Papier mâché Crafts with Sandy Luna: Otomi Heart (Day 2)

Friday, April 19^th | 10 am – 1 pm | Education Center – Classroom 1

The forms and shapes embroidered into Otomi textiles have ancient roots, dating back even before the rise of the Aztec Empire. According to many stories, these shapes were preserved in prehistoric cave paintings of the Mexican Plateau, giving artists of each generation a template from which to base their designs. “Originally created in Tenango de Doria, Hidalgo, Mexico, Otomi embroidery is said to be inspired by the natural surroundings of Mexico.” It also bears hallmarks of Spanish and Aztec influences, a reflection of the history of Mexico as a country. Sandy Luna from Luna’s Paper Designs LLC will teach you how to recreate one heart using papier mâché paste and paper clay by modeling the heart and making beautiful flowers and leaves with paper clay. You will be able to choose your Otomi design and paint it with acrylic paints to finish your piece. This is a beginner-level class.

This is a two-day class, and all supplies are provided. You can bring snacks and drinks.

Foodways with Linda Wyner: Agave

Saturday, April 20th | 10 – 11 am

It’s not just for tequila and sweeteners! Agave was cultivated throughout the Americas and locally by O’odham ancestors the Hohokam (Huhugam). This morning’s foodways lecture from writer, food anthropologist and cooking instructor Linda Wyner will take a look at the history and modern uses of the agave plant.

Class included with cost of admission to the Agave, Arte, y Alibrejes Festival – get your tickets today!

Flow! Art and Awareness: Intuitive Acrylics

Monday, April 22^nd | 8:30 – 11:30 am | Exhibit House North Patio

Join Flow! for an engaging and creative art class where you’ll learn to create art through the power of your intuition. Marlies Wolf’s Intuitive Acrylics Workshop is designed to help you tap into your inner creativity and explore the beauty of colors and emotions that come from your subconscious mind. During this class, you’ll experiment with basic techniques and let go of your inhibitions to create a unique 8×10 acrylic painting. Let the colors guide you.

Click here for more information on Flow!’s programs.

Members | $65
General Public | $80

Intro to iNaturalist for the City Nature Challenge

Monday, April 22nd | 10 – 11 am | Education Center Classroom 1

Are you up for a challenge? Tohono Chul is partnering with Pima County Master Naturalists and other local organizations for the 2024 City Nature Challenge. This citizen science project will document WILD flora and fauna found in our region from April 26th – April 29th.

Participants are encouraged to download the free iNaturalist app on their mobile devices to record their observations during the four-day challenge. In preparation for the challenge, we are offering an introduction to iNaturalist. Join us to learn how to use the app, tips for taking clear images of plants and wildlife, and how to upload your observations to share with the iNaturalist community. This class is free with admission, but space will be limited so please RSVP at the link below.

Free for Members | Free with Admission for the General Public

A “Novel” Project in Silver Clay with Lyle Rayfield

Saturday, ​April 27th | 9 am – 12 pm | Education Center – Classroom 1

This mini book may not land you on the best seller’s list, but your friends will be clamoring at your door for their own personalized copy. Award-winning metal clay artist, Lyle Rayfield, guides participants through the process of creating and texturizing miniature book covers using silver metal clay, embellishing them with tiny clay elements inspired by the plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert, and filling them with colorful pages or personalized notes or pictures. When complete, you will want to proudly wear your story for all to see.

Microscopic particles of pure silver are combined with an organic binder to produce the clay-like substance known as silver metal clay. When fired at high temperatures, the binder burns off and the metal particles fuse into a solid piece of silver. No experience is necessary and all skill levels are welcome. Demonstrations and instruction will cover how to properly roll, texture, shape, refine, fire, and finish metal clay creations. You will also learn how a simple butane torch can fire your pieces, so that you can continue to create beautiful jewelry at home without kin, All materials are supplied; magnifying lenses (if needed) and an apron are optional.

Members | $120
General Public | $145

Desert Impressions with Lyle Rayfield

Saturday, April 27th | 1:30 – 4:30 pm | Education Center – Classroom 1

If you love the Sonoran Desert, you’ll love capturing its beauty in silver metal clay using organic materials found in and around the Tucson area such as prickly pear and cholla skeletons and mesquite beans. Choose from an assortment of desert materials and create a pair of earrings, pendant, or charm. Lyle Rayfield will teach you to use a 2-part mix to capture the impression of your selected sample and recreate its shape in silver clay. You will also learn how a simple butane torch can fire your pieces, so that you can continue to use organic materials to make interesting jewelry at home without a kiln. 

Microscopic particles of pure silver are combined with an organic binder to produce the clay-like substance known as silver metal clay. When fired at high temperatures, the binder burns off and the metal particles fuse into a solid piece of silver. No experience is necessary, and all skill levels are welcome. Demonstrations and instruction will cover how to properly roll, texture, shape, refine, fire, and finish metal clay creations. All materials are supplied; magnifying lenses (if needed) and an apron are optional. 

Members | $125
General Public | $155

Tucson and Las Vegas: A Tale of Two Cities

Monday, ​April 29th | 10 – 11 am | Education Center Classroom 1

The Old Pueblo and Sin City have many interesting similarities in their history but obviously became distinctly different cities in the 20th century. Tucson and Las Vegas were on early maps because of available surface water and the surrounding oases that made them ideal stopping places for weary explorers and travelers: prehistoric and native peoples, Mormon settlers, a developing railroad town, and the promotion of a mild winter climate and tourism in the 20th century. The history of Las Vegas is explored in detail from the arrival of the railroad, to land auctions and Hoover Dam, to the Mob, and “Sin City.” Probably no city in the United States has reinvented itself as has Las Vegas. Local historian Ken Scoville takes a look at what these two towns have in common and what sets them apart; what turned the lights on and made Las Vegas the “City of the Night” while Tucson remained the “Old Pueblo,” with 360 days of sunshine a year.

