“Crows” by Nicoletta Ceccoli
In Tucson, especially during the summer, people come out at night. They emerge to fill the bars and populate the day’s deserted streets. Sacred Machine captures that spirit.
The museum and curiosity shop is open only in the evenings. Walking in the space is to be immersed in a dozen otherworlds – each some combination of alchemical, anatomical and mythological.
The fall show highlights Southwestern artists who came together for the Santa Muerte Music & Arts Festival, which drew some 500 revelers in September. More than 20 artists contributed 30 works. Many of the pieces glow, oil on panel presenting a luminosity that translates only in person.
Relatively big names such as Mark Ryden, Craig LaRotonda and Jennybird Alcantara sent pieces in response to a friendly email. “We got a great response, especially since Tucson isn’t a big city,” said Paula Catherine Valencia, who owns the museum with her husband, artist Daniel Martin Diaz. “The artists just really believe in what we’re doing.”
Also exhibiting through Nov 7 is a juried show from which next year’s All Souls Procession art was selected. The jury – Valencia, Diaz and procession organizers Many Mouths One Stomach – chose Tucson artist E. Michael Contreras.
Sacred Machine is located at 245 E. Congress St. Suite 123. 777-7403, SacredMachine.com.
