2018 Mural Festival Report Back

2018 Mural Festival Report Back
by Sadie Shaw

"Sugar Hill" © 2018 Teresa Diane Altamirano/ Tucson Arts Brigade

In April, TAB set out to add more murals into the Sugar Hill (Northwest) Neighborhood’s Bronx Wash to extend the set completed between 2009-17. Although there were many bureaucratic roadblocks in our way, TAB persevered and managed to work with neighbors, community leaders, and even local artist David Tineo to paint more murals in the neighborhood despite all odds.

The Sugar Hill Story Circle in April inspired local artists and TAB members to submit around 15 designs for murals in the Bronx Wash on Linden between 4th and 6th Ave. However, there was a disconnect between the Arts Foundation of Southern Arizona and TAB,  and because of a sudden change to the review process, our approval was delayed. Because of this, only three murals from the festival were painted at the original site in the Bronx Wash, but thanks to the generous donation of a neighbor, the majority of the murals found a home on a private wall 6th and Linden (including the mural by David Tineo). Check them out sometime!

TAB is a community driven arts organization, and we exist to inspire new artists and community leaders. From the Sugar Hill story circle, artist and Sugar Hill resident Sadie Shaw painted her first mural and was further motivated to become president of the Northwest Neighborhood Association and a board member of TAB! Together we hope to schedule another story circle and encourage a more open and accessible process to making public art in our community!

©2018 David Tineo/Tucson Arts Brigade

©2018 Sadie Shaw/Tucson Arts Brigade

Thank You To Our Supporters!!

Throughout the weekend over 150 visited, helped paint, took photographs and talked with their neighbors. Many had never met, and didn’t know there was a neighborhood association. Our supply tent was filled with healthy foods and cold drinks gathered by TAB Community Outreach Director Rose Taulton. Each morning TAB BOD member German Quiroga and intern Delbert Antone would set up the shade tent, supplies, water and comfort area. Thanks to all our dedicated volunteers the event had that feeling of comfort, delight and creativity. Many of the supplies were donated, and we especially want to thank ACE Hardware, Tucson Pastel Society,  GARDEN Inc., Felix Lawrence, German Quiroga, Sally Howard, Dorothy Richmond, John Newman, ACE Hardware, Tucson Brown Berets and Adrian Fernandez for making this festival possible.

2018 Mural Festival: Sugar Hill Tucson, AZ

2018 Neighborhood Mural Festival April 13-15

On April 13-15 artists and neighbors gathered for the first ever neighborhood based mural festival in Tucson, AZ. This festival was a huge success, with fourteen new murals created. Our theme was voices of Sugar Hill neighbors. Gathering and listening to these stories is an ongoing process. What we are learning, we are painting. These stories define who we are as a people, as a community and city. What makes us unique and creates an ambiance of tranquility? Knowing our stories, our roots is critical to maintaining our identity. 

The Festival came with a few unexpected perks. Famed muralist David Tineo arrived to paint a mural and canvases he left for youth to finish. Imagine getting to finish a master artists work as a young artist. Artists painted, and cleaned the area. We also cleaned up the Bronx Wash area, removing many bags of trash form the site. The other surprise was an intervention by the Arts Foundation for Southern Arizona, who cite an anonymous call "reporting" our murals a month before the festival, causing a delay to this day (as of 6/7/18). We learned about Tucson's written cultural policy (COT Administrative Directive 7) and started the process of advocating for neighborhood arts resources. While our festival received no funding, we realized that resources do exist, but are being diverted to expensive works of public art that often don't reflect the needs, concerns, voices, suggestions and history of residents. The delay was a shock and disappointment for artists and neighbors, but as always we took a bad situation and made some good come from it. 

