Tohono Chul’s exhibitions extend beyond the Exhibit House doors and into the lush gardens. The work of local and international artists and regional geologic formations may be found throughout the garden complementing the rich desert landscape. Changing outdoor exhibitions complement the year-round display of pieces from Tohono Chul’s Permanent Collection.
Currently on display in the gardens:
Tohono Chul’s Permanent Collection
The permanent collection started in 1986 with a donation of sixty-five objects from the Estate of Mrs. Robert Wilson. Tohono Chul’s Permanent Collection has grown to include over 350 regional objects ranging from basketry, textiles, and ceramics to sculptural works and paintings. Our Permanent Collection consists of artworks and artifacts representative of the Nature, Art, and Culture of the Sonoran Desert region. Artworks by Mark Rossi, Ned Egen, Fred Borcherdt, and many others are on display year-round throughout the grounds, alongside copper ore specimens and other items from the Permanent Collection.
Fred Borcherdt
Nomad Marker
steel
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. William A. Small Jr.
ACN0 95.1.1
Location: Penstemon Garden
Ned Egen
Desert Sunflower
discarded water heater, metal, rebar
Gift of Martha Cargill
ACN0 2004.4.1
Location: Desert Living Courtyard
Dave Weinert
Mexican Fencepost Cactus Water Sculpture
concrete and steel with copper tubing
Gift of Stone Cactus Waterfalls
ACN0 2011.3.1
Location: Off-site for repairs
Kioko Mwitiki
Horse
reclaimed metal
Gift of Lila and Roland Wadsworth
Location: Cactus Circle
Mule Deer
reclaimed metal, poacher snare
Anonymous Donor
ACN0 2011.2.1
Location: Sun Dial Plaza
Petrol Tank Vulture
reclaimed metal
Gift of Tohono Chul 2012 Docent Class
ACN0 2012.2.1
Location: Outside the Exhibit House
Standing Life-Size Vulture
reclaimed metal
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Raleigh Sheffield
ACN0 2012.1.1
Location: Outside the Exhibit House
Mark Rossi
Javelina Family
bronze
Gift of Sharon and Larry Malcolmson
ACN0 2007.7.3-6
Location: Behind the Main Gallery
Male Desert Tortoise
bronze
Gift of Martha Cargill and John Lovett
ACN0 2009.5.1
Location: Desert Living Courtyard
New Generation
bronze
Gift of Mrs. Martha Cargill
ACN0 2003.1.1
Location: Desert Living Courtyard
Reclining Male Bobcat
bronze
Gift of Sharon and Larry Malcolmson
ACN0 2007.7.1
Location: Desert Living Courtyard
Reclining Coyote
bronze
Gift of Sharon and Larry Malcolmson
ACN0 2007.7.2
Location: Sonoran Seasons Garden
Two Cactus Wrens
bronze
Museum purchase with funds from Poco Locos
ACNO 2009.2.1
Location: Outside Education
Dave Stone
Regal Horned Lizard
ferro-cement, steel wire, mesh
Gift of Richard and Connie Imig
ACN0 2005.1.1
Location: Desert Living Courtyard
Sculpture In the Gardens
Artwork by Steven Dirks, Joy Fox, Phil Lichtenhan, Tidhar Ozeri and Ole Torgenson are on display throughout the gardens and available for sale.
Steven Derks
Angle, Form and Desire
steel
$3600
Location: South Loop Trail
Joy Fox
Black Seed
ceramic
$5900
Location: Sun Dial Plaza
In Memory of Ozette
ceramic
$5900
Location: Sun Dial Plaza
Tia
ceramic
$3200
Location: Near the Penstemon Garden
Tio
ceramic
$3200
Location: Near the Cactus Circle
Patrick Hynes
Bee and Butterfly Man
wood, metal and terracotta
$300
Location: Sin Agua Garden
Bee and Butterfly Woman
wood, metal and terracotta
$300
Location: Sin Agua Garden
Phil Lichtenhan
Flotsam
mixed metals and ceramic
$1800
Location: Exhibit House Patio
Nest
mixed metals and ceramic
$4200
Location: Streamside Gardens
Nest
mixed metals and ceramic
$5800
Location: Sun Dial Plaza
Surveying Device
mixed metals and ceramic
$2500
Location: South Loop Trail
Tidhar Ozeri
Agave
mild steel
$2200
Location: Overlook
Ole Torgenson
Image coming soon…
Cholla Wind Chimes
mixed media with pool skimmer handles and cholla
$85
If you would like more information about the artwork, please contact James Schaub at 520-742-6455 x 218 or jschaub@tohonochul.org