Emerging Arts Organization: (less than 10 years): for innovation and creativity in their field
- Dancing in the Streets Arizona
In less than a year, Joseph Rodgers and Soleste Lupu, aka Dancing in the Streets, have worked with 60 youngsters and adults, providing them the rare opportunity to learn ballet, to perform before an audience, and to gain self esteem. Grateful parents and admirers have seen positive changes in the dancers, particularly in the teens and pre-teens enjoying this healthy, positive alternative to the many temptations in their lives. Dancing in the Street Arizona presented “Baile en el Cascanuaces” (Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker) to a full house in December 2008, during which even the very youngest students excitedly took to the stage.
- AND THE LUMIE GOES TO The Rogue Theatre!!
In pursuit of its mission: To create the highest quality theatre possible, challenging, stretching and invigorating our community” the Rogue Theater has drawn new audiences to local theatre from all over Southern Arizona and broadened its offerings to include “talk-backs” following performances and free public workshops. For the past four seasons, enthusiastic audiences have embraced the Rogue’s intelligent and thoughtful approach, its ensemble acting techniques and its use of live, oftentimes original, music. Generous with their time and expertise, theatre professionals within the Rogue Company provide an academy for training and mentoring emerging theater artists.
- Studio Connections
With a visual arts program that caters to east side schools and locals, and an extraordinary theatre and music program, Studio Connections encompasses all genres of art and provides numerous educational and performance opportunities for all age groups. The theatre program launched its first full season in 2008 with five full-length productions. Robert and Ginny Encita, arts educators for more than 20 years respectively, started Studio Connections in 2002 with a summer program which quickly evolved into a larger, much-needed community asset. A comprehensive Art Center, Studio Connections is unique in that it allow artists to explore all forms of art, regardless of one’s niche or genre.
- Tohono O’odham Nation Cultural Museum & Center
With the hope of instilling pride in its people and protecting and preserving O’odham way of life, the Tohono O’odham Cultural Center & Museum promotes an understanding and respect of “Himdag” -- social values, land and family – through educational programs and outreach. The Tohono O’odham Cultural Center & Museum is one of only 7 tribally owned and operated museums in Arizona to contribute to the cultural education of the state’s 22 tribal nations. Built with gaming revenues, the 38,000 sq. ft. the Center and Museum opened its doors June 2007 and began the incredible journey of a Nation’s commitment to honor its past, present and future.
Established Arts Organization: (10 years or more): for innovation, creativity and sustained excellence in their field
- Arizona Friends of Chamber Music
Arizona Friends of Chamber Music for 60 years has presented world-class music in an intimate venue at affordable prices. Beginning as an evening chamber music series, it added several festivals to become the robust organization it is today. It brings top-notch chamber artists to Tucson, introducing their talent and knowledge to K-12 and university students, commissioning new works and providing free opportunities for the public to witness music in the making. The Arizona Friends of Chamber Music reach far beyond the traditional classical music audiences to welcome guests at rehearsals even if they can’t afford the ticketed concerts. Arizona Friends has greatly expanded our community’s musical horizons.
- Arizona Repertory Singers
Currently in its 25th year providing frequent performances of professional-level eclectic, entertaining and educational choral music to diverse audiences, The Arizona Repertory Singers (ARS) have performed in more than 60 venues in Pima County, a number of which are free. Singers must pass a rigorous audition to join this volunteer organization which has raised public understanding and appreciation of the choral art through the accessibility of its diverse programming. Generous with its time and talents, the group has collaborated with a myriad of other organizations, lending its diverse choral repertoire to enhance any community performance.
- El Centro Cultural de las Americas
For two decades, El Centro Cultural de las Americas has focused on preserving and promoting Hispanic/Latino arts, history, music and family traditions as a critical part of the education of its young people. Working quietly and under the radar, El Centro engages K-12 school districts, Pima Community College and the University of Arizona to facilitate an appreciation of their heritage and culture. El Centro’s programs are varied and unique in their creative approach to forge partnerships and working relationships with an increasing number of community organizations, resulting in a growing number of advocates and supporters.
- AND THE LUMIE GOES TO Tohono Chul Park!!