We have more neighborhood Story Circles planned for Sugar Hill. One of the muralists, Sadie Shaw, became president of the North West Neighborhood Association, 13 new murals were created, the once secretive AFSA Artist "pre-qualified" list is now open for all to apply to, and conversations about Arts Based Solutions to Community Needs are being discussed. A door has opened to the AFSA, and our work falling more into synchronicity with each conversation. In our work there are always unexpected adventures, twists and turns. We live in a community that values civic participation, and if you find a problem and are willing to help solve it good things emerge.

Sadie Shaw: Family Stories

Teresa Diane Altamirano

Annalisa Loevenguth

David Tineo

Sabrina Vincent

Tanya Alvarez

Delbert Antone

Xaivier Ringer

Jessa Hudgens

Julian Argote

Caressa Wittwer

Michael Schwartz - El Hombre De Maiz (for my father)

Sharon Pederson

We were shocked and saddened that our local arts agency (Arts Foundation for Southern Arizona) gave us a multi-month run around, many artists didn't participate due to lack of wall space.

Artists Call: Neighborhood Mural Festival April 13-15, 2018

Calling All Artists! Neighborhood Mural Festival April 13-15, 2018

DEADLINE: Monday April 2, Midnight

Artists (and groups) of all styles and experience levels are invited to work alongside Tucson Arts Brigade (TAB) and residents of the historic Sugarhill and Jefferson Park Neighborhoods to gather stories and transform them into  murals.

Join us for this festive annual celebration of murals, food, community, music and more!


 

Want to get involved? Here’s how to apply:

Learn about the neighborhood: See the next page for brief history of this area and check our blog for updates about upcoming neighborhood story sessions and online resources:

Themes: Neighborhood stories, culture, residents, and traditions including those of Tucson’s African American community

Submit your mural design and application DEADLINE: Monday April 2, Midnight
To be considered, you must submit the following to TABmuralfest@gmail.com

1) Send 1 JPEG (maximum 5MB) of the preliminary sketch(es) of your mural design.

2) Write a short answer to the following questions:

-- Why are you interested in creating a mural in this neighborhood? What is your connection to or understanding of this area?
-- What knowledge, experience, skills, or strengths (artistic or otherwise) do you have that will help prepare you for this type of project? How can you  contribute?

3) Submit all Materials to:  TABmuralfest@gmail.com

Or By Surface Mail to: TAB/Mural Fest P.O.Box 545, Tucson, AZ 85702

Mural fest planning committee and neighbors review designs and offer feedback.


4) Attend the Neighborhood Story Circle:

Monday, March 26 at 6 PM - 8 PM 

Donna R Liggins Recreation Center, 2160 North 6th Ave. Tucson, AZ 85705

Details and What to Expect:

• Artists submit final revised design for approval by early April 10.
• Painting will happen Thursday April 12- Sun April 15, you will be assigned your wall upon check in.
• Most walls are 8' x 10'
• Neighbors and the public are invited to celebrate and interact with artists the weekend of April 14-15. Murals must be completed by 9pm Sun April 15.
• Artists must cover their own costs and supplies, including travel and lodging though we will be fundraising to offset these costs as much as possible.
• Murals will be on cement walls lining the Bronx Wash, which runs east-west along Linden   St.
• There will also be several walls available in nearby Jefferson Park neighborhood,
• You get a cleaned wall as your canvas plus storage, water, and basic supplies from the Paint Station
• An artist’s Food & Hydration Station will be open throughout the Fest
• If you need additional time, special equipment or support please make note of that in your application.
• This is a grassroots effort and we will do our best to accommodate all  needs!

Background Information About the Area:

Sugarhill
Sugarhill is the historic neighborhood which now encompasses the El Cortez Heights, Feldmans, and Northwest neighborhoods. The area was a home to many from Tucson’s African-American community and is an area with a diverse history and living culture.  Systematic housing discrimination, or redlining, meant this was one of the only areas where African Americans and other people of color were allowed to buy homes in Tucson until the passing of the federal Fair Housing Act of 1968.

