SAACA
  • WHO WE ARE
    • ABOUT
    • TEAM CONTACTS
    • PARTNERS, DONORS & SPONSORS
    • BOARD OF DIRECTORS
    • CULTURAL EQUITY
  • WHAT WE DO
    • BUSINESS & ARTS PARTNERSHIPS
    • ARTS & HEALTHCARE
    • OPPORTUNITIES FOR ARTISTS - CALL TO ARTIST
    • ARTS EDUCATION
    • PUBLIC ART & MURAL ADMINISTRATION
    • EVENTS, PROGRAMS & FESTIVALS
    • CATALYST ARTS & MAKER SPACE
    • CREATIVE PLACEMAKING
    • CREATIVE SECTOR DEVELOPMENT
    • UNDERCOVER ARTS MAGAZINE
    • ONLINE ARTS & CULTURE >
      • CLASSES, WORKSHOPS & PERFORMANCES
      • STREAMING & VIDEO RESOURCES
      • COVID-19 RESPONSE & RESOURCES
  • SUPPORT & DONATE
    • DONATE AND SUPPORT
    • VOLUNTEER
    • INTERN
  • EVENTS, PUBLIC ART & PROGRAMS
    • EVENT & EXHIBITOR APPLICATIONS
    • ART FESTIVALS >
      • FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS & HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING
      • ART ON THE LAKE FESTIVAL
      • DOWNTOWN GLENDALE ARTS & CULTURE FEST
      • LA ENCANTADA FINE ART FESTIVAL
      • SKY ISLANDS FALL ARTISAN MARKET
      • FALL ARTISAN MARKET
      • SPRING FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
    • COMMUNITY ART GALLERIES >
      • VENTANA GALLERY AT ROCHE >
        • Roche Lung Cancer Awareness Exhibition
        • Roche Celebrating Moments >
          • Active Moments - Roche Community Photography Exhibition
          • Frozen in Time - Roche Community Photography Exhibition
          • Up Close and Personal - Roche Community Photography Exhibition
          • Quiet Contentment - Roche Community Photography Exhibition
    • ARTS & CULTURAL CELEBRATIONS >
      • Desert Ridge Music and Murals
      • Tempe World of Chalk
      • Cruise, BBQ & Blues
      • Oro Valley Candy Crawloween
    • CULINARY ARTS >
      • SAVOR FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL
      • DEVOUR CULINARY CLASSIC
      • Devour Culinary Classic
      • WORLD MARGARITA CHAMPIONSHIP
    • LIVE MUSIC & CONCERTS >
      • Oro Valley Concert Series
      • Riverfront Park Classical Concert Series
      • Steam Pump Concert Series
      • Lookout Tucson at Westward Look
      • Tucson Folk Festival
      • La Encantada Live
    • PUBLIC ART & MURAL INSTALLATIONS >
      • PUBLIC ART & MURAL INSTALLATIONS
      • Summer Youth Art Project 2022 >
        • Gila Monster
        • Glowing Scorpions
        • Prickly Pear Everywhere
      • Desert Ridge Mural Project
      • Sahuarita Public Art
    • DIGITAL ARTS PROGRAMS >
      • AARP Video Series
      • ORO VALLEY PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION
      • Local Food Heroes Virtual Classes
      • The Art of Food Cooking Classes
  • CATALYST ART SPACE & VENUE
    • VENUE & SPECIAL EVENT RENTALS
    • UPCOMING CLASSES & EVENTS
    • ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE PROGRAM

CELEBRATING LOCAL ARTS

ONLINE ARTS & CULTURE VIDEOS WITH AARP ARIZONA
AARP Arizona and the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance (SAACA) partner to present a weekly arts video series showcasing Arizona's unique artistic communities. The arts and culture partnership will feature twelve videos focusing on Culinary Arts, Visual Arts, and Murals. The partnership represents a unique community collaboration to support local artists while opening up new ways for audiences to enjoy and support beloved Arizona artists.

The videos will be free to view online and will premiere weekly in October, November and December. To view all of the episodes in this series, you can visit the AARP Arizona Youtube Channel, and for upcoming events, visit the AARP Virtual Community Center.

