Thursday, November 21
10 – 11 AM
Wilson Room

As we look at the Hopi Kachina through the lens of art, we will delve into the meaning of Kachina in Hopi culture. We will learn about its traditional and ceremonial significance, artistic influence, and explore other art forms inspired by the Kachina. This talk will be given by Tucson Museum of Art (TMA) Docent, Linda Friedman.

Thursday, December 12
1 – 2:30 PM
Wilson Room

Did you know that Southern Arizona has the highest number of bird species compared to other inland states? Aside from our costal states, we have the highest bird diversity in the country, and we do not need to leave Tucson to enjoy them. Join Tohono Chul Docent Ray Deeney as he leads a discussion of the most common birds found at Tohono Chul and the Tucson area. This lecture will include a 30 minute Q&A with Ray to answer your birding questions.

Members | $5
General Public | $10

Friday, December 13
9 AM – 12 PM
Education Center Classroom 1

Join Sandy Luna of Luna Paper designs to create crepe paper Poinsettias, also known as Noche Buenas or Pascuas in Spanish. Native to Mexico and Central America, poinsettias decorate homes, churches, and streets throughout the country during the holiday season. In this class, you will learn how to assemble three beautiful red poinsettias using crepe paper, glue, and wire. Additionally, you will learn about the history behind this traditional decoration. This is a one-day class that will last approximately three hours. English or Spanish speakers of all levels are welcome to join this bilingual class.

Members | $95
General Public | $115

Monday, December 16
10 AM – 4 PM
Education Center Classroom 1

Make a standing Garden Sculpture with Mosaic Artist David Jarvinen as he walks you through the mosaic process to create an 8 x 24″ art piece to display in your garden or entryway. Participants will learn how to manipulate porcelain 2×2 tiles to create designs and images for their project. The finished piece will sit in a custom stand and a grout kit will be provided to complete your design after the tile adhesive dries (24hrs). A wonderful project to explore mosaics with!

Members | $140
General Public | $170

Friday, January 3
2 – 3:30 PM
Wilson Room

Join us as we delve into the fascinating natural history, habits, and behaviors of Sandhill Cranes. We’ll look into the early life of cranes from courtship and nesting to raising their colts, their migration to southern Arizona, plus feeding, calls, and most fun – how to interpret crane language and behavior. Join Pinau Merlin for an engaging look at these fascinating and charismatic birds.

Want to see the cranes in action? Sign up for one of our upcoming field trips on February 4th or February 14th to experience the magic and splendor of the Sandhill Cranes at Whitewater Draw!

Thursday, January 9
1 – 2:30 PM
Wilson Room

Take a deep dive into the cultural uses of many of our desert plants. From Prickly Pear juice to agave sewing needles, our docents Barb Carolus and Marlene Shamis will walk you through the historical usage of Sonoran Desert plants and ways they are being used today. This lecture will include a 30-minute demonstration on utilizing these arid adapted plants.

Members | $5
General Public | $10

Thursday, January 16
10 – 11 AM
Wilson Room

Take a ride on the Tucson streetcar to see the public art created for this major project. This presentation will focus on the historical connection to art and transportation in general: how the project was funded; and the process for selecting works; show-and-tell about each work’s title and artist; and how each work interprets the theme “flow.” This talk will be given by TMA Docent, Alinda Hakanson.

Thursday, February 13
1 – 2:30 PM
Wilson Room

In preparation for the spring, this upcoming Desert Dialogues covers the most common butterflies found at Tohono Chul. From year-round residents like Cloudless Surlfers (Phoebis sennae) and Bordered Patches (Cholsyne lacinia) to our seasonal residents like Gulf Fritillaries (Argaulis vanillae) and Monarchs (Danaus plexippus), our Docent Peggie Allen will discuss their lifecycles and hostplants so you can provide the best garden possible for these fluttering beauties.

Members | $5
General Public | $10

Thursday, February 20
10 – 11 AM
Wilson Room

Throughout history, people have sought to create a bright, beautiful red to wear on themselves, see on their walls and everything in between. This is the story of how one insect changed the way the entire world was able to produce the most perfect red. This talk will be given by TMA Docent, Diane Foray.

Thursday, March 20
10 – 11 AM
Wilson Room

A journey with contemporary Native American artists. Their works are creative, innovative, and modern while maintaining elements of tribal traditions and cultures. This talk will be given by TMA Docent, Judy Tracy.

Thursday, April 17
10 – 11 AM
Wilson Room

Picture books are often people’s first experience with art. Revisit several winners of the Caldecott Medal for children’s book illustration and experience the “magic”! This talk will be given by TMA Docent, Jan Weidenhammer.

Thursday, May 15
10 – 11 AM
Wilson Room

Artists of the American West create paintings, drawings and sculptures that tell a story about the land, cowboys and their horses, native American life, and action and adventure. Some of the art was designed to glorify the west. Some was designed to honor its traditions, and some was designed to sell it. This talk will be given by TMA Docent, Adrienne O’Hare.