More than 160,000 visitors annually enjoy Tohono Chul Park and Gallery, gleaning inspiration from the vitality of the arts relevant to desert culture and ecology and learning about our desert region. Park exhibits use art as a mirror to reveal the beauty of our region and the diversity of our peoples and our history, co-mingling the aesthetic values of the natural world and our reflections on it as its human inhabitants and stewards. Exhibits encourage and promote local artists of all ages as well as occasionally showcasing professional artists. Collaborations with local arts groups and other organizations have enhanced Tohono Chul Park’s over its more than 30 year history.
- Tucson Symphony Orchestra
The oldest continuously performing professional arts organization in Arizona, the Tucson Symphony Orchestra offers local and Southern Arizona audiences performances and orchestral music education programs of the highest caliber. The concert season (September through May) offers more than 90 orchestra and 350 chamber ensemble performances each year. The TSO’s more than 400 education and community partnership presentations annually touch over 125,000 children and adults. In 2008, the Symphony reached another milestone with the recording and international release of its first CD, drawing attention to the performing arts in Tucson from all over the world.
Arts Volunteer: To an individual who has contributed significantly to the advancement of the arts in the community
- AND THE LUMIE GOES TO Frank M. Lopez!!
Hundreds of students have learned doll making from Frank Lopez who has volunteered his knowledge and skills at Sahuarita Elementary School since 1990. Frank works individually with students to teach them to clean, paint and sew clothes to complete porcelain dolls, each representing the student him/herself, but in the process, he enriches and inspires the lives of these youngsters. His enthusiasm is contagious and his encouragement and critiques of the student work is honest but positive; his patience and care with students is extraordinary. Frank’s generosity of time and talent makes miracles: Each child successfully completes a challenging project, creating something to love and take pride in.
- Gail Munden
For eight years, Gail Munden has volunteered for the Greater Oro Valley Arts Council, donating her time and talent in the areas of children’s art, public art and visual art. A painter, Gail has contributed to the permanent Public Art collection of Oro Valley in addition to having established creative art activities for children at local art festivals and in the schools, an activity in which she continues to be involved. Gail is currently compiling a book on Oro Valley to capture the public art, history and events in the community since its founding. In addition, Gail serves on the Greater Oro Valley Arts Council Board of Directors where her ideas and expertise add value to the organization.
Arts Supporter: To an individual or organization having demonstrated outstanding leadership in advancing the arts in the community through advocacy, promotion and/or development of the arts
- Jessica Andrews
Jessica Andrews has led the Arizona Theatre Company for the past 14 years, doubling its budget and creating new programs, as well as lending her expertise and influence to other organizations. Jessica’s innovation is legendary. ATC’s Accessibility program, for example, offers options for audience members including ASL-interpretation, audio described performances, open captioning and Braille playbills. Her dedication to education now allows ATC to serve students in all areas of Southern Arizona, including the Tohono O’odham Nation, and in her role as President of Arizona Citizens for the Arts, she leads the statewide advocacy movement to ensure government funding for the arts.
- AND THE LUMIE GOES TO Ruth Baron!!
Ruth Baron’s love of live theater and her generosity led her to the role of financial benefactor and founder of two local theaters: Live Theater Workshop (LTW) and Beowulf Alley Theater Company (BATC), each operating in its own space and each serving separate theater interests, based on their missions and programming. Ruth’s recognition of the value of the arts in children’s lives is evidenced by the strong, children’s programming at both LTW and BATC. A behind-the-scenes force, she is devoted to advancing the arts through her personal and financial support. Ruth Baron has been a gift to the arts, and an enormous impact on the community’s theater landscape.
- Regina Ford
As a writer for the Green Valley News and Sun newspaper, Regina Ford has actively supported the arts and the greater Green Valley community through her weekly column, Talk of the Town where she gives every artistic event in the community an identity, capturing the artistic soul and spinning supporting commentary. In her 25 years of supporting, promoting and participating in the arts, Regina’s column provides exposure, an intangible contribution that help the arts thrive and survive. The arts rely on the involvement of the artist, but it is Regina that helps complete the equation helping provide the informed and appreciative audience.