October - Through the Artist's Eyes
  • October 6 - Hiro Tashima, CLAY
  • October 13 - Amanda Margaretha, SPICE
  • October 20 - Javi Valenzuela, LULU
  • October 27 - Lisa Sturz, STRINGS & PUPPETS

November - Southwestern Food Series
  • November 3 - Chef Wendy Garcia, Jackfruit Carnitas
  • November 10 - Chef Barry Infuso, Table Salsas
  • November 17 - Chef Doug Levy, Comfort Foods
  • November 24 - Chefs Kristine Jensen and Christopher Baldwin, Tamales

December - Musical Adventures to Share by Solar Storytellers​
  • December 15 - The Ugly Duckling
  • December 22 - A Bright New Day, Dr. Solara and the Fossil Fools
  • December 29 -  The Cat with a Fiddle
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VIDEO PARTNERS

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THROUGH THE ARTIST'S EYES

Join AARP Arizona and the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance as we enjoy an up-close weekly interview with Tucson artists from different disciplines with global influence. In this four-part series directed by Ink & Staples, you’ll meet an accomplished clay sculptor from Japan, a visual spice artist from South Africa, an up-and-coming painter from Mexico, and a puppeteer whose credits span from Hollywood to the Chicago Opera. Each week, we’ll learn about their creative process as they share the artistic ideas that motivate and inspire them. To view all of the episodes in this series, you can visit the AARP Arizona Youtube Channel, and for upcoming events, visit the AARP Virtual Community Center.
Hiro Tashima
CLAY
October 6, 2021
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Originally born in Hiroshima, Japan, Hiro Tashima has made a name for himself in both the world of dirt-bike racing and art, thanks to his commitment to pushing the limit and not being afraid to fail.
His sculptures are often humorous self-reflections that tie together multiple cultures, showing how art can truly speak through any barrier. Join us as we sit down with Hiro to learn about his work with David Bowie, his Hiroshima 75th Anniversary pieces and how he has adapted his teaching methods during the pandemic.

Amanda Margaretha
SPICE
October 13, 2021

Today, we meet spice artist Amanda Margaretha. Amanda traveled the world as a teacher before discovering her true artistic calling — SPICES. Her intricate spice installations have been showcased from South Africa to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), gaining her the recognition of publications and galleries across the globe. Faced with the uncertain climate posed by COVID-19, Amanda began a new, inspiring installation — a spice maze.  Sit down with us as we talk with Amanda on her growth as an artist through exploration and determination

Javi Valenzuela
LULU
October 20, 2021

Artist Javi Valenzuela has always been proud and vocal about the true inspiration and motivation behind his paintings — his mother, LuLu. Moving from the border towns of Mexico to the Southwest United States, Javi's mother helped kindle his passion for art by encouraging him to draw actors and celebrities from her favorite magazines. His skills quickly grew from simple sketches to the extremely color infused brush strokes that have now become his signature style. We will sit down with Javi Valenzuela to discuss his late mother and how he infuses her memory into each and every painting. This series is produced in partnership with Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance and Ink & Staples. 

Lisa Sturz
PUPPETS & STRINGS
October 27, 2021

In today’s episode, we meet an accomplished puppeteer that now calls Tucson home, Lisa Sturz of Red Herring Puppets. George Lucas. Jim Henson. Lyric Opera of Chicago. They all have one thing in common - they've collaborated with today’s featured artist.  Founder, Artistic Director, and Lead Puppeteer for Red Herring Puppets, Lisa has 40 years of experience in building, performing, and directing.  We discuss her decades of experience working in Hollywood film and television. Let’s take a peak inside her puppet theater and studio in Tucson and learn about the art of crafting both puppets and stories woven from our imaginations and life experience. 

SOUTHWESTERN FOOD SERIES

Put on your aprons and join Tucson's Food Heroes, live, from the comfort of your own kitchen. AARP Arizona, SAACA, and Slow Food Southern Arizona are proud to present four virtual culinary classes featuring Tucson's top chefs. These hands-on classes will cover everything you need to know from ingredients to the first bite of an unforgettable meal taught by some of Tucson’s top chefs. 

AARP is focused on the topic of “reclaiming your health” as the nation emerges from more than a year under the COVID-19 pandemic. You can go to aarp.org/healthyliving for tips, tools and resources that can help you reclaim your health.  
To view all of the episodes in this series, you can visit the AARP Arizona Youtube Channel, and for upcoming events, visit the AARP Virtual Community Center.

