I have a theory about the E. Ajo Way strip that loops around I-10 and S. Kino Parkway: I believe it will become more an arts destination than a commercial by-pass someday. Long ignored by all but industrial users and car traffic for Tucson Electric Park I see stirrings of an eastern arts gateway to Tucson, thanks to an imaginative warehouse space called Kuzu Salon.
Through a Twitter encounter I met two artists mother-daughter collaborators who are the creative force behind Kuzu Salon, located at 1991 E. Ajo Way, Suite 161. @buddhagirlAZ is Hazel Colditz mother, Tucsonan, filmmaker, artist and metal sculptor. @KuzuSalon is Mariko Burton daughter, seamstress, designer and Bookmans store associate. These two imaginative women (with another Chicago-based sister named Laurel) opened the Kuzu studio and shop last Spring. This summer Hazel traveled the Northwest in search of metals, glass and objects to repurpose for her sculptures, while Mariko combed thrift shops and designer remnants for her innovative fashion line. Now this slice of the Tucson art scene is readying for a Fall opening with an inventive gallery opening and fashion preview set for Saturday, October 10.
The Kuzu studio-boutique-gallery is a two-floor experience in edgy fashion, sustainable landscape sculpture and fine contemporary art. Its situated in an unassuming warehouse off the southeast corner of E. Ajo and S. Kino. From the road, youll see neon signage in an upstairs window and a modern metal sculpture that sits in a tiny desert landscape that fronts the entranceway. The first-floor houses the gallery in front, with its imaginatively displayed objects, strong/bright colors and designs, and sustainable architectural components. Swing past the bold metal door to Hazels welding workspace where artistic materials and tools, pieces in-the-works or completed abound. Pass wall sculptures, more neons and fabric hangings and walk upstairs to Marikos sewing studio. Here, Japanese, retro and modern designer fabrics mix with deco buttons, beads, bones, antique curios and old books all adding a wonderful energy to a creative space.
In the Kuzu retail area there are racks of haute, hand-detailed finds including organic t-shirts altered with ribbons and pretty vintage scarves. Some odd body jewelry made of reptile skulls and skeletons are displayed in bird cages or a portion of aircraft fuselage.
Since moving from NYC to Tucson about four years ago I've been trekking our city -- looking for those snippets of culture and character that tell me Tucson stories and help me feel at home. Kuzu is one of those places that give me a sense of our city's arts vitality. Ive made a note to return for the October runway show Why not make the trek yourself and discover another creative arts pocket here in our diverse, dusty Tucson?