- Chuck Graham
Chuck Graham is a Tucson institution and an important voice for the arts with his reviews and features in the Tucson Citizen . Chuck’s writing over the past 35 years has had a dramatic impact, providing his readers with insightful articles that promote the work of local artists and arts organizations and build awareness and audiences for local cultural events. A known quantity to his many readers, Chuck provides intelligent, accurate, fair and unbiased reviews. He understands the nuances of the art scene and recognizes the importance of reviews by local critics and to audiences who take them seriously and use their guidance.
- The Long Rangers
For the past nine years, the Community Partnership of Southern Arizona’s Long-Range Public Education Coalition (The Long Rangers) has coordinated and hosted the Community Mental Health Arts Show, a three-day event at which more than 350 pieces of art are on display to the public. Each piece is created by individuals with mental illness and/or substance use disorders or by people who work in the behavioral health field. The show is a true celebration of art and its direct impact on persons in recovery. Viewing art can inspire others to create, and can be a powerful tool in the recovery process by invoking emotion and feeling.
- Pamela Mox
As a member of the advisory committee for the Community Performing Arts Center Foundation and publisher of the Green Valley News and Sun, Pam Mox spearheaded the Center’s fundraising campaign with a generous seed gift from the newspaper, itself. This initial gift set a high level for giving, and the Foundation reached it goal of $500,000 to support the construction of the Center, now the primary cultural mecca for residents south of Tucson. When the project was in doubt, Pam didn’t wait around, but got busy, leveraging major gifts and rallying community giving. Her leadership, vision and support of the Arts Center is gift to Green Valley.
- Jim Rowley
To say that Jim Rowley has a passion for the arts is an understatement. It’s a deep love and appreciation that spans all art forms, to which he contributes both financially and with his time. Jim Rowley served the Tucson Pima Arts Council (TPAC) 2002 – 2008, initially assisting with marketing which led him through the chairs to the Presidency where he served two terms. He continues to be a tireless volunteer and voice for the arts, advocating for government funding, and supporting creativity and the value of public art. Jim’s work with both TPAC and TNI has consistently had a positive impact on a wide spectrum of the community.
- Robert Weede
Bob Weede has spent a lifetime dedicated to supporting the Arts. Bob successfully lobbied the Town of Oro Valley to develop a 1% for Public Art program for all new commercial development and to provide funding for the 1st annual Town of Oro Valley Independence Day Celebration. Live and free to the public, the event has grown over the past ten years to attract 11,000 individuals. Although Bob has focused his support of the Arts in the Greater Oro Valley region, he has touched the lives of more than 200,000 unduplicated individuals in Southern Arizona. As a professional musician and dedicated Arts volunteer and innovator, Bob has left an indelible mark on our state.
- Vicky Westover
Vicky Westover is an amazingly valuable asset for Tucson filmmaking. As Program Director of the Hanson Film Institute, she has created ties to the national and international filmmaking industry, bringing countless industry professional to educate UA filmmakers, to promote the growth of filmmaking in Tucson and to enhance its reputation. Through the Hanson Institute, she has provided financial support and personal labor for many events and projects related to film. Vicky has nurtured the growth of the local filmmaking community, expanded awareness throughout Tucson of our talented film artist and promoted capacities and abilities to other professionals across the industry.
Arts Educator: An individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation and creativity in arts education
- Iris J. Arnesen
Through her periodical, The Opera Glass, Iris Arnesen has exposed large segment of the theatre-going public to insightful information and commentary on local productions and enhanced understanding and enjoyment of her readers, thereby boosting attendances at live performances. Feedback from readers in the “Letters” section of The Opera Glass attest to the value of Arnesen’s publication claiming to have attended events because Iris’s writing piqued their interest. She has penned The Opera Glass pretty much quarterly since 1999, adding much to the enjoyment of her diverse audience. She has been lecturing about Opera to community groups since 2001.
- AND THE LUMIE GOES TO Renee Blakeley!!
As director of the Pistor Middle School Dance program, Renee Blakeley offers dance training, performance opportunities, leadership skills and immeasurable boosts of self-esteem to hundreds of students each year. A trained ballet and modern dancer/teacher, Renee believes the fundamentals are essential, but she’s open to new ideas. She has enthusiastically embraced her students interests, studying contemporary forms, enlisting guest artists in hip-hop, Latin dance and Afro-Brazilian dance forms. By giving young people the joy of movement, Renee instills the power of self-expression, self-confidence and cooperation in her students. . .traits that will serve them well in future years.
