SAACA
  • WHY WE EXIST
    • ABOUT US
    • TEAM CONTACTS
    • SAACA BOARD LEADERSHIP
  • SERVICES
    • PUBLIC ART & MURAL ADMINISTRATION SERVICES
    • CULTURAL ASSET MAPPING & CONSULTING
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    • ARTS & BUSINESS PARTNERSHIPS
    • ARTS, WELLNESS & HEALING
    • ARTS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
    • ARTIST OPPORTUNITIES
    • ARTS ADVOCACY
    • ARTS & EDUCATION
    • FESTIVAL, EVENT & BOOKING SERVICES
  • PROJECTS
    • UNDERCOVER ARTS MAGAZINE & DIRECTORY
    • COMMUNITY GALLERIES >
      • VENTANA GALLERY & ART EXHIBITIONS AT ROCHE >
        • 2025 FACE FORWARD
      • FLINN FOUNDATION GALLERY
    • CREATIVE AGING WITH WATERMARK COMMUNITIES
    • PUBLIC ART & MURAL PROJECTS >
      • PUBLIC ART IN ORO VALLEY
      • PUBLIC ART IN SAHUARITA
      • PIMA COUNTY PUBLIC ART
      • PUBLIC ART IN FOUNTAIN HILLS
      • TRANSPORTATION ART BY YOUTH 2022 >
        • Gila Monster
        • Glowing Scorpions
        • Prickly Pear Everywhere
    • COMMUNITY PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITIONS >
      • FOUNTAIN HILLS PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION
      • SAHUARITA CAPTURING COMMUNITY PHOTO CONTEST
      • ORO VALLEY PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION
  • EVENTS
    • CALENDAR OF EVENTS
    • EVENT & EXHIBITOR APPLICATIONS
    • ART & MUSIC FESTIVALS >
      • DOWNTOWN GLENDALE ARTS & CULTURE FEST
      • LA ENCANTADA FINE ART FESTIVAL
      • ORO VALLEY FALL FOODIE & ART FESTIVAL
      • ORO VALLEY HOLIDAY FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS & TREE LIGHTING CELEBRATION
      • ORO VALLEY SPRING FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
      • PARK PLACE STREET ART FESTIVAL
      • PATAGONIA FALL FESTIVAL
      • SAHUARITA ART ON THE LAKE FESTIVAL
      • TUCSON FOLK FESTIVAL
    • CULINARY EVENTS >
      • DEVOUR CULINARY CLASSIC
      • SALSA, TEQUILA & TACO CHALLENGE
      • SAVOR CULINARY FESTIVAL
      • SABORES DE TUCSON: AMERICA'S BEST MEXICAN FOOD FESTIVAL
      • THE TOAST: JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION
      • WORLD MARGARITA CHAMPIONSHIP
    • LIVE MUSIC >
      • LIVE MUSIC AT PALM TERRACE
      • ORO VALLEY CONCERT SERIES
  • CATALYST CREATIVE COLLECTIVE
    • ABOUT THE CATALYST CREATIVE COLLECTIVE
    • VENUE & EVENT RENTALS
    • GETTING TO CATALYST
    • UPCOMING CLASSES & EVENTS CALENDAR
    • ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE PROGRAM
  • GET INVOLVED & SUPPORT
    • SUPPORT OUR WORK
    • SPONSOR A PROGRAM OR EVENT
    • VOLUNTEER WITH SAACA
    • CURRENT PARTNERS, DONORS & SPONSORS
    • INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
    • ARTIST & VENDOR APPLICATIONS

park place street
​art festival

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NOVEMBER 2, 2024

Join us on Saturday, November 2, for the Park Place Street Art Festival, Dia De Los Muertos edition, a vibrant celebration of life, culture, and community. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the festival will transform the mall into a living canvas of art and tradition.

A community ofrenda dedication space will be the heart of this event in center court, where visitors can honor loved ones and connect with the rich cultural heritage of Dia De Los Muertos. Ten talented live painters will create stunning works of art inspired by the iconic imagery of the holiday, bringing the spirit of this beloved tradition to life.

​Experience the festival’s lively atmosphere with the sounds of live mariachi music filling the air, and immerse yourself in the colorful world of chalk art with our integrated community Kids Zone and breathtaking 3D Chalk Art Murals. Witness the creation of two permanent mural installations, as artists capture the essence of Dia De Los Muertos in real-time. This event is more than a festival—it’s a celebration of art, culture, and the deep connections that bind us all. Bring your family and friends, and be part of this unforgettable day of remembrance, creativity, and community.

The highlight of the event will certainly take shape around the unveiling of Arizona’s largest mural completed by local artist Jessica Gonzales, spanning over 26,400 square feet.  

