Just a 45-minute drive south of Tucson, Tubac offers visitors a respite and retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
This laidback town is known for its rich history as well as a thriving art scene, with Tubac Center of the Arts at its core.
History of Tubac and Its Artistic Legacy
Tubac, an 1800s Spanish Presidio turned artist colony, is one of the oldest towns in Arizona.
The first mention of Tubac in the Spanish record was in 1726 when a Jesuit priest baptized the native inhabitants in the area.
In 1751, an uprising of the O’odham people caused them to flee the area, afraid of the rebels and Spanish retribution. The revolt ended in 1752, and a presidio, or fort, was established in Tubac.
In the 1850s, Tubac transformed from a Spanish military post and pueblo to a mining boom town. After becoming part of the United States in 1854, the town attracted fortune hunters and became a company town for the Sonora Exploration and Mining Co.
Today, this historic destination is home to over a hundred world-class galleries and eclectic shops that you’ll find along our charming streets with hidden courtyards and flowing fountains.
Shops and galleries in Tubac showcase unique sculptures, ceramics, paintings, and photography, as well as crafts, jewelry, fashion, leather, and antique goods.
Tubac Center of the Arts as a Hub of Creativity
Tubac Center of the Arts is a non-profit arts organization that celebrates and promotes the arts through education, exhibitions, and performing arts.
The TCA represents Tubac’s art heritage and identity, serving as a venue for artistic expression, appreciation, and learning for artists and art enthusiasts in Southern Arizona.
Every year, the organization hosts an Open Studio Tour, a free self-guided tour where visitors can meet artists in their working studios throughout the Santa Cruz Valley.
Exhibitions and Permanent Collections
Tubac boasts numerous art galleries and studios that showcase a diverse array of mediums, from traditional painting and sculpture to contemporary photography, pottery, and jewelry.
The annual “Hi Art” exhibit is one of many exhibits held at the Tubac Center of the Arts throughout the year.
There are three galleries at Tubac Center of the Arts – Main Gallery, Master Gallery, and Studio Gallery – with over 4,300 square feet of exhibition and workshop space.
Art Education and Workshops
The Tubac Center of the Arts offers youth and adult art education opportunities.
| Instructor | Workshop | Date |
| Roberta Rogers | Watercolor Exploration | January 9, 16, 23, 30 |
| Deb Deaton | Painting Landscapes and Skies | January 25 |
| Barbara Borgwardt | Time to Reflect | January 31 – February 1 |
| Greg Wallace | Catching the Light – Gestural painting strategies | February 21 – 23 |
| Jodi Reeb | Encaustic with Photo Collage | March 1 – 2 |
| David Simons | Suggestion vs Copying | March 7-8 |
| Deb Deaton | Cheesecloth Art | March 29 – 30 |
| David Simons | Seeing Better, Painting Better | April 11-12 |
Performing Arts and Live Events
Watch performing arts series with lectures, concerts, and special events.
| Performers | Date | Time |
| Colin Cox: Not With-Out Right | January 24, 2025 | 7-9 pm |
| The Tubac Singer: Winter Concert, Songs for the New Year | January 22, 2025 | 3 pm |
| Cowboy Brad: Tribute To John Denver | February 14, 2025 | 7-9 pm |
| The Swigtones | March 28th, 2025 | 7-9 pm |
| April in Tubac with The Tubac Singer! | April 16, 2025 | 3 pm |
Artist Residencies and Support Programs
Through the TCA, local artists have a platform where they can showcase their work and connect with the community.
Community Engagement and Cultural Events
The Tubac Center of the Arts actively engages with the local community to create a vibrant and thriving arts scene in the town, partnering with other organizations to showcase new artists.
Tubac Center of the Arts Membership and Benefits
https://tubacarts.org/join-support/
As a non-profit organization, the Tubac Center of the Arts relies on the support of its members and donors to continue its cultural programming in the Santa Cruz Valley.
Membership levels include Individual, Family, and Business. Benefits include:
Individual (Benefits for one adult for one year)
- Free subscription to TCA ENews
- 10% discount on Gift Shop Purchases
- 10% Discount on Workshop and Classes
- Free or discounted admission to Art Speaks, Performing Arts, and other programs
- Artists receive all prospectuses for exhibition opportunities with associated publicity; listing on TCA website and link to their personal website upon request; newsletter coverage of artists awards, honors; opportunity to apply to consign work in the Gift Shop, two members-only exhibitions annually, and Open Studio Tour plus member discounts on entry fees for regional/national juried and invitational exhibitions.
Family (benefits for two individuals for one year)
- Free subscription to TCA ENews
- 10% discount on Gift Shop Purchases
- 10% Discount on Workshop and Classes
- Free or discounted admission to Art Speaks, Performing Arts, and other programs
- Artists receive all prospectuses for exhibition opportunities with associated publicity; listing on TCA website and link to their personal website upon request; newsletter coverage of artists awards, honors; opportunity to apply to consign work in the Gift Shop, two members-only exhibitions annually, and Open Studio Tour plus member discounts on entry fees for regional/national juried and invitational exhibitions.
- Cultural travel discounts for two or more
Business
- Logo added on TCA Website
- 10% discount on Gift Shop Purchases
- 10% Discount on Workshop and Classes
- Free or discounted admission to Art Speaks, Performing Arts, and other programs
- Artists receive all prospectuses for exhibition opportunities with associated publicity; listing on TCA website and link to their personal website upon request; members-only exhibitions annually, plus member discounts on entry fees for regional/national juried and invitational exhibitions.
- Brochures, posters, and/or promotional material displayed at TCA
Visiting Tubac Center of the Arts
The Tubac Center of the Arts, Santa Cruz Valley’s most inclusive and comprehensive arts organization, is a true artistic gem where creative passion is nurtured and supported.
Over the years, TCA has grown to meet the growing needs of the area, and now houses three Tubac art galleries with over 3,500 square feet of wheelchair accessible exhibit space, a Members’ Gallery, a performance stage, art library, gallery shop and office space.
The organization offers nationally juried art exhibitions, opportunities for artists to exhibit their work, art workshops, lectures, a performing arts series, special events, and a children’s summer arts program.
To stay updated with their activities, visit their website.
Why Tubac Center of the Arts is a Must-Visit Destination
The Tubac Center of the Arts is a must-visit destination because it embodies the town’s rich artistic heritage. It’s a place where one can experience a unique blend of art, history, and culture in a charming, laid-back setting with a variety of art galleries, shops, and events.
Conclusion
Whether you’re an artist or an art enthusiast, the Tubac Center of the Arts is an amazing place to witness and experience the town’s creative offerings.
Are you interested in Tubac’s real estate market? Let me introduce you to the best neighborhoods in the area. Feel free to give me a call today at 520.245.9000 or send me an email at haley@tubac.com to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the TCA offers various youth and adult art education opportunities throughout the year.
No, there is no entry fee to visit the TCA; admission is always free.
It is best to visit the TCA when there are ongoing exhibits, performances, or workshops that you prefer. Visit their website to check out the activities for this year.
You may sign up for membership or make a donation.
