© Edward McCain	© Dave Newman	© Toni James

EXHIBIT HALL

Winner of the prestigious Lumie Award in 2009, the exhibit program at Tohono Chul presents visual stories linking the nature, culture and arts of the Southwest. Working with regional artists, we display vibrant works of art in a diverse array of thematic group exhibits, with shows changing every eight weeks. The charming adobe Exhibit House, built as a private home in 1937, is an ideal environment for visitors to view Southwestern artworks. Galleries in the Exhibit House are open 9:00am – 5:00pm daily, except New Year’s Day, July 4^th, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Meanwhile Back at the Ranch
January 14, 2010 – March 7, 2010
Artist’s Reception: January 14, 2010 from 5:30 – 7:30pm
Curator’s talk, January 19, 2010, 9am in the Exhibit Hall
The heritage and character of our great state owes a debt to the iconic cowboy who continues to leave his mark from the Old West to the New West. From ranching that has long been a part of Arizona’s legacy to Old Tucson where western films have conjured up the mythic cowboy of the American West, to today’s rodeo, a source of pride in communities across the state where fierce competitors show their professional skills in riding and roping, the cowboy lives on.

Just in time for spring roundups and the Tucson Rodeo, our exhibit includes art works inspired by ranching cowboys, mythic cowboys, urban cowboys and even rodeo cowgirls! Among the artworks featured in the exhibit are black and white rodeo images by Cowgirl Hall of Fame photographer Louise Serpa, large charcoal drawings of behind-the-scenes moments at the rodeo by Paul VerBurg, paintings of ranch life by Jean Bohlender, paintings of cowgirls on horseback by Amy Novelli and fun, fanciful assemblages by Dave Newman featuring vintage cowboy images taken from western posters and pulp fiction magazines.

Art that Heals
March 11 – May 16, 2010
Curator’s Talk: Tuesday, Mar 16, 9:00am
Free reception, March 11, 5:30 – 7:30
Art That Heals is an exhibit of artworks that have a healing role in the life of their creator or viewer. Objects such as mandalas, icons, shrines or other images used for mediation, prayer or healing will be featured, along with works dealing with prayer or intercessions to saints, artwork made in response to grief or to help the maker deal with a spiritual or psychological problem, and artwork that engenders or represents hope and healing.

The exhibit’s aim is to explore how art images can be powerful objects that positively influence our spirits. For instance, images can be meditative aids, and art activities frequently are used in therapeutic settings to provide patients with a means of self expression and healing. Art-making can be cathartic for people who endure suffering, helping restore balance and health in their lives after experiencing loss or illness. A notebook placed in the exhibit will allow visitors to record their own experiences with the restorative power of art.