Dinosaur Discovery Center Logo

Dinosaurs so life-like they appear real are now found on North Stone Ave. at the new Dinosaur Discovery Center. Just a few blocks north of Grant on Stone Avenue, families and individuals will be in for a real treat with this new dinosaur exhibit. They presently have 10 life-size Dinosaur sculptures set in a 42-foot long diorama of the Jurassic, Triassic and Cretaceous period with a backdrop of a panoramic mural.

Deinonychus and Child

The Discovery Center is full of hands on activities for kids to explore and learn.  It has everything from dinosaur art, uncovering replica dinosaur skeletons and a dinosaur excavation game to a model volcano play table with miniature dinosaurs.  It also includes touchable exhibits of paleontologist tools, replica dinosaur eggs, 30 real fossils, paleo artifacts and a paleo find from Arizona’s own Sonorasaurus.

Buitreraptor Dinosaur

Local Tucson artist, Daniel McQuestion, installed the life-size dinosaur sculptures and the 40-foot long prehistoric scene mural behind them.  His work has really captured the spirit of dinosaurs as he puts amazing detail into the form of their sinewy muscles, eyes and jaws.  Some of them look fierce with razor sharp teeth and piercing eyes, while others look almost docile and approachable.  The artist has brought them to life with color and texture. These colorful and life-like artistic replicas of extinct creatures will bring the fossils that we have all seen into perspective.

Daniel McQuestion and Troodon

The facility is newly opened with plans for more life size sculptures to be added in the future and other new exhibits being added or rotated regularly.

You can visit their website for more information: http://www.prehistoric-journey.org

Or email them: fun@prehistoric-journey

Address: 2602 N. Stone Ave., Tucson, AZ

Phone: 520-884-3426

Facebook site: http://www.facebook.com/people/Prehistoric-Journey/100001956098743

Free Parking with bus and RV access in the rear of the center.

Miracle Manor Mural Located at 2520 N.15th Ave.

The power of community was graciously demonstrated this past Saturday in the Miracle Manor neighborhood as the completed Miracle Manor Mural was celebrated. This great achievement clearly demonstrates the positive effects of neighbors coming together to make change in their community.

The mural was a coordinated effort between the Miracle Manor Neighborhood Association and Youth Empowerment Services Network.

On Saturday April 24, at the S & K Market,  2520 N. 15th Avenue (north of Grant Road), a dedication ceremony of this community mural was celebrated.  Guests included neighborhood residents, Council Member Karin Uhlich, Mayor Bob Walkup, and the Tucson Police Department.

Supporters include the Arizona Commission on the Arts, Lego Children’s Fund America, Pima County Attorney’s Office, PRO Neighborhoods, and the Ward III Council Office, along with other individual and business donations.

On February 6, 2010 over 50 neighborhood residents and friends participated in “community paint day,” to kick off the mural painting. Participants included children and adults of all ages, including Council Member Karin Uhlich.

(more…)

OVER SEAS by Gonzalo Espinosa

Art is as much a part of his life as the air he breathes. The art and the artist have become one. Gonzalo Espinosa considers his work as a passage between his life experiences and their translation into his art.

TWO PERFECT SKIES by Espinosa

Espinosa merges the light and energy he witnesses in Arizona with the magical realism he witnessed growing up in Acapulco, Mexico. He considers his images as paths into his world of youth and masked heroes that live in the realm of his imagination and perception. (more…)