, May 7. This exhibition runs through Saturday June 4.

The Gentleman's Umbrella by Nicole C. Lavely

In the adjoining gallery, Stone Dragon Studio, also Saturday, May 7, the University of Arizona College of Fine Arts Honor Studio presents “BLURS & REFLECTIONS.  This exhibition features the works of Christine Broduer, Stephanie Dammer, Dena Eichen, Nicole Lavely, Lauren Russel, Kashka Stitt and Chelsey Yingling.

Gilded Gaze by Nicole C. Lavely

These students have been granted their own studios on campus for the purpose of developing their disciplines.  This exhibition is dedicated to the University of Arizona Fine Arts Professors who made the Honors Studio a reality.

The U. of A. exhibition runs through Saturday, May 21, 2011.

Come and meet the artists from both exhibitions at the Opening Reception Saturday, May 7, 2011 from 4-7pm.

Location:

ART Gallery & Stone Dragon Studio

1122 N. Stone Ave. (NE corner Stone/Speedway)

Tucson, AZ 85705

(520) 624-7099

Gallery hours: Wed.-Sat., 11AM-4PM, or by appointment at 405-5800.

Parking lot & entry from paved alley at east end of building.

Handicapped parking & entry from Stone Ave. entrance.

Elmer (A Snowbird) by Charles Spillar

The  opening reception for the new exhibition titled ARTificial: The Artists Perception  of Truth will be held this Friday, February 4 at one of Tucson’s most eclectic gallery, The Art Gallery on Stone/Speedway.

This new mixed media exhibition is surely got a little something for everyone’s delight. Sculpture, paintings, mixed media , collage and a little bit of everything the artists feel is the perception of truth.

Below are just a few of the images from the exhibition.

Original Painting by David Tineo

Mask by Bob Kray

Ceramic Fish by Kazuma Sambe

Scupture by Margo Huntington

Bronze Sculpture by Steve Romaniello

Modest Smile by Alex Arshansky

Artists’ reception is Friday, Feb. 4 from 4-7 P.M.

Location: ART Gallery, 1122 N. Stone Ave., (NE corner of Stone/Speedway), Tucson, AZ, 85705

(520) 624-7099,

Exhibit closes February 29. ( And yes they know there is no Feb. 29 this year.  But isn’t art always the artists’ perception of truth?)

Gallery hours: Wednesdays-Saturdays from 11 am-4 pm, or by appointment  (520)405-5800.

Parking lot and entry at east end of building, w/access through paved alley.  Handicapped parking and access at Stone Ave. entrance.

Girl-Woman by Judith Mariner

On Saturday January 29^th there will be a closing exhibition titled “Reflections of the new mythic body: Figurative painting by Judith Mariner.” This will be a great opportunity to see this talented artist’s work before it leaves and meet the new owners of one of Tucson’s newest galleries in the historic warehouse arts district.

Card Reader by Judith Mariner

Judith is a local artist living and working in Tucson. Her primary life focus is philosophy, metaphysics and the multi-dimensionality of consciousness.  Her work is investigative and fueled by awe, longing, and divine discontent, which she believes are the handmaidens of creation and evolution.

Women In the Bath by Judith Mariner

Judith’s college B. A. is in music performance and her visual art talents are self taught . She has been a guest working artist at the Drawing Studio here in Tucson.

By learning through experience she now uses her talents to teach others watercolor, oil and drawing through private lessons at various Parks and Recreation centers while raising her two children as a single mom. Judith’s work is not easily categorized. She covers a range from landscape, portraits, psychological studies and abstracts.

American Souls by Judith Mariner

The closing exhibition will be this Saturday  29th of January at 6:00 PM- 9:00 PM at the Wanderlust gallery, 439 North 6th Ave, Tucson

(Entrance on  6th Street. Best parking is behind the 6^th Ave/6^th St. building entering from 6^th Ave.

For more information call 520-207-3346.

Refreshments provided.

Boundaries by Alison Helm

The public art auction being held at the Stone Dragon Studio (Inside Art Gallery on Stone/Speedway)”ON A SMALL ROLL” during December was the idea developed by Moira Geoffrion, a U. of A. Fine Arts Professor.  The concept refers to the fact that if one takes small steps creatively, that one can get “on a roll” and move towards creative and intellectual growth, and hopefully towards college studies in the arts.

On A Roll Art entry

On A Roll Art entry

Art teachers from Cholla High School and Pistor Middle School have art classes but do not have art rooms and very little funds for art supplies.  This fundraising art auction is intended for these existing classes and for special workshops for local artists working with school kids. Several art students at Cholla are quite excited about this exhibition/fundraiser, and have donated art for this auction.

On A Roll Art entry

On A Roll Art Entry

Several local professional artists, as well as art faculty and art students from the U. of A., and professional artists nationally and internationally, have donated art for this auction. This will be a great opportunity to buy some great art and help school programs that have had substantial cuts due to the poor economy.

