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

Delve into the fascinating natural history, habits, and behaviors of Sandhill Cranes! We’ll explore the life of cranes from courtship and nesting, to raising their colts, their migration to southern Arizona, and how to interpret crane language and behavior. Join guest speaker Pinau Merlin for an engaging look at these charismatic birds. Illustration from Birds of America by John James Audubon.

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!

Members | $10
General Public | $15

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.

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

The American landscape is dotted with statues, memorials and other sites designed to inspire, educate, and honor specific events or individuals. This Art Talk takes the time to analyze these as works of art. This talk will be given by TMA Docent, Chuck Tampio.