Celebrating 10 Years of 10×10: An Annual Fundraiser Art Exhibition
February 26, 2026Tohono Chul’s 10×10 Fundraiser is Turning 10!
Tohono Chul’s annual 10×10 | A Fundraiser exhibition is entering its 10th year since its inception. If you have visited the galleries between March to May, you might have been caught up in the frenzy and excitement of this exhibition – each piece is no larger than 10 inches by 10 inches in any dimension, priced at $100, and can be taken home immediately upon purchase!
During the 10 x 10 Exhibition, the Entry Gallery never looks the same on any given day, with new works constantly being revealed. Artists who have exhibited with us the previous year are invited to participate, providing a wide range of sculptures, paintings, prints, photographs, and mixed media works. There is something for everyone in 10×10!
The Evolution of a Beloved Fundraiser
10×10 was adapted from two previous annual traditions: Holiday for the Park (1993 – 2012), an ornament exhibition and sale, and Small Works (2013 – 2015), an invitational exhibition featuring artwork no larger than 12 inches in any dimension and not to exceed $250 in price. The goal of modifying 10×10 into its current format was to support the local artist community by featuring artwork at an approachable price point of $100. And boy has it worked!
Since 2016, we have sold 1,345 pieces of artwork created by 191 artists. 50% of each sale goes back to the creative economy. These statistics do not include sales from 2020-2021, when 10×10 took a hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
A Little Friendly Competition
In recent years, 10×10 artists have enjoyed some friendly competition trying to outdo one another to become the top seller for that particular year. Others compete with themselves and hope to sell more than they did the previous year.
Top Ten 10 x 10 Sellers:
- Phil Lichtenhan (74)
- Veta Carney (58)
- C.J. Shane (51)
- David Adix (48)
- Linda Friedman (37)
- Rebecca Bish (36)
- Lyle Rayfield (36)
- William Lesch (29)
- Annie Gordon (25)
- Lauri Kaye (24)
Written by Karen Hayes, Associate Curator & Collections Manager
A Matching Gift in Memory of Stephan and Linda Jones
Double the Impact!
This year, we are excited to announce that each 10×10 purchased will be doubled by a matching gift of up to $15,000 in memory of Stephan and Linda Jones. This means that if we sell 150 pieces, then Tohono Chul will receive an additional $15,000!
The exhibition will open in conjunction with Tohono Chul’s ‘I Heart Art’ celebration on Saturday, February 28, and run through May 24, 2026. Be sure to stop by the gallery and check it out!
About Stephan and Linda Jones
In 1999, Iowa natives Stephan and Linda Jones adopted Tucson as their second home after many years working and raising their family in Des Moines. They found inspiration in the beauty, majesty, and history of the Sonoran Desert region.
After a career in the financial sector, Stephan found the perfect outlet to focus his enthusiasm for their new home at Tohono Chul. Stephan joined the docent program to not only share, but also to learn. When working in the park, he loved to discuss the flora and fauna with anyone who cared to listen. He particularly enjoyed working with young people to pass on the importance of being a good custodian and global citizen of our natural world.
Besides raising their two children, Linda was a talented and passionate musician. At an early age, she started playing the piano which led to a lifelong involvement in music and arts, teaching and volunteering with various groups, including the Tucson Symphony Orchestra. Linda and Stephan had great respect for nature, art, and music. This came together in their support of various programs at Tohono Chul.
Tohono Chul was frequently the place for visiting family and friends to gather, have lunch, wander the grounds, and have life discussions. The Jones and Bening families are honored to continue Stephan and Linda’s legacy in continuing support of Tohono Chul.