The demographics of the area have shifted and changed over the years and we hope your murals will capture something about the past, present, and future of this diverse community.  To begin learning, try this 2005 article from the AZ Daily Star: “Life less sweet in Sugar Hill: Dorms and renters put a new face on diverse neighborhood”

Sample stories from Sugar Hill (provided by Armando Vargas)

Sugar Hill Water Tower

239 E Elm ST (construction about 1948) former home of the Turner family, Dr. Turner
DDS, hosted at his home the African American Jazz players/musicians and other African American entertainers in the 1950's and 1960's because these entertainers were not allow to stay in the hotel/motels along Miracle Mile Strip and Drachman where they were entertaining -- Tucson Inn, Executive Inn, Hilton, etc.  Carlton and Carl Bowdry, father and son, before they both passed away five or more years ago, shared with me numerous names of these entertainers.  One of the names I can remember was Dizzy Gillespie.  The late Dr. Turner's son, Joel V., is also a DDS.  The son's former office was on the SW corner of Grant/4th AV.  I do not know if the son has a new dental office location.  A few of the Sugar Hill residents confirmed verbally the Turner family hosted these entertainers.

433 E Elm (1955, red brick, 3-bdrm) was acquired recently by M.A. Goodman.  According to a nearby neighbor, Mr. R.E. Wilson sold his home to Goodman.  Both Mr. Wilson and his adult son are ill and needed money for health expenses.  Wilson called Goodman directly rather than list the house with a realtor.

Jefferson Park Neighborhood
More info about the history/culture of the nearby Jefferson Park Neighborhood, at one point the northern edge of Tucson can be found here: www.jeffersonpark.info

Click here to read “Weaving Art into Grant Road” along Grant road “Culture, History, and Environment” assembled by the neighborhood. 

For questions or more information please contact:  TABmuralfest@gmail.com

TAB Seeking Mural Arts Program Assistant




PO BOX 545, TUCSON AZ 85702
 •www.TucsonArtsBrigade.org • info@TucsonArtsBrigade.org

Spring 2018 Tucson Mural Arts Program Administration Associate: 10-18 hours a week

Applications Due Feb  23, 2018

The Tucson Mural Arts Program (TMAP) seeks to create a city wide outdoor gallery of original artworks by matching artists with wall owners. TMAP is a results-based beautification program that involves residents of all ages in the design and painting of murals.

The Mural Arts Program Associate Position reports to the Executive Director and supports the executive leadership team in daily operations.

Mural Arts Program Assistant Responsibilities include:

• Relocate equipment and supplies as needed.
• Assist with mural wall preparation, such as grid lines, priming, grinding, sealing, etc.
• Assist program Director with general tasks as needed.
• Assist on community paint days and projects;
• Assist in communications and outreach
• Update calendar listings to local media, follow up calls;
• Help conduct and format assessments, interviews and press clippings
• Help Select and Prepare works for exhibition and reproduction.
• Maintaining Databases, Contacting Artists as needed;
• Assist in material inventory and distribution;
• Assist on documentation;

The ideal candidate will have:

• Ability to work in fast-paced environment and manage multiple tasks
• Experience or interest in working within the field of community arts.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, a pleasant telephone manner and courteous and professional work style.
• Capacity to execute tasks with accuracy, consistency and attention to detail.
• Outstanding organizational/planning skills and the ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Ability to function professionally in an open studio environment.
• A sense of humor and describe oneself as flexible and reliable.
• Finger print clearance required for some tasks. (working with youth).
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record

How to Apply: Submit information by Feb 23, 2018 to: info@TucsonArtsBrigade.org

Please include contact information, schedule, CV or resume, and a cover letter that answers:
1. What interests you in this opportunity?
2. Briefly describe your most relevant experiences and skills for this position.
3. What should we know about you and/or your background that might not be evident in your CV/resume?

Adopt-A-Mural Program: Preserve Tucson Murals - Adopt-A-Mural! Help Maintain Your City Wide Outdoor Gallery

Did you hear the news?

