Andy With Ten Gallon Hat PHOTO: Bob Broder 1968

“Warhol: From Dylan to Duchamp,” the unseen work of Tucson photographer Bob Broder, will be on exhibition at the Eric Firestone Downtown Gallery starting February 27^th.

Eric Kroll, a TASCHEN photo book editor, and gallery owner Eric Firestone, curated the exhibition.  The show combines 28 of the greatest photographers of our time – – Dennis Hopper, Helmut Newton, Nat Finkelstein, Cecil Beaton, Annie Leibovitz, Robert Mapplethorpe, Billy Name, Bob Broder, Bob Adelman, Gerard Malanga, Anton Perich, Michael Tighe, Patrick McMullan and others. This inside look into the wonderful Age of Warhol showcases a rare assemblage of color, and black-and-white original prints, including a prestigious body of work on loan from the Beth Rudin DeWoody Collection.

Kroll, who also lives in Tucson, recently discovered Broder’s Mother lode of Sixties Warhol images — never-before-seen, black-and-whites of the artist filming his Underground sex-Western, “Lonesome Cowboys.”  The film was shot in 1968 at Old Tucson Studios and Rancho Linda Vista in the city of Oracle.  Critics consider “Cowboys” the precursor to “Brokeback Mountain.”

Broder, a former chief photographer of the University of Arizona stated: “I haven’t looked at those negatives in over 40 years. I was a stringer for The Arizona Republic back in the sixties.  I drove my ’65 Mustang with the white, vinyl top to the Old Tucson set. It was a non-union production, so I didn’t get booted out…besides, I knew the sheriff.  I remember [Warhol] didn’t say much. And, he had high heels. He didn’t bother me, and I didn’t bother him.”

(more…)

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.

(more…)

In these trying times, most of our local non-profit arts organizations could use a hand. Everyone from downtown non-profit artspaces (Dinnerware gallery for one) to the “major’s” are looking to stretch their funds a bit. With the collapse of endowments (for those lucky enough to have them) and the decrease in discretionary income, many fine arts organizations are barely hanging on. While it is easy to forget that the arts are a vital part of our lives, we will miss them in greatly if they cease to exist during these trying times. From their economic impact on the community, to the richness they bring to our lives, the arts are an important element in our daily lives. Please take the time to think how you may support one of the following arts organizations either by attending an event, mailing a check, or even by volunteering to help during this rough time. I have listed the websites of many groups below, but this is not a complete list – please support your favorite, or poke around and find a few to try to help.

azopera.org

arizonatheatrecompany.org

tucsonsymphony.org

tucsonmuseumofart.org

moca-tucson.org

dinnerwarearts.com

ballettucson.org

foxtucsontheatre.org

rialtotheatre.com