The Weaver, with details of Empire Market and Coronado Hotel |
On January 8th,
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 4th
Avenue district, where TAB had originally planned to restore their 1997 mural
entitled “Share the Bounty”. Instead, the Together We Thrive mural project on 4th 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 4th
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 4th
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 4th
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.
Piney Hollow, and the Native Seeds Gardener Detail |
you are formally invited to join us to participate in a…
Long Time Residents
~ Story Sharing ~
TUESDAY
January 8th
6pm-8pm
@
The Historic Y
738 N. 5th Ave. Suite
# 101-c
If you grew up, worked or lived around 4th
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 4th Ave)
For More Information or to RSVP, call
the Tucson Arts Brigade at (520)-623-2119
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