- Shawn Campbell
Shawn Campbell is a deeply committed educator and a passionate ambassador for music education. Working with communities, corporations and school districts, her innovative and creative programs have opened doors to symphonic music for all ages and touched and enriched the lives of thousands of children who would not otherwise be exposed to music education. In her more than 20 years with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, Shawn has demonstrated leadership and innovation in arts education. Through a variety of programs, projects and curriculums, she has literally changed the lives of area youngsters through their introduction to, learning about, and enjoyment of music.
- Elsmarie Demurs
A consummate educator, Elsmaria DeMars has touched the lives of hundreds of students during her four years as Arts Specialist at Carrillo Magnet School, where she collaborates with La Pilita Museum staff to exhibit student art. By exhibiting children’s art to the public, Elsmaria raises the bar for the students’ work and their expectations and encourages them to stretch. Keeping in mind the Arizona Standard Competency/Performance Objectives for third, fourth and fifth graders, De Mars creatively integrates her artistic projects into the social science and science lessons, helping children recognize the relationship between art and culture and other disciplines, increasing their joy of learning.
- Pat Dolan
In all her endeavors, Pat Dolan uses art as a vehicle for illuminating current issues to an aging society. With this philosophy and Pat’s guidance, the Outreach Art Tutoring for Seniors Program (OATS) has enjoyed exponential growth and now serves the senior community in 10 Tucson locations. She is adept at creating group projects, and organizing trips and excursions designed to expand the minds and experiences of her students. Her enthusiastic, humorous rapport with groups of all sizes is infectious and stimulating. Pat Dolan’s students, ranging from people in their sixties to those in their nineties, experience growth, expanded confidence and a renewed interest in life through art.
- Julie Gallego
For more than three decades, Julie Gallego, a traditional Mexican dance artist, has dedicated herself to the performing arts. Gallego is the founder/director of the Ballet Folklorico San Juan Dance Troupe of 200 dancers, and has created and produces the “Viva Arizona” Hispanic Performing Arts Conference annually. This event, which culminates with a full performance concert, attracts hundreds of Southern Arizona dancers to participate in highly regimented classes in Mexican dance and music. Through these activities, Julie has inspired thousands of young adults to embrace the arts, and to use these experiences to pursue and complete their higher educational aspirations.
- Jeffry A. Jahn
Dr. Jeffry Jahn is the mastermind behind, and the volunteer Artistic Director of the “Music for the Soul” interfaith concerts that have brought joy and inspiration to the community for the past four years. He has molded the event at the Fox Tucson Theatre to showcase the rich, diverse musical traditions of Tucson’s faith communities, bringing people of many cultures together to share the sacred music of their faith traditions. A leader in Tucson’s music scene for two decades, Jahn has directed the Arizona Repertory Singers since 1990, and for ten years has conducted the annual Tucson Messiah Sing-In.
- Ruth Marblestone
A photographer, sculptor and visual artist, Ruth Marblestone is best known as director of Art in Reality (AIR) an award-winning Tucson Parks and Recreation project that provides a wide array of arts – including belly dancing, break dancing, poetry, and aerosol art – free to teens. Ruth coordinates ten teachers and seven classes each academic year at recreation centers, charter schools and other AIR partners including the Pima County Juvenile Detention Center. AIR has gained national recognition for its ability to meaningfully engage reluctant teens and for finding ways for street or youth arts to earn legitimacy.
- Marcela Molina
In the 2 ½ years Marcela Molina has been Artistic Director for Tucson Girls Chorus, its membership has increased 50%, the number of choruses has grown to five, the invitations to perform have multiplied, and its performance level is through the roof. These exponential changes reflect Marcela’s personal credentials, expertise and leadership. She has energized the girls, and in turn, TGC is recognized as a competent arts group. Marcela has brought TGC to an exciting second chapter, challenging the young women she works with to stretch and grow, musically, and offering Southern Arizona an exciting new group to appreciate and enjoy.