Chef Wendy Garcia | Jackfruit as an Alternative to Meat

Chef Wendy Garcia from Tumerico
Jackfruit As An Alternative to Meat
​November 3, 2021

Chef Wendy Garcia shows us how to prepare Jackfruit as a meat alternative for tacos and carnitas. Jackfruit is used extensively in Indian and Caribbean dishes, in everything from ice cream to main dishes. The good news is that it is readily available, here in Tucson! Wendy Garcia grew up in Alamos, Sonora. She learned from her father and grandmother how to cook traditional Mexican food, with lots of meat. After moving to Tucson at the age of 17, Garcia started working in restaurants around Tucson, ranging from Taco Bell to Feast. After a decade of working late nights and multiple jobs, she decided to start her own business selling vegan tamales at farmers markets. That grew into Tumerico, an extremely popular and nationally recognized restaurant in the heart of Tucson.
Download the Recipe Card

Chef Barry Infuso | Table Salsas

Chef Barry Infuso
Table Salsas
November 10, 2021


Chef Barry Infuso, Board Chair of Slow Food Southern Arizona, teaches 3 simple and delicious table salsas to accompany the jackfruit carnitas - smokey roasted salsa, a fruit salsa, and a chimichurri. 
Download the Recipe Card

​Chef Doug Levy | Comfort Foods – Smoked Tomato Soup and Grilled Raclette Cheese Sandwich​

Chef Doug Levy from Feast
​Comfort Foods – Smoked Tomato Soup and Grilled Raclette Cheese Sandwich​
November 17, 2021
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Doug Levy is one of Tucson’s more creative chefs and the monthly changing menu at Feast, which utilizes a bounty of fresh ingredients sourced from near and far, reflects his talents. The grilled cheese sandwich is always available in some form at his restaurant and is a perennial favorite. In this class, Levy presents his take on two classic comfort dishes - grilled cheese and tomato soup. But make no mistake, this will not be your average bowl of tomato soup and plate of grilled cheese!
Download the Recipe Card

Chefs Kristine Jensen and Christopher Baldwin | Tamales

Chefs Kristine Jensen and Christopher Baldwin from Gallery of Food Bodega
Tamales

November 24, 2021
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Join Chefs Kristine Jensen and Christopher Baldwin of Gallery of Food Bodega as they walk you through tamale making. A holiday tradition for many, tamales are a delicious year round treat rich in tradition in flavor. In this class, you'll learn how to make your own masa (don't worry, it's much easier than you think!) and a myriad of fillings fit for omnivores and vegetarians alike. These delicious treasure-wrapped corn husk jackets will be something enjoyed by family and friends year after year.
Download the Recipe Card

Musical Adventures to Share by Solar Storytellers

Just in time for the holidays, AARP Arizona is proud to present a series of three Musical Adventures to enjoy with the whole family! Solar Storytellers is a series of musical adventures composed by violinist, Michael Fan, of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra. The Solar Storytellers perform musical presentations powered by solar energy for children aged 4 to 104 including original music, traditional fairy tales with a twist, and stories about science. The trio also performs instrumental works ranging from classical to tango to jazz and popular. 

This video concert series was made possible in partnership with the Arizona Senior Academy, Technicians For Sustainability, Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance, Tucson Botanical Gardens, and AARP Arizona. 

December 15 - The Ugly Duckling

Solar Storytellers presents "The Ugly Duckling", based on the classic story by Hans Christian Andersen, with original words and music by Michael Fan. The performance features Michael on Violin; Ian Jones, Cello; Paula Fan, Piano. This video concert was made possible in partnership with the Arizona Senior Academy, Technicians For Sustainability, Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance, Tucson Botanical Gardens, and AARP Arizona. AARP is the nation's largest non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to empowering people over 50 to choose how they live as they age. AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability, and personal fulfillment. To view all of the episodes in this series, you can visit the AARP Arizona Youtube Channel, and for upcoming events, visit the AARP Virtual Community Center.

December 22 - A Bright New Day, Dr. Solara and the Fossil Fools

Solar Storytellers presents "A Bright New Day, Dr. Solara and the Fossil Fools". An original musical adventure with Words and Music by Michael Fan, the performance features Michael on Violin; Ian Jones, Cello; Paula Fan, Piano; and Jeremy Huw Williams, Baritone. This video concert was made possible with support from Arizona Senior Academy, Technicians for Sustainability, SAACA, Tucson Botanical Gardens, and AARP Arizona. AARP is the nation's largest non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to empowering people over 50 to choose how they live as they age. AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability, and personal fulfillment. To view all of the episodes in this series, you can visit the AARP Arizona Youtube Channel, and for upcoming events, visit the AARP Virtual Community Center.

