Here’s some free events occurring in Tucson, leading up to the State of Arizona’s 100th Birthday celebration.

On February 14, 1912, Arizona became the 48th state and the last of the contiguous states to be admitted to the United States of America. But the lens through which we look at Arizona goes back much further than 100 years and as well peers forward to the years ahead.

The Colleges of Letters, Arts and Science invite you to explore with us Arizona’s rich history and its promise for the future.

In January 2012 we embark upon a journey of reflection and discovery in Southern Arizona venues from Tumamoc Hill to the Tucson Scottish Rite Cathedral, from San Xavier del Bac to the UA Poetry Center, in activities and events that encompass our cultural heritage and showcase the diversity of people and places that make us what we are.

Our exploration culminates with Arizona 100: A Celebration on Saturday, February 11, 2012, as the community comes together in Centennial Hall on the university campus for a multifaceted view of our past, present and future.

Sponsored with generous support from the University of Arizona’s offices of the President, Provost and Vice President for Research and by Confluence: Center for Creative Inquiry, join us as the University of Arizona celebrates Arizona – 100 and Counting!

Go online now to get complimentary tickets to some of these events, starting Sat. January 21 — The Arizona Radio Hour (with musical theatre company Encore!) at the Tucson Scottish Rite Cathedral downtown at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are also required for the AZ 100: A Celebration closing event at Centennial Hall on Feb. 11, followed by a reception in front of the AZ State Museum. Website: www.Az100.arizona.edu, or call 520-621-9062.

Other events:

Tumamoc Hill Open House (two weekends: Jan. 21, 22, 28, 29 – 10 a.m to 5 p.m.);

UA Poetry Center event on Jan. 26 with opening reception (5 to 7 p.m.) for an exhibit entitled “Voices from Arizona’s Past: Sharlot Hall & Hattie Lockett”;

Architectural tour on Jan. 28 of Mission San Xavier del Bac by architect Bob Vint at 11 a.m., followed by a concert by the Tucson Arizona Boys Choir at 1 p.m.

UA English Professor and published poet Steve Orlen passed away on November 16, 2010, at age 68 due to lung cancer. He was a professor at the U of A since 1967, having received his undergraduate degree from U. Mass Amherst, and MFA from University of Iowa Writers’ Workshop. He taught Creative writing (poetry) and Twentieth-century American poetry.

Steve Orlen, courtesy of Gail Marcus-Orlen

UA Poetry Center’s website had a brief memorial online for Steve saying ” Steve. You will be sorely missed. We will carry your words with us.” A memorial service at the Poetry Center is scheduled for Saturday, January 22 at 1508 E. Helen St. (SE corner of Vine), 3 to 5 p.m. Click here for the link:

http://poetry.arizona.edu/promotion/2010/11/remembering-steve-orlen

Additional link to Steve’s 15 readings at Tucson Festival of Books on March 15, 2009:

http://avl.arizona.edu/index.php?reading_id=292

Watch this video above as it really shows the beauty of Steve’s poetry, especially as recited by him.

Orlen wrote six books of poetry (including “The Elephant’s Child: New & Selected Poems 1978 to 2005″, “Kisses”, “This Particular Eternity”), and did readings around Tucson. We knew him and his wife Gail Marcus-Orlen, a local artist, as our sons went to elementary school together, and we are neighbors in the same midtown area. He was a great guy, always smiling and pleasant.

Farewell Steve, you will indeed be missed, but your poetic words will live on.

I love the whimsical artwork (oils, acrylics and block prints) by artist Maja Nostrant, having seen her work at at least two art shows in the past, one being the UA Poetry Center recently on September 2nd. She draws everyday people and scenes in a simple unique style, having grown up in Mexico and Scandinavia (Iceland).

On Saturday, November 27, MAST (an eclectic store/gallery in the Lost Barrio) will have an opening reception for Maja’s art, 6 to 9 p.m. Photos courtesy of MAST and UA Poetry Center.

MAST is located at 299 S. Park Avenue, south of Broadway, (next to Tooley’s Cafe). Their phone number is 1-520-720-0299, email is info@ilovemast.com.

I recently wrote about the “Unique Finds to be found at the Lost Barrio” (click here), about the interesting collection of shops there.

Maja’s new art works are part of those unique finds. Enjoy her show.