- Haydee Pack
Haydee Pack (pron. I-dee) has dedicated her life to the arts, using her talent not only to illustrate beauty, but using art to help mentally ill people find success. Haydee has developed an art therapy technique, utilizing oil painting, that give them a sense of accomplishment. The magnitude of self-esteem and confidence these students gain from Haydee’s instruction and work is a great achievement and contribution to society. Using art as therapy, a method comprised of creative analysis and self-expression, Haydee has provided a path for the mentally ill to excel in ways that would not have been possible without art.
- Hirotsune Tashima
The Director of Ceramics at Pima Community College, Hirotsune Tashima, is an example of selfless service, inspiration and dedication to his students, to other educators and to the artistic community as a whole. He teaches by example, working on his projects in front of his students, making no secrets of his methods. Tashima also promotes arts to the local high school community through demonstrations and collaborations. If a student becomes discouraged, Tashima gently helps the student correct the error and succeed without imposing on or steering the content of the piece. Tashima recently completed a large-scale ceramic installation at the Phoenix Civic Plaza.
- Larry D Wollam
Teaching is a gift and an art in itself, and Larry Wollam exemplifies that gift. A talented and creative art educator, he consistently teaches and mentors students even as he pursues art excellence himself. He has taught mixed media drawing, pastel, watercolor, scratch board, pen and ink, ink wash, airbrush and framing and matting for the Pima County Arts Program. For each of his nine Pima County classes, he fills his van with many art supplies and still life articles to draw for his students, ranging from 13 years to senior citizens. Several of his students are now fulltime professional artists and published authors; others have placed at national art competitions, attesting to Larry’s success at the art of teaching.
Business Partner: for outstanding support of the arts
- Cox Communications
The arts landscape in Southern Arizona is forever changed thanks in part to generous support from Cox Communications. Recognizing the economic value a thriving arts community can bring and the important role the arts play in a vibrant downtown, Cox’s support (direct sponsorships, in-kind media support and employee giving programs) is vital to the region’s well-being. Cox’s $500,000 commitment to the Tucson International Mariachi Conference ensures this world-renown event will remain a Tucson tradition. Cox’s exceptional support of the arts enriches our community’s quality of life, preserves its history and heritage, and offers a place for our children to grow where the arts are loved and appreciated.
- Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, inc.
The new Community Performing Arts Center serving southern Pima County is testament to Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Inc’s contribution to the arts. The Center provides badly needed rehearsal, performance and exhibition space for this area; thanks to FMI, that Center opened on time, and is today providing these services. In addition to its gift of $250,000 to the Center, FMI also provided volunteers to aid in the installation of the furnishings, to paint the walls, build storage shelves an even plant bushes. Freeport-McMoRan Copper and Gold demonstrates its strong belief in the value of the arts to enrich individual lives today, while strengthening the future of the region.
- AND THE LUMIE GOES TO Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.!!
Ventana Medical Systems, Inc. in Oro Valley houses one of the largest free community gallery spaces in Southern Arizona, supporting local art and artists for the past six years. In addition, for more than eight years, Ventana has sponsored an enormous two-dimensional Art competition and exhibition. Ventana Medical Systems, Inc’s commitment to the Arts touches thousands of visitors annually to their community gallery space, open free to the public weekdays 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Ventana has invested thousands of dollars each year into their professional commitment to the arts and their encouragement of youth arts education, raising the bar for Arts support in this region.
Arts Education Organization: An organization having demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation and creativity in arts education
- The Giving Tree Outreach Program
Music is the key to helping homeless or near homeless children cope with their transient lifestyle in a program offered by the Giving Tree Outreach Program. These children, ages 16 and under, including refugee children, come together from Giving Tree shelter homes to learn songs of various styles, play rhythm instruments and apply choreography. With their newly acquired musical skills, the children then bring joy to others at churches, nursing homes, etc., touching the hearts of audiences of all ages. The Music program gives children a sense of stability, builds their self-esteem, and allows them to develop their talents, providing a fun, non-threatening emotional outlet.
