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:
Michael Chiago Sr.
GATHERING
Open February 15 – May 3, 2026
Exhibit House Main Gallery
Reception with the Artist | Thursday, February 19 | 5:30 – 8:00 pm | Free and open to the public
Curator’s Talks | Tuesday, February 24 & Thursday, February 26 | 10:00 am | Free with Admission
Michael Chiago Sr. | GATHERING centers on a body of works Tohono O’odham artist Michael Chiago created in his Phoenix studio over the last several years along with a cycle of works he created especially for Tohono Chul’s Saguaro Discovery Trail in 2003. Each piece is brimming with visual clues and information; they tell stories of creation, everyday life, seasonal harvests, ceremonies, unity, and the preservation of land and heritage. Chiago was born on the O’odham reservation west of Tucson. His paintings depict traditional gatherings that bring his people together in friendship and prayer and are often set against a backdrop of mountains and the desert where he has lived most of his life. Complementing this survey of Chiago’s watercolors are baskets, folk art, and pottery from Tohono Chul’s Permanent Collection, selected to reflect the gathering(s) depicted in Chiago’s work.
Image: Michael Chiago Sr., Origin of the Saguaro, 2003
Alisha Conner
Mandala Meditations
Open February 15 – May 3, 2026
Exhibit House Welcome Gallery
“Growing up, my dream was to be an artist, but I pushed that aside for the practicality of a biology degree. I truly believe that life has a path for everyone and my path has come full circle. The word mandala means ‘circle’ in the ancient language of Sanskrit. I paint my mandalas by beginning with a center dot circle and build through symmetry and sacred geometry to expand the design and allow the patterns to unfold organically. I find meditative peace through painting mandalas and my hope is that once people experience my art they also find a sense of joy and calm.”
Image: (details): Alisha Conner
J.W. Fike’s Photographic Survey of the Wild Edible Botanicals of the North American Continent
Open December 20, 2025 – February 22, 2026
Exhibit House Entry Gallery
Jimmy Fike is the third and final artist selected for the 2025-2026 ENTRY GALLERY PROJECT SPACE season. Preceded by Jimmy Descant (August 2 – October 5, 2025) and Catherine Nash (October 11 – December 14, 2025).
“Since 2007, I’ve been creating a photographic archive depicting North America’s rich trove of wild comestible flora. I have completed fieldwork in sixteen different states, so far, and have amassed a collection of over one hundred and seventy-five specimens.
My goal is to mount biome specific exhibitions across the United States. This exhibition features over twenty wild edible plants found in Arizona.
By employing a system that makes it easy to identify both the plant and its edible parts, the images work as reliable guides for foraging. This concrete, functional aspect of the project directs viewers to free food that can be used for sustenance, or as raw material for creative economies. Recognizing plants anew outside the gallery or eating the plants is, in itself, art.”
Image (cropped): Jimmy Fike
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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