September 1, 2026

Celebrating 24 Years!

Helllo Art Enthusiasts!

Gratitude has been on my mind quite a bit lately. I have been becoming more mindful of the depth and importance of gratitude in my everyday thoughts and feelings.

I feel very fortunate to be president of this wonderful arts guild. This calling has helped me meet so many wonderful people in the guild, who I continue to admire and appreciate. Art and being a guild member have brought me so much joy, and quite often, I feel like I am the most blessed person I know. This is a time of my life when I’m cognizant enough to reflect (finally) on how many beautiful things have come my way. My art practice of watercolor is such a huge focus in my life.

People who know me also know that I like to share things. Things I bake, art supplies, and more. So I would like to share with you, a good pour from my overflowing vessel of gratitude. A couple of years ago, I was substitute teaching in a fifth-grade classroom in an underserved area of Tucson. It was a challenge, even for me, a retired teacher of 27 years. That day, I was giving a disruptive student some direction and he said to me, “but you’re old”. I thought about that for a second.

Hmm, I guess I am older than I’ve ever been, so I said, “yes, you’re right actually. I’m lucky; not everyone has the chance to be old”. I was quoting someone I read about.

He looked bemused at my response, thought for a second and said, “oh”.

Truly, I am grateful for having lived for 63 years and I’m able to serve my community and take care of the people I love. I also have a Mom of 101 years, who is such a gift to still have in my life, so according to my own logic, that makes her luckier than even me, right? I love my mom. I am so grateful that she can still be a part of my life, and we have a closer friendship than ever with all this longevity we have been given. 

That gratitude is amplified yet again when I think about SAAG, and the generous GRANT that we were awarded in August from the Arizona Commission on the Arts! We at SAAG want to thank the State of Arizona, our Governor, Katie Hobbs, and The Arizona Commission on the Arts for awarding SAAG with this honor. We have more people to thank. The Chairperson of our Grants and Fundraising committee, Gillian Allard, led the extraordinary team effort to complete the application process in a short amount of time. She and her team of SAAG volunteers worked together on this and (having been in the middle, observing all the communication, research, and coordination between volunteers) the result is exhilarating. Thank you, Gillian, for leading this, and thank you grant-writing team who all made this happen. Along with Gillian, the writing team includes Erin Newman, Terese Butler, Diane Loving, Corinne Babcock, Liz Halsted and Caryn Stedman. Thanks to Suzanne Villella, Lisa Suarez and Patricia Berdine, for providing crucial details.

The Arizona Sonora Desert Museum SAAG Exhibition in the Ironwood Gallery continues. Please see this exceptional show—the art is exquisite! On September 21, we will have the opening for our new exhibition at the Overlook Restaurant in Oro Valley. Our wonderful Lisa Suarez and Tamara Scott conceived the theme “Life is Sweet, Bitter, Salty and Earthy”, a 2D show focused on food related art will be a great one, with artists depicting gustatory delights in a broad spectrum of artistic styles through their creative wall art. 

Our next “Art and Appetizers” event is September 9th, 3-5 p.m. This is an event that is artfully presented by Kellie Hazell and Jan McLaughlin, our events committee co-chairpeople. We will be featuring our SAAG Workshop Teachers, who will be demonstrating some of the processes that will be taught in our gallery classroom this season. Some of their radiant art will be displayed in the front of the gallery in our “Rotating Guest Artist” space. There’s more. Bubbes Fine Bagels is providing the appetizers, (seriously the best bagels I’ve ever had, personally). On top of that, there will be a drawing for a free SAAG workshop/class of your choice at this event.

Also in September, we re-awaken Community Art Fest, with our first event of the fall season -- creating Neurographic style of art with artist Carolyn Fisch. If you haven’t attended a Community Art Fest event yet, I would highly recommend you take advantage of our free-of-charge community outreach opportunity that is one of the early trademarks of SAAG.

September is one step closer to cooler weather and much more activity and excitement in the Guild. I hope you are fortunate enough to reflect on the gift of gratitude this month. There is so much to be thrilled about.