- SharMoore Children’s Productions
Focusing on schools in underprivileged neighborhoods where populations are diverse, SharMoore Children’s Productions is dedicated to empowering children to believe in themselves by giving voice to their original words and creative ideas. Children see their stories come to life, and realize that their writing or imaginations have value. SharMoore reinforces this belief with every partner school it visits. SharMoore is now in 13 Tucson-area schools and added a Phoenix school this year as well, and has served 16,000 youngsters, stimulating their minds, illustrating their capabilities and valuing their critical contributions.
- Sonoran Glass Art Academy
Since 2001, the Sonoran Glass Art Academy (SGAA) has offered a creative outlet for diverse audiences eager to learn about the art of glass. Through classes, workshops and events at the studio and with art happenings out in the community, more than 20,000 people have been touched by glass art education opportunities -- watching, learning or experiencing hot glass in action. While SGAA serves audiences of all ages and ethnicities, special attention is given to youth through school partnerships. Its studio site has enlivened a previously abandoned corner of the downtown Barrio Banta Rosa neighborhood, and the myriad of SGAA-sponsored special events contribute greatly to the livelihood and excitement of the downtown arts scene.
- AND THE LUMIE GOES TO The Symphony Women’s Association!!
Founded in 1952, The Symphony Women’s Association has kept music alive in our desert. They first offered free piano lessons and now their Music Education Center features free, weekly lessons on seven instruments. TSWA’s Music Center also provides loaner instruments, books and materials giving 148 students the opportunity to make music. Targeting underserved students has positive implications: Music lessons foster discipline and commitment, develop intelligence in other areas of learning, enhance thinking skills, provide creative outlets, add to one’s sense of self-worth and contribute to self-expression, creativity and teamwork. Through free weekly music lessons, TSWA is helping its students grow into contributing adults.
Individual Achievement/Emerging Artist: For outstanding innovation and contribution in a field of art by an emerging artist
- Kimi Eisele
A talented and creative multidisciplinary artist, Kimi Eisele is also known for her innovation and her unique ability to cross disciplines. She spearheaded three projects with NEW ARTiculations Dance Theatre to communicate relevant community issues through dance. Re:Configurations (2006) focused on then current LGBT issues in collaboration with Wingspan; We Are What We Eat, with the Community Food Bank, addressed aspects of our current food system; and Invisible City, performed under the moon atop the Pennington Street Garage posed the idea that artists themselves can revitalize downtown and should do it. Kimi’s projects have changed the face of NEW ARTiculations and the local dance community.
- AND THE LUMIE GOES TO Louis David Valenzuela!!
After 36 years of persistence and searching for his true calling, Louis David Valenzuela has come into his own; his sculptures, masks and paintings that highlight his Yoeme heritage and culture are a gift to Tucson. They are now seen, appreciated, and collected by a new market of art lovers. An ambassador and advocate for the arts of his people, Louis opens the door for non-Yoemen to learn about the Yoeme people in a visually exciting way. More importantly, Louis remains true to his roots, proud of his ancestry. He is recognized within his own community for his work and is a mentor to youngsters who, like himself, wish to pursue art as a means of sharing their ancient tradition and culture.
Lifetime Achievement: To an individual artist who has sustained excellence and innovation in their field of art over a significant number of years
- Joseph L. Bourne
Internationally recognized vocalist Joe Bourne, consistently entertains and pleases audiences worldwide with his unique renditions and arrangements of well loved music, winning him numerous awards while living in Europe from 1975 to 2000. But it is his visibility and appearances since moving to Tucson that win the hearts and admiration of local music lovers. He has lent his support to local organizations, and is active in the Tucson Jazz Society and the Greater Oro Valley Arts Council to name a few. He is a favorite with Invisible Theater audiences, and has developed a tribute show to Nat king Cole, now on CD, garnering praise from musicians and critics alike.
- Daniel Buckley
For more than 20 years, Daniel Buckley has been an articulate advocate for the value of the arts as the most potent tool for civic engagement. Throughout his tenure at the Tucson Citizen, he has consistently drawn attention to the critical need for arts education for the continued health and wellness of Southern Arizona ‘s future workforce. His own diverse music experiences range from country to opera; from rock to mariachi; from jazz to chamber music , but it is his advocacy that a grateful community applauds. He has focused his career on articulating how the arts and humanities can stimulate public dialogue and inspire collaborative action toward change.