EVENT TIMES

Saturday 11AM-4PM

EVENT LOCATION

Park Place
​5870 E Broadway Blvd
​Tucson, AZ 85711

ADMISSION

Free Admission

EVENT PARTNERS

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EVENT LOCATION

Park Place
5870 E Broadway Blvd
​Tucson, AZ 85711

Park Place Mall in Tucson, AZ is a vibrant desert hub that offers a rich blend of national brands, local boutiques, diverse dining, and varied entertainment options, all set within serene architecture mirroring Arizona’s beauty. Beyond mere shopping, a visit promises a unique mix of the city’s charm and contemporary luxury, complemented by easy access and modern amenities.

GET INVOLVED

SUPPORT THE EVENT AS A SPONSOR
VOLUNTEER AT THE FESTIVAL
PARTICIPATE IN THE COMMUNITY OFRENDA

ARIZONA'S LARGEST
​MURAL TO BE UNVEILED

JESSICA GONZALES

Jessica Gonzales is a Tucson-based artist whose work occupies the space at the intersection of human experience, public engagement, and contemporary art. She has been painting murals professionally since 2016, having created over 150 pieces across southern Arizona, and in Albuquerque, Austin, and Chicago. In 2016 Jessica contributed to the City of Tucson Mural Arts Program. She continued to take on mural work and was able to pursue her art career full time in April of 2019. She has been creating murals for local Tucson businesses and residents ever since.
​
Jessica’s specialty is in expressive portraiture, bold color & pattern, and engagement with viewers. Her painting style incorporates vibrant abstractions of texture and shape, while also creating recognizable form that is familiar to the audience. Her pieces often encourage viewers to be involved in the work both from a distance and close up, incorporating intricate details, optical illusion, vantage points that alter the viewing experience, and expressions that are engaging and inspire reaction. She holds great value in creating work that evokes a sense of joy, peace, and restfulness of mind and spirit. Jessica’s personal philosophy is that public works should be timeless and that creating an interactive relationship between the art and the viewer is a powerful way to accomplish that.
jessicagonzalesart.com

Mural Theme - Sonoran Skylines
For this mural there are three things that I wanted to include in the overall vision—the first is a sense of liveliness and vibrancy that mirrors the energy of both the patrons of Park Place mall and the culture within our Tucson community. I have chosen to express this energy through vibrant color, movement, and a design that keeps the viewer engaged. Secondly, I wanted to capture the essence of our desert landscape by incorporating southern Arizona’s most iconic inhabitant and recognizable shape—the saguaro cactus. Not only are they a classic Sonoran symbol, the shape of the arms and striping of the ribs create a lot of natural movement and flow throughout the design. Lastly, I wanted to make sure that the mural made an impact from a distance where the viewers can take it in as a whole, but also incorporate visual interest when viewed at closer range.

For the past six weeks, Jessica has been working on one of the most bold endeavors of her artistic career: completing a vibrant mural that encompasses over 26,400 square feet at Park Place in Tucson, AZ. 

A 26,400 sq. ft. (~450 ft wide by 62 ft tall) section of the exterior wall located near Cinemark Century Theaters. 
VIEW THE WORK AS IT DEVELOPS
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COMMUNITY DRIVEN PUBLIC ART OFRENDA INSTALLATION

Be Part of a Vibrant Community Ofrenda at Park Place Street Art Festival!
​
The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) invites you to honor your loved ones and participate in a deeply meaningful public art installation at this year’s Park Place Street Art Festival. We’re creating a collective Día de los Muertos Ofrenda, where Tucson community members can come together to celebrate and remember those who have passed.
This is your chance to be part of a beautiful tradition! Submit a cherished photo of a loved one, along with an optional story or message (up to 100 words), and help build a vibrant, heartfelt altar that will be displayed in Center Court for the entire community to experience. Each submission will be printed and included in this public tribute, on display from November 2, 2024, for two weeks.
​
Your contribution will create a lasting impact—sharing stories of love, loss, and memory in a powerful visual expression of community. Submit your photo and story today: Community Ofrenda Submission Form.

LIVE PAINTERS & SIGANTURE MURAL INSTALLATIONS

Tyson Krank
Permanent Mural - Round One and Total Wine Corridor
Tyson Krank is a muralist specializing in large-scale works that use acrylic and spray paint to create immersive visual experiences. His work often explores themes of nature, abstraction, and playfulness, employing vivid colors and bold shapes to transform spaces. With over 11 years of experience, Tyson has completed more than 200 commercial and residential murals, earning recognition from outlets such as Phoenix New Times and West Seattle News. His notable projects include “MUSE,” a 100-foot mural that transformed a parking garage into a local landmark.
​
Website: tysonkrank.squarespace.com
Instagram: @t_krank
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Rhonda Mullins

Ground Mural - North Entrance (near Yard House)
Rhonda Mullins is an artist whose vivid and imaginative paintings, chalk murals, and immersive art have delighted audiences worldwide. Her work features brilliantly colored animals, people, and abstract designs. Rhonda believes in the transformative power of art to change lives.