This fundraising activity is a month-long silent auction to support the two Tucson school programs. The auction actually opened December 1, 2010 and will run though December 30^th.The official opening reception will be Saturday December 4 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Refreshments will be served. The closing reception will be December 30^th from 4-7 pm. Winning bidders will pick up their art at that time and pay for it.

Winners not present will be notified by either phone or email.

AUCTION is open to the public. Bidders need to register for a bidding number at the gallery and will be given a Bid # to use on the Bid Sheets. Bidders can come by any time the studio gallery is open to check the bids sheets and place bids.

Location: Stone Dragon Studio (inside Art Gallery)

1122 N. Stone Ave. (N.E. corner of Stone/Speedway)

Tucson, AZ 85705 Phone: 520-624-7099

HOURS: Wednesday – Saturday 11:00 am – 4:00 pm.

NOTE: Gallery will not be open Friday December 24 or December 25.

SPRING by Mimi Daniel

Some very unique and thought provoking reliefs, paintings, photographs and sculptures created by the art class 496S at the University of Arizona is now on public exhibition at the Holy Joe Studio located within the Art Gallery on Stone/Speedway.  The U. Of A. art class taught by artist and professor Moira Geoffrion,  is a capstone course, which prepares the students to excel in the professional art world.

DEMETER'S WORKS by Salvatore Leo

The art exhibition itself focuses on giving new and fresh artists a voice to be heard; a place to not only share their creations, but also to expose the public to new views and opinions. This  showing offers great opportunity to view and purchase work by new emerging artists at reasonable prices.

DIALATED DREAM SCREAM by Robert Bayze

Included in the show is a “Wall-In-Progress” in which any artist or visitor to the exhibition can paint, draw, etc. on the surface as a collaborative on-going work of art.

Students are given the opportunity to not only exhibit in a professional art gallery, but to also get that real-world experience of curating a group show. This involves selecting the art, pricing it realistically for the marketplace, displaying it in a cohesive, visually satisfying manner, advertising to the public… and more! Art students from the UA and Pima College are collaborating on this event.

NEW TRADITIONS by Madelaine Sarbo

SONIC CONIC by Andy Cook

Chris Broduer’s amazing oil paintings speak directly to the theme of the show.  Mimi Daniel has personified the cycles of nature in the Celtic tradition with her Greenmen made from porcelain, encaustic, & oils.  Madelaine Sarbo creates with a modern modular paper collage technique.

The Opening Reception for “Can You Hear Me Now?” will be this Saturday, November 6^th from 5-7 pm.

(NOTE: The talented singer/songwriter Alisha Peru will be performing at the reception. )

KICK SOME ASS by Monique Murietta

Dates of Exhibition: November 3 – November 27, 2010.

Holy Joe Studio is located at 1122 N. Stone Ave. near the NE corner of Stone/Speedway in Tucson, Arizona.  (520) 624-7099.

Studio hours are Wednesday-Saturday from 11am-4pm, or by appointment with Steve at (520) 405-5800.

The parking lot is at the east end of the building with access from a paved alley.  Handicapped parking and access is at the Stone Ave. entrance.

"Modest Smile" painting by Alexander Arshansky

Alexander Arshansky, one of Tucson’s rapidly emerging artists, will be exhibiting new work at the Art Gallery on Stone/Speedway.. The artist reception is Saturday, October 9, from 5-8 pm, and special musical guest  Alisha Peru,  exceptional local singer/song writer talent, will be performing during the evening.

Arshansky, a self-taught artist with no formal art training, is an extension of the Russian Avant Garde Movement.  He was born and raised in Moscow, Russia and immigrated with his family to Tucson. Our desert environment has played an influence in how his art  has evolved into the bright array of colors and outlines in a style the art critics named “Biomorphic Cubism.”

"Nurse Jackie" painting by Alexander Arshansky

When viewing the artist’s new work you will see his unique original and recognizable style that always stands out. He has his own voice unlike any others I have seen in recent times.  His work tells us many stories through hidden symbolism found in his intricate patterns and color spaces. Each of his works seem to convey more than just one message and challenges the mind by bringing a different perspective.

"Pride" painting by Alexander Arshansky

I have found myself viewing his work and spending a long period of time at each piece intriqued by the story within. I have also found when I view that same piece again later,  I see something I had missed the first time.   This is a very unique talent. I highly recommend visiting this exhibition as it is very powerful and  you will find your mind opened with the messages within his work.

Artist Reception is Sat, Oct. 9 from 5-8 pm.Exhibition

Location: ART Gallery, 1122 N. Stone Ave., Tucson, AZ (NE corner Stone/Speedway)

Phone: (520) 624-7099.