Warmly,

Elizabeth Iverson

President, Southern Arizona Arts Guild

saagpresei@gmail.com

The Southern Arizona Arts Guild (SAAG) has been awarded a $7,000 Creative Capacity Grant from the Arizona Commission on the Arts, an agency of the State of Arizona. The grant is part of $2.66 million in funding awarded to 409 nonprofit arts organizations, arts festivals and arts-learning programs throughout Arizona.



The award provides general operating support, helping SAAG continue the day-to-day work behind its extensive programs for artists and the Southern Arizona community.

Unearth Your Inner Artist at SAAG’s

September Art & Appetizers

Have you ever looked at a work of art and wondered, Could I do that? The Southern Arizona Arts Guild (SAAG) invites you to find out during its September Art & Appetizers event, “Unearth Your Inner Artist: Let Your Creativity Bloom in an Art Workshop,” on Wednesday, September 9, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the SAAG Gallery in Joesler Village. This is a free event and the public is welcome.

This month’s free Art & Appetizers puts the spotlight on the joy of making art. Nine accomplished SAAG artists— all of whom teach workshops at the gallery—and many of whom will demonstrate a variety of techniques while talking with visitors about their creative process and upcoming workshops.

Participating artists are Erin Newman, Kathie Scrimgeour, Theresa Poalucci, Jeanine Colini, Sylvia Shanahan, Phil Smith, Gillian Allard, Mernie Buchanan and Val Barsevich.

Throughout the afternoon, visitors can watch demonstrations featuring techniques including 3D collage, oil pastel sgraffito, paper quilling, alcohol inks, jewelry making, mosaics, watercolor pencils, drawing, acrylic painting, basketry and Zentangle, among others. Barsevich, one of SAAG’s newer workshop instructors, brings Zentangle to the workshop lineup, while Buchanan is also among the accomplished artists recently joining SAAG’s teaching roster.

The event offers prospective students an unusual opportunity to meet instructors, watch them work and learn about their workshops before deciding what they would like to try.

You don’t have to consider yourself an artist to enjoy making art. SAAG workshops are designed to make creativity approachable, social and fun. Unless otherwise noted, workshops are beginner-friendly, supplies are provided, and participants leave with a finished piece they created themselves.

Fall is one of SAAG’s busiest workshop seasons, with new offerings continually being added. Visitors will be able to pick up information about upcoming workshops and are encouraged to register early.

Adding to the afternoon will be appetizers generously provided by SAAG’s Joesler Village neighbor, Bubbe’s Fine Bagels, known for its long-fermented, kettle-boiled bagels. The Tucson favorite earned national recognition in 2025 when it was named among Yelp’s Top 50 Bagel Spots in the U.S. and Canada.

As an added incentive to discover something new, SAAG will hold a special drawing during the event. One lucky visitor will win a FREE SAAG art workshop of their choice this fall—a perfect opportunity to turn inspiration into hands-on creativity.

Artist Spotlight with Tracy Ann Holmes

By Kathie Scrimgeour

Tracy Holmes is a ceramicist and watercolor artist. Since a young age she was drawing. Her kindergarten teacher complained that she was drawing too much during lessons so she has always been an artist. She majored in art at BYU with an emphasis in ceramics, and also studied many other mediums and found her other love–watercolors. One of her life long goals was to have a solo show. “Meditation & Metaphor” is at the Tucson J with 144 pieces, now through September 27, 2026.

Q. What are the major influences behind your work? Are there specific artists movements, or personal experiences that inspire you? 

A. Inspiration comes from the beauty around me, life’s challenges and my faith. I strive for my sculptural work to not spell everything out so the viewer can bring their own interpretation to the piece. Adrian Arleo is one of my favorite ceramic artists who does fabulous and evocative

figurative sculpture. 

Q. How do you decide on the themes or subjects of your pieces? Is there a particular message you aim to convey? 

A. I really have two ways that I work: literally and metaphorically. My watercolors are an exploration of the world around me and are quite realistic with an extra splash of color. My ceramics are where I play with visual metaphors. As I study, listen to talks, read or have a life experience that needs processing, I will create a sculpture that portrays that concept. Themes I explore are endurance, self-love, trust in God and embracing vulnerability.