Website: Rhonda Mullins on Instagram

​Mural Concept:
Rhonda’s mural will honor her late best friend, featuring a face surrounded by elements of nature like marigolds, chrysanthemums, gladiolas, and monarch butterflies.
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Jodie Chertudi

Semi-Permanent Wall Mural - South Park Place (Forever 21 Corridor)
Jodie Lewers Chertudi is a detail-oriented visual artist with over 20 years of experience in graphic design and mural painting. Her inspiration stems from rural Pinal County’s desert landscapes and big-city graffiti.
Website: jlewers.com
Instagram: @jlewers_design
​
Mural Theme:
Jodie’s mural will feature a parade of monarch butterflies carrying black-and-white photos of loved ones, guided by a path of marigolds and roses.
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Peniel Macias

Live Painting - 36" x 48" Canvas (Indoors)
Pen Macias is a Tucson-based muralist who creates large-scale public artwork inspired by local culture, landmarks, and the environment. Her work is known for its whimsical, colorful nature.

Website: The Desert Pen
Instagram: @thedesertpen
​
Mural Theme:
Pen will paint a vibrant portrait of a girl in a folklorico dress dancing with a skeleton, symbolizing the delicate balance between life and death.
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Francisco Garcia

Live Painting - 36" x 48" Canvas (Indoors)
Francisco "Enuf" Garcia is a Chicano muralist whose work has been featured in museums, international residencies, and public art projects across the U.S. and beyond. His art has appeared in outlets such as PBS and CNN.

Instagram: @enuf_artjusticemurals
​

Mural Theme:
Francisco plans to create a realistic painting inspired by his photographs from Día de los Muertos celebrations in New Mexico
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Anthony "Eli" Farias

Live Painting - 36" x 48" Canvas (Indoors)
Anthony Farias, known as “Eli,” is an artist with a mission to inspire youth and invigorate culture. He uses his art to share beauty and hope with the world.

Website: elitheartist.com
Instagram: @elijahhthe_one
​
Mural Theme:
Eli’s mural will depict “La Catrina,” surrounded by marigolds, with a pathway of flowers that the audience can follow to the centerpiece.
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Viktoriia Kalinina

Live Painting - 36" x 48" Canvas (Indoors)
Viktoriia Kalinina, originally from Eastern Europe, is now a full-time muralist and artist in the U.S. Her work often explores Mexican art and traditions, especially the imagery of “La Catrina.”

Website: Viktoriasart.com
Instagram: @vikita_kalinina
​
Mural Theme:
Viktoriia plans to create a mural of “La Catrina” surrounded by flowers and pet skeletons, with a heart and paw print to symbolize beloved pets who have passed.
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Amy Lanterman

Live Painting - 36" x 48" Canvas (Indoors)
Amy Lanterman, a self-taught artist, has been creating vibrant, whimsical art for over fifty years. Her work incorporates various mediums, including natural fibers and collage.

Instagram: @amylanterman3
​
Mural Theme:
Amy will paint “La Catrina,” portraying her in a celebratory, colorful scene that honors life after death.
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​Diego Perez

Live Painting - 36" x 48" Canvas (Indoors)
Diego Pérez, a Mexican artist, combines humor and traditional techniques in his murals. He studied at La Esmeralda, founded by Mexican icons like Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo.
Instagram: @artofdiegoperez
​

Mural Theme:
Diego’s mural, titled Los Colores Ancestrales, will reflect the vibrant colors and traditions of his Mexican heritage.
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Bronwyn Dierssen

Live Painting - 36" x 48" Canvas (Indoors)
Bronwyn Dierssen is a Tucson-based artist focusing on oil and charcoal portraits. Her work often explores themes of health, identity, and emotion.

Website: bronwyndierssen.com
Instagram: @bronwyn_dierssen_art
​
Mural Theme:
Bronwyn’s mural, titled Dualidad, will depict life and death as two halves of the same figure, surrounded by traditional marigolds and candles.
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Carolina Caples

Live Painting - 36" x 48" Canvas (Indoors)
Carolina Caples, a Tucson artist, has received several Arizona Commission on the Arts grants. Her work has been featured in galleries and private collections across the U.S. and Europe.
​
Website: carolinacaples.com
Instagram: @carolinacaples
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KIDSZONES & FAMILY ACTIVATIONS

Alheli Montano

Face Painting - Food Court and Play Place
Alheli Montano is a face painter based in Southern Arizona. She enjoys spreading joy with her designs at public and private events.

