Art in the Gardens

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

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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

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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

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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

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If you would like more information about the artwork, please contact James Schaub at 520-742-6455 x 218 or jschaub@tohonochul.org