Members | $10
General Public | $15

Yoga in the Gardens

Secrets of the Spotted Cats: Jaguars and Ocelots in the Southwest

Thursday, May 2nd | 1 – 2:30 pm | Education Center – Classroom 1

Deep in the shadows of the night, “el Tigre”, the jaguar, slips silently through the rugged terrain. They are almost never seen, but both jaguars and ocelots are captured on remote cameras that document their presence in southern Arizona (and now a new male jaguar has recently been photographed). Their mystery, beauty and power evoke a sense of awe in us, even if we only see them in a photograph. Although we readily recognize their images, these charismatic cats are secretive and elusive and we are still discovering more about their fascinating lifestyles and habits.

Join Pinau Merlin, previously the Outreach Coordinator for the US Fish and Wildlife Service/University of Arizona Jaguar Project, for an exciting look into the natural history, ecology and conservation issues of jaguars in Arizona and Sonora.

Members | $10
General Public | $15

Photo Credit: University of Arizona Jaguar and Ocelot Monitoring Team

Crepe Paper Crafts with Sandy Luna: Clair de Lune Peony

Friday, May 3^rd | 10 – 1 pm | Education Center – Classroom 1

The Claire de Lune Peony is sweet but outrageous, with an abundance of bright orange anthers on top of a single white bloom. Sandy Luna from Luna’s Paper Designs LLC will teach you how to assemble one flower with pre-cut crepe paper and leaves. You will learn how to shape all the petals and leaves as well as color the petals, stems, and leaves with pastels to give the flower a realistic touch.

This is a one-day class, and all supplies are provided. You can bring snacks and drinks.

Members | $65
General Public | $80

Mosaic Mondays with David Jarvinen

Monday | May 6^th | 10am – 3pm | Education Center – Classroom 1

Join mosaic artist David Jarvinen to whip up a charming mosaic bird feeder and woo some feathered pals to your garden! David will walk you through the art of working with glass tiles, helping you create stunning patterns and designs. The feeder even comes with a handy hanging system to elevate it for better bird watching. The class runs from 10 am to 3 pm, so pack yourself a brown bag lunch and a drink—there won’t be any official breaks. Just remember, the adhesive needs a solid 24 hours to set before you can start grouting, but no worries, we’ve got a complete grout kit ready for you once it’s dry. Come join us for a day of crafty fun!

Members | $95
General Public | $115

Bee Friendly: A Guide to Attracting Native Bees

Thursday, May 9^th | 10 – 11:30 am | Education Center – Classroom 1

Discover the captivating world of native bees in our upcoming lecture, led by our resident bee expert, Vivianna Sanchez. Delve into the fascinating diversity of native bee species found throughout the Americas and learn how these vital pollinators contribute to our ecosystem. Gain insights into creating bee-friendly habitats by providing essential resources for nesting and foraging. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just beginning to cultivate your green space, this class offers valuable knowledge on maintaining thriving habitats that support native bee populations.

Members | $10
General Public | $15

TMA Art Talk: Let’s Meet in the Garden – Ten Artists Who Cultivated and Painted Gardens

Thursday, May 16^th | 10 – 11 am | Education Center – Classroom 1

Throughout history, gardens have been a favorite subject of artists. Their artistic renderings are as varied as the gardens themselves and reveal much about each artist’s relationship with nature. This talk is presented by TMA docent Jaye-Lynn Trapp

TMA Members | Free
Tohono Chul Members | $5
General Public | $8

Why A Will Is Not Enough – Personal Finance Workshop

Saturday, May 18th | 9:00 – 11:00 am | Wilson Room | Free for Members & General Public

The ‘Why A Will Is Not Enough’ workshop is designed to help you understand the importance of estate planning and how it can protect your assets and provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Topics covered include creating a will, setting up a trust, designating power of attorney, and more. The workshop is suitable for those who are just starting to think about their estate plan and those who want to consider reviewing and updating their existing plan.

This free workshop is sponsored by the Planned Giving Roundtable of Southern Arizona & Mission Management & Trust Co.

What did we do before AC came to the Old Pueblo?

Monday, May 20^th | 10 – 11 am | Education Center – Classroom 1

If you ever had your air conditioning break down in the summer, it is likely you thought, “How did people live here before at least evaporative cooling?” The pioneers had to develop the same strategies as all the other desert dwellers: endure, evade, and escape. A summer routine developed around staying inside during the heat of the day, cool water from your olla, and sleeping outside. There was a grudging acceptance that when May came up on the calendar, one needed to decide whether to stay or leave the Old Pueblo for the summer. Escape after the arrival of the railroad in 1880 was more a question of the necessary funds. Travel before the railroad was especially difficult given the physical hardship of the crossing and the ever-present possibility of an Apache ambush. Thanks to George Hand’s Saloon Diary, there is a first-hand (pun intended) account of the distinct way of life in the summer including his first encounter with ice cream in 1870s Tucson. Everyone had to come together to get through the summer while having some fun along the way.

Members | $10
General Public | $15

Foodways with Linda Wyner: Cacao

Tuesday, May 21st | 10 – 11 am | Education Center – Classroom 1

This month’s foodways series takes a deep dive into the world of cacao… chocolate!  Indigenous to the Americas, cacao is enjoyed throughout the world and yet is threatened by climate change and geopolitical forces. Writer, lecturer and cooking instructor Linda Wyner will fill the hour with a wide-ranging discussion of this magnificent fruit.

Members | $10
General Public | $15