- Nicholas Burke
Tucsonans are likely more familiar with the bronze sculptures of Nicholas Burke than they are with the artist himself, despite his 23 years of experience and his commissioned works around the world. Burke’s contribution to the community is immeasurable, keeping Tucson in touch with its past by reminding residents of those who shaped our community. His most memorable busts include former Mayor Lew Murphy (Reid Park) Colonel Epes Randolph (Epes Randolph Memorial Plaza on Randolph Way, adjacent to Hi Corbett Field) and John B. Greenway (Arizona Inn). Burke’s work touches all aspects of our community. One cannot see these projects without being moved.
- Matt Finstrom
An all around Ethnic musician, Matt Finstrom has opened up the world of Southeast Asia’s unique music to Southern Arizona by teaching, performing, and composing Gamelan orchestras. He introduced an old art form to an entire new community and achieved recognition by ethnic musicologists, spreading the information through lectures and numerous performances. Matt founded Sruti Music of India in 1985, formed an Afro-pop ensemble in 1987 and built an authentic Javanese Gamelan in 1988. He began performing Gamelan publicly in 1989 and has entranced audiences with it at Crowder Hall and around Arizona.
- Lynn Rae Lowe
A working artist and a talented coordinator of innovative ideas and causes, Lynn Rae Lowe’s leadership has inspired the arts community in Tucson and Southern Arizona. Her marketing expertise and business acumen combined with her creativity make her unique among local artists. Lynn Rae’s women-themed sculptures have become her signature in our community, but she has moved on from there to develop landscape paintings using chemical washes to activate a metal canvas for incredible results. Her latest venture, a Metal Arts Gallery on Dodge Blvd envisions a nurturing environment where artists can share space, create and incubate metal arts for the next generation.
- AND THE LUMIE GOES TO Eva Zorilla Tessler!!
Dancer, choreographer, actor, director and playwright, Eva Zorilla Tessler has raised the quality of arts and culture for Tucson and International audiences. As a dance teacher at Tucson High Magnet School, as associate Artistic Director for Borderlands Theater and as co-founder of the Latina Dancer project, she has trained many young, emerging artists. Zorilla’s work delivers a much needed dose of social responsibility for the promotion and progression of opportunities for Latinos as a whole. Her body of work entertains audiences from an artistic standpoint, but also challenges them to think about social justice and other issues affecting the Latino community.
- Richard Wamer
Rick Wamer, a theatrical mime artist, has entertained and influenced literally thousands of people over the last 27 years. Locally he has studied, taught and performed his art at the UA, in his own production company, and for the last eight years as teaching artist for Opening Minds through the Arts (OMA) where his art touched the lives of 19,000 K-8 students. His MYTHOS project at the UA is a collaboration of many local arts groups, visual artists, UA students and members of his own troupe. The resulting multi-discipline production has been recognized with prestigious grants and an upcoming DVD. Rick’s passion for mime, theatre, choreography and teaching is unparalleled.
- Alida Wilson-Gunn
An actor and educator in Tucson for more than 20 years, Alida Wilson-Gunn has contributed her insight and expertise in many ways to Borderlands Theater where she is currently Education Outreach Coordinator. Alida is an enthusiastic, disciplined and charismatic teacher, bringing a wealth of experience to her classroom, a safe, fun environment where actors of all skill and confidence levels are encouraged to take risks and reach outside their comfort zones. Her sense of empathy and patience allow the students to open up and trust her. Alida’s depth of experience is rare in the professional world.
- To-Ree-Nee Wolf McArdle
To-Ree-Nee Wolf McArdle is remarkably gifted as both a visual and performance artist. A painter, muralist and mosaicist, she has created dozens of award-winning public art projects, her bold murals infusing energy into neighborhoods and communities, while honoring the inhabitants. An acclaimed actress, singer, composer and playwright, she has graced Tucson’s stages for decades. She uniquely talent of creating magic, changing the lives and minds of her audiences. She has performed in Southern Arizona’s struggling barrios and reservations, and with at risk urban youth. Like an alchemist, she transforms our community’s collective history of discrimination into respect, compassion and hope, through spectacular, visionary art.
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