Q. Could you describe a project or piece that was particularly challenging for you? How did you overcome the challenges? 

A. My piece “A Woman Loved” is my largest figurative sculpture piece I’ve done. She is a wall hanging and the bottom of the sculpture is an asymmetrical skirt. I had to build her in two pieces. The hips and skirt were built upside down so I could do a lacy, delicate hem line. Months of work were put into making hundreds of press-molded flowers (I had some help, thank goodness!). I made additional flowers to cover the seam at her waist. After firing I made a special stand to support the skirt and then epoxied her together. Lots of painting and then to figure out the logistics of hanging her in a gallery that uses only a wire system and doesn't allow lag bolts in the wall. Lifting her is half the battle–she weighs close to 70lbs (thanks to my husband)!

"Serendipitous" by Peggy Rubin.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE SHOW

Erin working at home on a quilling project.

Even a tiny two inch-by- two inch quilled piece can utilize more than 30 strips of paper, according to Newman, and her pieces often take weeks or months to complete. Her largest pieces can take up to a year. 

Waiting” by Erin Newman.

Diane's book "A Crack in Heaven" is availalbe on Amazon.

"Pacific Afterglow" by Theresa Poalucci won First Place in the Acrylic/Mixed Media category.

Like SAAG, the Society of West-Coast Artists is a nonprofit organization powered entirely by volunteers. Each year, the Society hosts The Pacific Artistry Showcase, a juried online exhibition open to artists from around the world. Theresa is a member of the Society and is honored to have her work selected for the 2026 exhibition.

Click Here to View the 2026 Pacific Artistry Showcase

Watercolor Collage with Autumn Leaves and Pumpkins

with Elizabeth Iverson and Dawn Stanley

Elizabeth Iverson and Dawn Stanley are teaming up to lead this dynamic Watercolor-Collage project. You will create a beautiful 8 x 8" custom piece that is ready to hang! The session includes:

• An 8 x 8" cradleboard frame

• A wide variety of textured art papers

• Professional watercolor supplies

Friday, Sept. 4

9:00 am - 12:00 pm

$65.00

Patterns in Motion:

Art of Sgraffito 

with Theresa Poalucci

Relax, create, and let your mind unwind. The rhythmic process of scratching patterns through vibrant layers of velvety oil pastels becomes almost meditative, making this one of the most calming and enjoyable art techniques you’ll ever try. We will be working on smooth white YUPO paper. Everything you need is included

Friday, Sept. 4

1:30 - 3;30 pm

$75.00

Create Your Own Wire-Wrapped Stone Pendant

with Caryn Stedman

Transform a semi-precious stone into a beautiful pendant! In this beginner-friendly class, you'll choose a cabochon from a selection of stones provided, then wrap it in warm copper or golden brass wire. You'll learn techniques for creating an elegant setting before finishing with a chain and clasp. You'll leave with a handcrafted necklace ready to wear or give as a thoughtful, handmade gift. All tools and supplies included—just bring your creativity and a willingness to have fun!

Saturday, Sept. 5

9:30 am - 12:30 pm

$85.00

Neurographic Art in Bloom

with Carolyn Fisch

Come enjoy a meditative art experience! These are your colors, you select stencils to create a scene; then we will paint and decorate our scene with lines radiating from a center point in the Neurographic Art style. Each piece will be unique; just like each of us!

Saturday, Sept. 5

2:00 - 4:00 pm

$50.00

Introduction to Urban Sketching 

with Kathie Scrimgeour

Urban sketching is about seeing, not perfection. Learn to capture the character and energy of everyday places through quick, expressive sketches. We'll explore simple techniques for drawing buildings, while building confidence in composition. Whether you're traveling or sketching close to home, you'll leave ready to fill your sketchbook with memorable moments. Some watercolor experience needed.

