Comments on: Tucson Portrait Project update

By: Carolyn Classen

Carolyn Classen — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 21:57:47 +0000

Thanks for the JEM Expressions website Joel. Did you read what Ernie McCray said about the tiles up above? It was quite an undertaking.

By: Joel Manly

Joel Manly — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 21:13:07 +0000

I am the owner of JEM Expressions, we are the makers of the tiles for the project. To view our other work, check out our website at http://www.jemexpressionsontile.com

By: Carolyn Classen

Carolyn Classen — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 20:01:10 +0000

Ernie, that was YOU on the front page of the Arizona Daily Star?? How fantastic. I read the article but didn’t connect your name to your small photo above. Congratulations on a great tribute to receive a standing ovation at McKale! And I am sorry about the segregation you experienced back then here in Tucson.
Here’s the link for our readers who may not read the Star: http://www.azstarnet.com/sports/basketball/college/wildcats/image_2781380c-37c8-532c-8bb1-0257ff2d8637.html

By: erniemccray

erniemccray — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 19:38:36 +0000

I wouldn’t have known about the Underpass if you hadn’t informed me through your blog.
I would probably have spotted the art on the wall because it’s in the neighborhood I grew up in and I always cruise it when I’m in town and then I stop at the Garland, my favorite Tucson eatery, to feed my belly as well as my soul.
And speaking of feeding my soul, my trip home did just that as I received an honor that was featured in Sunday’s Arizona Daily Star just for scoring a bunch of points in a basketball game on a magical day close to the middle of the last Century. I must be old (smile).

By: Carolyn Classen

Carolyn Classen — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 19:10:42 +0000

Hi Ernie, glad you got to see the wall mural on Speedway/Stone at the Art Gallery, and also all those tile portraits at the 4th Avenue Underpass. Thanks for giving me your input as you promised, and I’m glad that you had a great time here in the Old Pueblo over the weekend.

By: erniemccray

erniemccray — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 19:02:25 +0000

I was in town this past weekend for some Tucson High and U of A basketball and I saw the aerosol spray art work at the gallery near Speedway and Stone and met the owner, a engaging human being if there ever was one. His gallery is amazing, reflecting so much positive energy with doses of seriousness and fun and all that art can say.
Before checking all that out I walked through the 4th Avenue Underpass and soaked up all the pictures. What an incredible undertaking. I can’t get the images out of my mind and I don’t want to: I can see a woman pulling her ears and sticking her tongue out like a kindergarten child would do; I see a boy with a startling google eyed look that says “Is that you, great great great great grandpa?”; a baby with eyes closed, a pacifier in mouth, looking like my youngest son when he was but a child; a woman covers her eyes as if she can’t believe what she’s just seen; a Carlos Santana look alike with the whitest moustache and goatee; a Chinese girl with an “Ewww, I’m gonna tell” expression on her face, like tattlers I remember from my growing up days; a woman looking as though she is being pleasured tenderly and any minute the world will know; a dog looking as though he’s striking a pose for the cover of GQ; African garb for exotic diversity; the obligatory “cross eyed” pose…
Oh, way to go, Old Pueblo, you’ve gained so much soul over the years, on the whole, and I love you more and more.

By: Carolyn Classen

Carolyn Classen — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 02:49:53 +0000

Hi Roger, I wondered what happened to you– hope you get to see your tile portrait when you’re back in Tucson sometime. Nice to hear from you.

By: Roger Carrillo

Roger Carrillo — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 02:34:26 +0000

Hi Carolyn and other Tucsonans!
I left Tucson, after living there for 31 years, and recently traveled back to visit friends. I had left before the 4th Avenue Underpass was completed and the last city election. I was so glad to see the beautiful new underpass, and the work being done on the pocket park at 18th and Convent! Even though I grew up in LA County I consider Tucson my home town.
Despite the setbacks in the last election I hope Tucson doesn’t forget what type of community it is! Unique, caring and compassionate, with funk and personality! It is located in one of the most beautiful and diverse places in the world the Sonoran desert that I fell in love with during an August thunderstorm in 1968.
Keep the faith and keep Tucson funky!
Paz y justicia!
Rogelio

By: erniemccray

erniemccray — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:45:26 +0000

Lyric, State, Fox – 50′s. Mickey Mouse Club at the Fox, shootem ups at the State… Lived at the “Picture Show!” Oops, maybe this wasn’t my question but when one is reminiscing, who can stop them…

By: Carolyn Classen

Carolyn Classen — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 22:25:33 +0000

Mike, sorry I missed your tile portrait but I’ve updated my blog to add you in on the NW panel. As for the 3 theaters — I can think of the Rialto and the Fox,and the Temple of Music and Art. Maybe later the Screening Room? I didn’t grow up here so I’m guessing. Do I get the kewpie doll prize?