Click this image to hear Tucson News Now Story

We know you love the Arts Brigade murals, and now we need your help in preserving these epic works of art. TAB has over 100 murals in it’s inventory. These murals are looking great, but over time the elements take their toll and we have to maintain the works by cleaning them, removing scuff marks and applying new protective top coats. As properties change ownership, and wall contracts expire we work to insure these works are preserved and maintained for all to enjoy. All this takes time and money.

To participate in the program fill out this simple form.

Please consider becoming a sustained supporter of TAB by making a monthly contribution. Contact us to find out more, and how you can help support this legacy. You can also follow the link and sign up for reoccurring donations.

To adopt-a-mural you can make monthly donations and specify this project, or make a single one time donation and ask your friends to match that amount.

For monthly sustained donations you do need to set up a Pay-pal account, or we can send out a monthly reminder if people prefer sending a check. These donations are of course tax deductible.





Just want to support the program directly? We have set up a special pay-pal so 100 percent of donations go directly to services! Just click here or the icon below.

New Spring 2017 Murals!

There are lots of new murals going up this spring, and more in the design and planning stages. As the times change, so is TAB’s Mural program. We are finding that many of our muralists feel strongly about a variety of civic issues. These inspiring stories need to be told.

Deportations, Racism, Standing Rock and Domestic Violence are a few of the subjects TAB artists are discussing. We are finding a massive groundswell of support deep within Tucson neighborhoods for this dialogue. As we talk about these ideas, and share our stories we are learning of even more issues, stories of valor and overcoming huge personal barriers, of coming to America, of pain, hope and recovery. By telling these stories we are coming together as a community to heal, to mend and beautify these places we live, work and play.

We invite you to join us in supporting this new era for TAB’s Mural program.
#WeHaveSomethingToSay

We have a number of new muralists preparing designs. Each of these small and mid sized mural projects cost between $1000 to $8000 to produce. These murals are completely funded by small and large donations from people like you who love murals. To make a tax deductible investment click here.

Emma Bayne “Rebirth” 2017

“My mural is about rebirth and creativity. It is a model of new life and holds personal significance in that I am starting on this new phase of life, growing older and going to college. I believe that life is circular and death only leads to new and beautiful life. In the mural the skulls represent the past and death, the butterfly of sacred rejuvenation and originality and the spiral of the cycle of rebirth. I chose the tiger swallowtail butterfly because it is my dad’s favorite animal, his symbol of sorts and my dad is the biggest inspiration and motivation in me pursuing art. I tied in the desert flora and fauna to represent Tucson’s amazing wildlife, and used bright colors to give the feel of fresh beginnings. I hope this mural evokes happiness and inspires to community to be thankful of life and to use their resources and time in creative ways. I love being able to give something back to the community which raised me by doing something I love to do.”

Sneha Srinivasan

Ever since I got to college, I dreamed of painting a mural. I thought it was a way to make a lasting impact on Tucson. So opportunity finally came up to paint one, I was ecstatic. To be able to share a message of hope with a community that I love is such a joy. In a present time so riddled with hate and turmoil, I wanted to see how art could spread a message of kindness, hope and love. And I know how cliche it all sounds, but I truly believe that over all the waves of trials and tribulations, as a population we can come together for just a second, no matter our race, gender or sexuality, and grow a brighter future.

Nikki Ortiz “La Paz”

Teresa Altamirano (Mural in Progress)

Mural in Progress

Mural Design

"I have been drawing for as long as I can remember. I went to college and took many fine art courses as well as digital art courses. I have an associates degree in Illustration. I draw, paint and have done a few sculptures in the past. I almost gave up being an artist a few years ago thinking I would get no where. But I realized that is stupid, because no one should give up what they do and who they are. This will be my first mural and I would be so happy to have my work displayed as part of my city. I hope to expand on this and do many more in the future.”