Sunday, September 6

10:30 am-12:30 pm

$55.00

Digital Single Lens Reflex Photography (DSLR) 

with Nancy Schroeder

Join Photographer, Nancy Schroeder for a workshop on how to use your DSLR Camera. We will cover: Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO, White Balance and lenses. Bring all your camera gear, hat, pen, and pad. We will practice outside the Gallery.

Thursday, Sept. 10

10:30 am - 12:00 pm

$45.00

Quilled Arizona: A State of Art: 2-Part Class

with Erin Newman

Celebrate the beauty of the Arizona state flag in this hands-on 2-session quilling workshop! Using strips of paper coiled and shaped into intricate designs, you'll create a stunning sunrise masterpiece to take home. Each student receives a quilling kit to keep — tool, glue, and paper included! Some quilling experience is recommended; prior intro class a plus. Come ready to create a little piece of Arizona! Registration for this class also covers session 2 on Thursday, September 17, 9am-11am.

Friday, September 11

9:00 - 11:30 am

& Thursday, Sept. 17

from 9:00 - 11:00 am

$75.00

Anyone Can Learn to Draw: Landscapes 

with Julie Abels

Learn simple drawing

skills for creating believable landscapes in this beginner-friendly class for adults and teens. We'll practice horizon lines, foreground/middle ground/background, basic perspective, texture, and shading, then use the last part of class to start a landscape drawing of your own. All supplies are provided, but you’re welcome to bring your favorite landscape photo

to sketch.

Friday, September 11

2:30 - 4:30 pm

$45.00

Confident Acrylics 

with Mernie Buchanan

In Mernie’s high energy lessons you'll learn color mixing, brush handling and the confidence to complete a beautiful painting in two and a half hours—even if you've never painted before. ‘Talent’ is overrated. All it takes is desire.

We’ll layer impressionistic brushstrokes to quickly create a landscape of rich shadows and vibrant highlights. Mernie has taught unique techniques to hundreds of students at every level. Everyone walks out amazed.

Materials included.

Saturday, Sept. 12

10:30 am - 1:00 pm

$60.00

Camera Phone Photography

with Nancy Schroeder

Learn to use all those features of your camera phone! The class will cover: focus points, zooming, portrait mode, live, and so much more. There will be time to cover the basics of editing and Q&A session at the end. Please bring a notepad and pen/pencil. iphones or androids welcome.

Instructor Information: nancys9787@aol.com, (520) 591-6587

Saturday, Sept. 12

2:00 - 3:00 pm

$45.00

More Tangles - Introduction to

Zentangle Method 

with Valerie Barsevich

Zentangle is a mindfulness technique with many cognitive and emotional benefits. This class is another opportunity to learn the Zentangle method to create original artwork in a fun and relaxing way. Students who took the August class are welcome to learn more tangles and practice their skills! All materials provided for new students. Returning students should bring their beginner kit. Bring a sketchbook or blank paper for notes or practice.

Wednesday, Sept. 16

from 10:30 am - 1:00 pm

$55.00

Camera Phone Photography 

with Nancy Schroeder

Learn to use all those features of your camera phone! The class will cover: focus points, zooming, portrait mode, live, and so much more. There will be time to cover the basics of editing and Q&A session at the end. Please bring a notepad and pen/pencil. iphones or androids welcome.

Instructor Information: nancys9787@aol.com, (520) 591-6587

Thursday, Sept. 17

1:30 - 2:30 pm

$45.00

Landscape with a

Gel Plate

with Kathie Scrimgeour

Using provided gel plates, brayers, and acrylic paint, students will learn how to build layers of color, texture, and pattern to create a unique landscape print. Through a series of simple printing techniques, participants will explore composition and creativity while producing a one-of-a-kind artwork.

Friday, Sept. 18

9:00 am - 12:00 pm

$65.00

Mixed-Media Photo Collage

with Phil Smith

Using your OWN original photos, create a 3-dimensional mixed-media photo collage to take home and frame! Commemorate a special event, a trip or significant memory in a very unique way... to cherish for many years to come!