December 29 - The Cat with a Fiddle

Solar Storytellers presents "The Cat with a Fiddle". An original musical adventure with Words and Music by Michael Fan, the performance features Michael on Violin; Ian Jones, Cello; and Paula Fan, Piano. This video concert was made possible with support from Arizona Senior Academy, Technicians For Sustainability, Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance, Tucson Botanical Gardens, and AARP Arizona. AARP is the nation's largest non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to empowering people over 50 to choose how they live as they age. AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability, and personal fulfillment. To view all of the episodes in this series, you can visit the AARP Arizona Youtube Channel, and for upcoming events, visit the AARP Virtual Community Center.

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About
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The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the creation, preservation and advancement of the Arts. SAACA strengthens the bonds between people, place and purpose through collaborative, arts-driven experiences.
  • WHO WE ARE
    • ABOUT
    • TEAM CONTACTS
    • PARTNERS, DONORS & SPONSORS
    • BOARD OF DIRECTORS
    • CULTURAL EQUITY
  • WHAT WE DO
    • BUSINESS & ARTS PARTNERSHIPS
    • ARTS & HEALTHCARE
    • OPPORTUNITIES FOR ARTISTS - CALL TO ARTIST
    • ARTS EDUCATION
    • PUBLIC ART & MURAL ADMINISTRATION
    • EVENTS, PROGRAMS & FESTIVALS
    • CATALYST ARTS & MAKER SPACE
    • CREATIVE PLACEMAKING
    • CREATIVE SECTOR DEVELOPMENT
    • UNDERCOVER ARTS MAGAZINE
    • ONLINE ARTS & CULTURE >
      • CLASSES, WORKSHOPS & PERFORMANCES
      • STREAMING & VIDEO RESOURCES
      • COVID-19 RESPONSE & RESOURCES
  • SUPPORT & DONATE
    • DONATE AND SUPPORT
    • VOLUNTEER
    • INTERN
  • EVENTS, PUBLIC ART & PROGRAMS
    • EVENT & EXHIBITOR APPLICATIONS
    • ART FESTIVALS >
      • FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS & HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING
      • ART ON THE LAKE FESTIVAL
      • DOWNTOWN GLENDALE ARTS & CULTURE FEST
      • LA ENCANTADA FINE ART FESTIVAL
      • SKY ISLANDS FALL ARTISAN MARKET
      • FALL ARTISAN MARKET
      • SPRING FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
    • COMMUNITY ART GALLERIES >
      • VENTANA GALLERY AT ROCHE >
        • Roche Lung Cancer Awareness Exhibition
        • Roche Celebrating Moments >
          • Active Moments - Roche Community Photography Exhibition
          • Frozen in Time - Roche Community Photography Exhibition
          • Up Close and Personal - Roche Community Photography Exhibition
          • Quiet Contentment - Roche Community Photography Exhibition
    • ARTS & CULTURAL CELEBRATIONS >
      • Desert Ridge Music and Murals
      • Tempe World of Chalk
      • Cruise, BBQ & Blues
      • Oro Valley Candy Crawloween
    • CULINARY ARTS >
      • SAVOR FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL
      • DEVOUR CULINARY CLASSIC
      • Devour Culinary Classic
      • WORLD MARGARITA CHAMPIONSHIP
    • LIVE MUSIC & CONCERTS >
      • Oro Valley Concert Series
      • Riverfront Park Classical Concert Series
      • Steam Pump Concert Series
      • Lookout Tucson at Westward Look
      • Tucson Folk Festival
      • La Encantada Live
    • PUBLIC ART & MURAL INSTALLATIONS >
      • PUBLIC ART & MURAL INSTALLATIONS
      • Summer Youth Art Project 2022 >
        • Gila Monster
        • Glowing Scorpions
        • Prickly Pear Everywhere
      • Desert Ridge Mural Project
      • Sahuarita Public Art
    • DIGITAL ARTS PROGRAMS >
      • AARP Video Series
      • ORO VALLEY PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION
      • Local Food Heroes Virtual Classes
      • The Art of Food Cooking Classes
  • CATALYST ART SPACE & VENUE
    • VENUE & SPECIAL EVENT RENTALS
    • UPCOMING CLASSES & EVENTS
    • ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE PROGRAM