2017 Ajo Street Mural Gathering

Project Organizers in front of Miss Hazzards New Ajo Mural

From March 23rd to March 26th dozens of artists gathered in Ajo Arizona, the heart of the desert, to create over 50 beautiful murals in one weekend. Our feature artist this year was Harriet Wood aka Miss Hazzard from Barcelona who created a massive mural in homage to the desert.

Art's Brigade muralists Valeria Hutchings, Porter McDonald, Nikki Ortiz, Emma Bayne, Kat Anderson, Michael Schwartz and Harold Curtis were among the more than 30 mural teams painting. The 2017 organizing team included Caitlyn Allen, Morgana Wallace-Cooper, Kat Anderson, Michael Schwartz, Porter McDonald, Harriet Wood and Martina Dawley.

The Grange, prepared by Americorp Workers Before

Miss Hazard in action.

This coming together of artists, diverse in culture, disciplines and practice - started on the intersection of three nations, the United States, the Tohono O'odham Nation and Mexico. The Ajo Street mural project started in 2015 as artists from throughout southern Arizona created murals of all sizes in the center of Ajo, AZ. The following year (2016) Ajo youth and artists came to Tucson for a Community Build Day event. In 2017 Tucson artists returned to Ajo for our third year of collaborations and mural painting on a large grange.

The Grange before Harriet's mural....

Ajo is in the Sonoran Desert, tucked away in Western Pima County in Arizona, about 120 miles southwest of Phoenix and 130 miles west of Tucson. Ajo is landlocked with the Tohono O'odham Nation to the east, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument to the south, and the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge and Goldwater Gunnery Range to the north and west. The Plaza, built in 1917, serves as a place of beauty and also the location of many community events such as the traditional 4th of July and Christmas Eve celebrations. The town has been economically depressed since the large open pit mine closed in the 80's following a strike for higher wages. When copper content levels fell, and as the mine grew in scale arsenic was used in the leeching process. The result was devastating. Today arsenic is found in the soil and water, illustrated by the number of rusting cars and equipment. This massive environmental challenge remains the elephant in the room.

Our youngest muralist, Silas Anderson (Kat's son :) has two murals now!

Kat Anderson's (Silas's mom:) 2 of her new 2017 Ajo Murals

"Juntos" by Niki Ortiz, Ajo, AZ 2017

Emma working on her Ajo Mural, 2017

 Valeria Hutching's new narrative Mural in Ajo

Harold Curtis's Ajo Mural

Michael Schwartz, "Arsenic" Ajo Mural

Porter McDonalds new Ajo Mural

"The project is a framework for larger national and international

Emma Bayne in Ajo

dialogue to promote socially engaged practice and community based arts. I believe street art enhances its own surroundings and provides an opportunity for public interaction and community conversation. This is not only an opportunity for renewal in connections within the community but a chance to forge and create stronger bonds between the town and its neighbors in Mexico." - Miss Hazzard

This little ancestor visited each mural, and muralist. 

Collaborating groups include Tucson Arts Brigade, ISDA, USDAC Border Arts Group, Neoglyphix
and ASAP (Ajo Street Art Project).

Muralists and assistants painting

More weekend highlights included New Orleans based Mondo Bizarro and Art Spot Productions who provided musical and theatrical performance. Saturday night included a community potluck and art exhibition opening, complete with delicious after dinner treats at Art Under the Arches Gallery. That exhibit continues through May 1.

Caitlyn tries her hand at graffiti art

These murals have now become a landmark and destination for the tiny town as tourists from throughout the world get to see and enjoy over 50 murals painted by artists.  All the more reason to plan a trip to Ajo Arizona and perhaps at the beautiful Sonoran Desert Retreat Center, enjoy the murals, quiet days, fine people, food and scenery.


Funding for this project was made possible by the Puffin Foundation without whom this initiative would not have been possible. Additional support was provided by the Arts Foundation of Southern Arizona and the Tucson Arts Brigade! Thank You!

Additional Writings about the Festival: 

Ajo Arts Weekend: Splashes of Spring Color in the Sonoran Desert