Together We Thrive Mural Update

The Weaver, with details of Empire Market and Coronado Hotel

On January 8^th, 2011, the city of Tucson came under the national spotlight as millions of people learned about a shooting that had taken place. The attack left multiple people wounded, six dead, and Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords in critical condition. Giffords had been shot in the head, and the political nature of the shooting drew in huge national media coverage. President Obama traveled to Tucson to mourn the six lives that were lost in the shooting, and to address the attack on Congresswoman Giffords. He encouraged community healing and delivered a speech centered upon the theme “Together We Thrive”.

To be decided!

Tucson Arts Brigade (TAB) sought to embody this theme, and to use it as the foundation for a mural commemorating the lives lost in this tragedy and all of the people who were affected by it. The mural would be located in the heart of the 4^th Avenue district, where TAB had originally planned to restore their 1997 mural entitled “Share the Bounty”. Instead, the Together We Thrive mural project on 4^th Avenue began.

"Participants are currently discussing what should go in the remaining six blank spots on the mural."

 

As the planning process started, the project gradually transformed. The theme of thriving together as a community was still at the heart of this muralendeavor, but it began to expand beyond just the shooting that took place. Members of the Tucson community engaged in a dialogue about the future of this mural and, much to the surprise of TAB, a different focus took shape.

Detail of Weavers Tapestry

The theme of “Together We Thrive”, at its core, is about more than community during crisis. It’s about community in daily life, the community that continually shapes us. Though the vision for the “Together We Thrive” mural was born out of tragedy, it now seeks to celebrate Tucson’s history of thriving together as a community in the 4^th Avenue district. 

The base of the mural is the original 1997 “Share the Bounty” mural project. TAB is working to reconstruct and modify the original mural, building the “Together We Thrive” mural by transforming and adding to the existing components. The 4^th Avenue merchants and residents shared their input for the project with TAB and together they formed the new focus for the mural. The goal for this mural project is that it will celebrate the history and community of the 4^th Avenue district, while integrating pieces of the original “Share the Bounty” mural. It’s a blend of the old with the new, a rich and colorful progression celebrating Tucson community.

 

Power to the People Detail

There are two main pieces of this mural project, located in Haggerty Plaza located at 316 N 4th Ave.. The first piece of the mural has been completed, but the second piece is still in progress. TAB would greatly appreciate your support in moving forward with the second half of this mural project.

If you would like to get involved in the Together We Thrive mural project, please email info@tucsonartsbrigade.org or call (520) 623-2119 or visit our website at www.tucsonartsbrigade.org

Piney Hollow, and the Native Seeds Gardener Detail

 Whats Next?

you are formally invited to join us to participate in a…

Long Time Residents

~ Story Sharing ~

 TUESDAY  

January 8^th

^6pm-8pm

^@

The Historic Y

 ^{738 N. 5th Ave. Suite # 101-c}

If you grew up, worked or lived around 4^th Ave., or are interested in Tucson stories, we invite you to join us for an evening of story telling and art making. This information will be used in the design of a mural in Michael Haggerty Plaza (316 N 4^th Ave)

 For More Information or to RSVP, call the Tucson Arts Brigade at (520)-623-2119