photo by David Olsen
Along 6th Street, just east and west of 6th Avenue, is a convergence of imagination and inspiration.
The area features well-established and new galleries and businesses that are related to various aspects of the act of creation and continues to grow. The district seems to be a living example of the law of attraction: that which is like, unto itself is drawn.
“The confluence of galleries and studios near 6th and 6th is truly energizing,” said Gary Bjorklund. “The critical mass makes it a destination for art lovers who fuel us. We create for ourselves, but sharing is what it is all about.”
In the venerable 1875 Firestone Building, at 439 N. 6th Ave., are six galleries, some of which have only recently become resident there. As for the art, expect the eclectic - Bjorklund Art in two locations, one on the ground floor, one upstairs; the elegant - Conrad Wilde; the sophisticated - Platform; the avant-garde - 5th on 6th Gallery; and the young and hip venture - Flow.
Conrad Wilde gallery moved in last December and gallery director/curator Miles Conrad said, “We are excited to be part of a consolidation of galleries in the area, helping to revitalize the arts and culture district of Tucson’s downtown core.”
Firestone’s labyrinthine recesses also include: Soho, a hair salon; Creative Slice and Tripwire, web site design firms; co-working space, Spoke 6. Rounding out the list is offbeat toy store - Lulubell Toy Bodega, which offers both art and entertainment.
Across 6th Avenue and east of Firestone is the Wheat Scharf Building, with Wheat Scharf Associates, landscape architects, who beautify all sorts of public works projects (for instance, the Scott Avenue redo). The structure also hosts Raices Taller 222, a collective of mostly Latino artists and craftspeople, and Santa Theresa Tile Works, creators of unique, individually decorated tiles.
At the southeast corner of 6th Street and 7th Avenue is the Tucson Warehouse and Transfer Building. It holds well-established institutions Davis Dominguez Gallery and Contreras Gallery, known for hand-wrought milagros and crafting fine jewelry since the 1960s, now including exhibits of painting and other media.
Commenting on the growth of the district’s creative endeavors, E. Michael Contreras said, “It’s good for our little area, and good for the city. Art lovers of Tucson can come to one place and see a lot of art. We have our 1st Saturday of each month event where all the galleries are open.”