Website: sparkledwings.com
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Edwina Alarcon

Chalk Art Zone - Round One
Edwina Alarcon is a Tucson native whose art aims to heal trauma and create a world of hope. She specializes in acrylic painting, drawing, and henna/body paint.
​
Website: edwinatheartist.com
Instagram: @edwinatheartist
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Wes Creigh

Signature Ground Mural - Near Ulta
Wesley Fawcett Creigh is a multidisciplinary artist known for her animation and multimedia installation projects. She has collaborated with arts organizations both nationally and abroad.

Website: wesleyfawcettcreigh.com
​

Mural Theme:
Wesley’s ground mural will symbolize the cycles of life and death through natural elements like the sun, moon, and plants, representing rebirth and growth.
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Arts & Crafts
  • Sugar Skull Painting
  • Mask Painting
  • Cultural Crafts
  • Coloring Activations
and more

Social
​

About
​

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.

​
  • WHY WE EXIST
    • ABOUT US
    • TEAM CONTACTS
    • SAACA BOARD LEADERSHIP
  • SERVICES
    • PUBLIC ART & MURAL ADMINISTRATION SERVICES
    • CULTURAL ASSET MAPPING & CONSULTING
    • PLACEKEEPING & PLACEMAKING
    • ARTS & BUSINESS PARTNERSHIPS
    • ARTS, WELLNESS & HEALING
    • ARTS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
    • ARTIST OPPORTUNITIES
    • ARTS ADVOCACY
    • ARTS & EDUCATION
    • FESTIVAL, EVENT & BOOKING SERVICES
  • PROJECTS
    • UNDERCOVER ARTS MAGAZINE & DIRECTORY
    • COMMUNITY GALLERIES >
      • VENTANA GALLERY & ART EXHIBITIONS AT ROCHE >
        • 2025 FACE FORWARD
      • FLINN FOUNDATION GALLERY
    • CREATIVE AGING WITH WATERMARK COMMUNITIES
    • PUBLIC ART & MURAL PROJECTS >
      • PUBLIC ART IN ORO VALLEY
      • PUBLIC ART IN SAHUARITA
      • PIMA COUNTY PUBLIC ART
      • PUBLIC ART IN FOUNTAIN HILLS
      • TRANSPORTATION ART BY YOUTH 2022 >
        • Gila Monster
        • Glowing Scorpions
        • Prickly Pear Everywhere
    • COMMUNITY PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITIONS >
      • FOUNTAIN HILLS PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION
      • SAHUARITA CAPTURING COMMUNITY PHOTO CONTEST
      • ORO VALLEY PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION
  • EVENTS
    • CALENDAR OF EVENTS
    • EVENT & EXHIBITOR APPLICATIONS
    • ART & MUSIC FESTIVALS >
      • DOWNTOWN GLENDALE ARTS & CULTURE FEST
      • LA ENCANTADA FINE ART FESTIVAL
      • ORO VALLEY FALL FOODIE & ART FESTIVAL
      • ORO VALLEY HOLIDAY FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS & TREE LIGHTING CELEBRATION
      • ORO VALLEY SPRING FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
      • PARK PLACE STREET ART FESTIVAL
      • PATAGONIA FALL FESTIVAL
      • SAHUARITA ART ON THE LAKE FESTIVAL
      • TUCSON FOLK FESTIVAL
    • CULINARY EVENTS >
      • DEVOUR CULINARY CLASSIC
      • SALSA, TEQUILA & TACO CHALLENGE
      • SAVOR CULINARY FESTIVAL
      • SABORES DE TUCSON: AMERICA'S BEST MEXICAN FOOD FESTIVAL
      • THE TOAST: JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION
      • WORLD MARGARITA CHAMPIONSHIP
    • LIVE MUSIC >
      • LIVE MUSIC AT PALM TERRACE
      • ORO VALLEY CONCERT SERIES
  • CATALYST CREATIVE COLLECTIVE
    • ABOUT THE CATALYST CREATIVE COLLECTIVE
    • VENUE & EVENT RENTALS
    • GETTING TO CATALYST
    • UPCOMING CLASSES & EVENTS CALENDAR
    • ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE PROGRAM
  • GET INVOLVED & SUPPORT
    • SUPPORT OUR WORK
    • SPONSOR A PROGRAM OR EVENT
    • VOLUNTEER WITH SAACA
    • CURRENT PARTNERS, DONORS & SPONSORS
    • INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
    • ARTIST & VENDOR APPLICATIONS