Dates of exhibition: Oct. 1- Oct. 30, 2010

October hours at ART Gallery are Wednesdays-Saturdays from 11 am-4 pm, or by appointment. Call (520)405-5800 for scheduling appointments.

Parking lot and entry in rear, w/access through paved alley.  Handicapped parking at Stone Ave. entrance.

Photo by Sean Stuchen

On September 11, 2001, one of the worst acts of violence on American soil took place taking the lives of almost 3000 Americans.  343 of those that died that day were firefighters. On 9/11/2010 these heroic souls will be remembered in a ceremony created by the Tucson Fire Foundation, a new non-profit 501c3 corporation. Postcards will be available to the public to address a remembrance to the FDNY and will be sent by the foundation to New York.

The event will be held at the Art Gallery located north of Speedway on Stone Ave in an invitation only occasion.  The incredible photographs of Tucson firefighters by local photographer Sean Stuchen will be exhibited and sold at both events with proceeds going to the foundation. Sean will be present for both days’ events.  The special 9/11 happening will be a major fundraiser for the Tucson Fire Foundation created to help firefighters and their families for circumstances beyond the normal coverage provided. For more details visit their website: http://www.tucsonfirefoundation.org

Photo by Sean Stuchen

On Sunday, September 12, from 1-6 PM the public is invited to meet the photographer and view the unique photos of our own local heroes and their necessary equipment.   Once you view Stuchen’s photographs you will never take for granted the sacrifices these men and women face daily and the dangers they often have to endure. Very seldom have I been so affected by photography like this. I will never take for granted the work these gallant people undertake on the public’s behalf. The photographs bring the firefighter’s real reality to us. The physical conditioning they must maintain and the extreme dangers they face become obvious in these photographs.

Sean Stuchen’s photography in this exhibition demonstrates his professionalism and his feel for composition and color. His works capture the heart and soul of his subjects as you will witness upon viewing this exhibition. His style pushes the envelope photographing  subjects from unique angles that offer a view into another dimension.   Other subjects he has captured are exhibited in a gallery space off from the main firefighter exhibit for the public to see. They show his range of professionalism on numerous subjects.

Photo by Sean Stuchen

The Saturday event will pay tribute to the brother and sister firefighters that lost their lives on 9/11 with special speakers and presentations.  Entertainment that evening will feature what I consider an “angel singing.”  15-year-old singer/songwriter Alisha Peru will be singing the Star Spangled Banner and many touching songs appropriate for the event including some she wrote herself. The Cienega High School sophomore has been playing the piano since age 4 and reading music before she could even read words. In addition to being a singer/songwriter she plays alto & tenor saxophone and guitar.  Recently Alisha was featured on KGUN 9’s “The Morning Blend” television show and her new songs can be found on ITunes or at her myspace page. You will be amazed at this young local talent.

Singer/Songwriter Alisha Peru

The Art Gallery location is 1122 N. Stone Ave. (just north of Speedway) Phone: 520-624-7099.  Sunday’s 9/12 public event hours are 1PM – 6 PM. The exhibition opened September 1 and will be open until September 30 for public viewing and purchase. Weekly hours through September 30 are  Wed-Sat 11 AM – 4 PM or by appointment call 520-405-5800.

These two artists are rapidly gaining recognition on the Tucson art scene for their exceptional creative work.  I personally have visited their studio located in the Citizens Art Studios building and am very impressed with their body of highly professional art.

Newsprint Sculpture by Nick Georegiou

Nick Georgiou is originally from Queens, NY  and received his BFA in film and televison from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. Georgiou meticulously creates hand-stitched  newsprint sculptures, which he integrates into the urban environment.  His works have been exhibited at Black Rat Press and Andipa Modern Galleries in London as well as featured shows in the New York area. His most recent show brought him to Tucson where he exhibited and lectured at the University of Arizona.

Titus Castanza Painting "Gun & Flower"

Titus Castanza received his formal art training from The Ringling School of Art and Design in 
Sarasota, FL. He began his career in 2001 working as a staff artist for The Franklin Mint. Later, he went on to find a rewarding career as a freelance artist. After living and working in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. for six years, he decided to return to his native Tucson to pursue his career as a gallery artist. Titus is widely known for his portraits and landscapes and for his concept drawings/paintings for local businesses and organizations.

Admission to the artist reception May 21 is $5 for Gardens members, $10 nonmembers. RECEPTION hours: 6-10 p.m The gallery itself is open during regular Garden hours: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 7 days a week. 



Tucson Botanical Gardens is a private, non-profit organization that promotes botanical, horticultural, and ecological education; encourages responsible environmental stewardship; and provides a beautiful setting for enjoyment and relaxation. The Gardens is an urban oasis in the heart of Tucson featuring a 5 acre collection of 16 specialty gardens. It is located at 2150 N. Alvernon Way. For more information, call (520) 326-9686, Ext. 10, email info@tucsonbotanical.org or visit www.tucsonbotanical.org.