First Saturdays are a project of the Central Tucson Gallery Association, and typically, throngs of art-minded folks can be found strolling up and down 6th Street in the vicinity of 6th Avenue on those auspicious dates. May 1st was no exception, as dozens of the cognoscenti wandered from place to place, sipping wine, noshing on snacks and not incidentally checking out the varied and highly visible works to be seen at the eight galleries that abide in the immediate area.
Some came specifically to patronize Conrad Wilde in support of its fundraiser to try to recoup from an outrageous recent robbery with the help of artists who donated their work (and wonderful work it is) for this show. "Pick Up the Pieces" offers national and local artists in all media presenting an opportunity to "steal" one of the creations for below retail prices, and although Saturday was the first occasion that this was possible, sales were brisk, with dozens of spots on the walls sporting "Red Dot" labels. Miles Conrad expressed his humble and grateful appreciation for all those who contributed to his attempt to benefit artists whose works were stolen. Gwyneth Scally and Aaron Miller, the youthful glamor couple of Tucson's art scene, regaled me about their new stuff (Aaron's installation, Gwyneth's National Archives research of vintage photos of Arctic explorers). Okay, I love his concept and her passion. Not to mention that their creations are always breathtaking and bold.
Happy lovers of the visual arts also crowded 5th on 6th Gallery, Platform, Wildflower, Gary Bjorklund, Lulubelle and others in the Firestone Building, feasting their eyes on all the displayed splendors. A loud babble of conversation made it only just barely possible to talk to anyone intelligibly, and many artists of my acquaintance were there being inspired and reveling in the company of so many like-minded souls and compatriots. To the west, Contreras bustled with those who came to see the works of Cristina Cardenas, "Partes De Tu Cuerpo" aka "Parts of Your Body." Just east, at Raices Taller 222, Ceci Garcia was in rare form, orating in the midst of all the "Mujeres, Mujeres, Mujeres" pieces, their 6th annual presentation of "woman power" at its best. A love feast of femininity ruled the moonlit night.
This highly successful monthly event belies the gloom of any nay-sayers who might proclaim the death of the art gallery scene in down Tucson, and it certainly gladdens the hearts of proprietors (and this aficionado). Optimism might be out of fashion in some circles, but it's perfectly viable and appropriate when one is part of the congregation at the corner of 6th and 6th on a Saturday night in downtown Tucson, Arizona.
