The Exhibits Program at Tohono Chul presents visual stories linking the nature, culture, and arts of the Southwest. Focusing on the work of regional artists, we display vibrant works of art in a diverse array of thematic group exhibits. The charming adobe Exhibit House, built as a private home in 1937, is an ideal environment for visitors to view Southwestern artworks. 50% of all exhibit sales help fund programs at Tohono Chul.
Questions? Please contact the Exhibits Department, exhibits@tohonochul.org
Exhibitions currently on display:
40 For 40
Open February 13 – May 4, 2025
Exhibit House Main Gallery
Tohono Chul is turning 40 this April!
The Exhibits Program was established within the first year of the park’s dedication. Preserving, collecting, and exhibiting artwork was always part of Tohono Chul founders, Dick and Jean Wilson’s vision. To celebrate, we have invited 40 artists who have a history with Tohono Chul to exhibit their work for a special invitational exhibition – 40 artists to commemorate 40 years! These artists are attuned with Tohono Chul’s mission and share deep reverence for the natural world.
Image: clockwise from upper left (details): Heather Bentz, Lex Gjurasic, Chuck LaVoie, Karen J. Wright
Susan Lyman | Postcards from the Border
Open January 11- February 23, 2025
Exhibit House Entry Gallery
Susan Lyman is the third and final Entry Gallery Project Space (EGPS) artist to exhibit her work during the 2024-2025 season.
“Working both as a painter and a wood sculptor, my work has long been inspired by the landscapes of the three habitats where I have been spending my time: Arizona’s Sonoran Desert, Michigan’s northern woods, and Outer Cape Cod’s coastal environment. However, in the last several years my view of landscape as a subject has shifted. I have felt an increasing urgency to express the sorrow and loss I feel over the destruction of and disregard for this planet earth that we share with all humankind and all forms of life.
Since I began making art in Tucson eight winters ago, the environmental devastation occurring at the border wall during the 45th POTUS wall construction has been eating at my heart. I felt compelled to bear witness to this destruction, which is explored in my ongoing series, Postcards from the Border. I find inspiration in the investigative photography and writing of photojournalists covering the border, and also work from my own photographs taken in the borderlands. As the series has progressed, I have been using multiple or layered images to create a re-imagined landscape.”
Image: (details): Susan Lyman
Permanent Collection: Beginnings | The Wilson Gift
Open February 13 – May 4, 2025
Exhibit House Welcome Gallery
“It all started with a gift.” Not only did the Wilson family generously donate their property and land to become Tohono Chul, but they also donated the objects which established Tohono Chul’s permanent collection.
In honor of Tohono Chul’s 40th anniversary, exquisite examples from Suzanne Colton Wilson and Richard and Jean Wilson’s collections are on display.
Image: clockwise from upper left (details): unknown artist, Quanita and Jack Kalestewa, Willard Sakiestewa, unknown artist
Roy J. Kurtz Collection of American Indian Art
Education Center
Tohono Chul’s Permanent Collection is growing with the acquisition of Roy J. Kurtz Collection of American Indian Art. The Roy J. Kurtz Collection is vast and will provide endless possibilities for Tohono Chul’s Education and Exhibits programs for years to come. This exhibition will provide the first look at this large collection of baskets and American Indian artwork.
Art in the Gardens
Gardens
Sculpture from Tohono Chul’s Permanent Collection including Mark Rossi, Fred Borcherdt, Kioko Mwitiki, David Weinert, Greg Corman, Ned Egan, along with work for sale by Tucson artists Joy Fox, Phil Lichtenhan, Tidhar Ozeri and more can be discovered throughout the gardens.
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