Friday, Sept. 18

1:00 - 4:30 pm

$85.00

Watercolor Cards: Sunset Landscapes

with Julie Abels

Create 4 watercolor cards featuring two sunset landscape designs: glowing mountains and a sailboat on calm water. In this beginner-friendly class for adults and teens, you will practice wet-on-wet skies, color blending, soft layers, silhouettes, and reflections while making finished cards to keep, mail, or gift. All supplies are provided.

Saturday, Sept. 19

2:00 - 4:30 pm

$65.00

Introduction to Gel Printing

with Dawn Stanley

Learn to use a gel plate and printing tools to create vibrant, layered prints with stunning textures and patterns. Suitable for all levels — no prior experience necessary. You'll walk away with several unique prints and the skills to keep exploring on your own. Prints can be used in the afternoon Collage Workshop.

Wednesday, Sept. 23

10:30 am - 12:30 pm

$85.00

Bird Collage

with Dawn Stanley

In this hands-on class, participants will learn how to create a collage with unique textures, depth and dimension. This class focuses on layering patterns and colors to make artwork that showcases your personal style. You can attend the Gel Press Printing Workshop in the morning and use your prints in the Collage Workshop. This class is perfect for anyone looking to explore their creativity, no matter your skill level.

Wednesday, Sept. 23

1:30 - 3:30 pm

$65.00

Fall Themed Card Embroidery 

with Corrine Babcock

Make some fun fall greeting cards and learn embroidery techniques on paper. In this class we will make several cards and learn how to use embroidery on paper. All supplies included, but it would help to bring a pair of scissors.

Thursday, Sept. 24

1:00 - 3:00 pm

$45.00

Watercolor - Cherry Blossom Landscape 

with Elizabeth Iverson

In this fun class, we will use watercolor techniques to create a beautiful grove of cherry trees in full bloom. I will take you through the steps to create depth with the trees, branches, cherry-blossom treetops and the grasses beneath them. The image will be pre-drawn on watercolor paper, so there is no need for drawing skills. You will leave with a beautiful 9 x 12” painting that you will be proud to frame. All supplies are provided. This class is appropriate for beginners and experienced artists.

Friday, Sept. 25

9:00 am - 12:00 pm

$65.00

Image Transfers with Inkjet Prints

with Kathi Scrimgeour

Discover creative approaches to the image transfer in this hands-on workshop. Students will explore several techniques for transferring inkjet images onto different surfaces and substrates. Participants should bring 2–3 favorite inkjet prints (5x7 or smaller) to experiment with while learning new ways to incorporate imagery into their artwork.

Saturday, Sept. 26

9:30 am - 12:30 pm

$65.00

Make this Lovely Napkin Basket 

with Caryn Stedman

Discover the timeless art of basket weaving! In this beginner-friendly workshop, you'll create a handcrafted reed basket that's both practical and decorative—perfect for displaying in your home or giving as a handmade gift. Learn essential techniques including weaving a closed-base basket with chicken feet, twining, a folded rim, and professional finishing. Personalize your creation by choosing from a variety of colors and patterns. No experience necessary! All materials are provided. Ages 12 and up.

Saturday, Sept. 26

1:30 - 5:00 pm

$90.00

Fall Pine Needle Art 

with Corinne Babcock

This class will teach the basics of working with pine needles to create a piece of art based around a Fall Season theme. In the class, students will obtain basic information, techniques on pine needle coiling and at the end the student will have a small wall hanging or ornament to take home. All supplies will be provided, but if the student could bring small sharp scissors and jewelry pliers, that would be helpful. If those items are not available, the teacher will provide extras at the class.

Sunday, Sept. 27

1:30 - 4:00 pm

$50.00

Paper Quilling - Halloween

with Erin Newman

Get ready for Halloween magic! Join our paper quilling class to create charming scarecrows and pumpkins using rolled paper strips. Perfect for those, with some quilling experience. You’ll design your own festive display during this hands-on workshop. All materials are provided to craft your unique scarecrow and pumpkin duo to take home. Transform simple paper into delightful autumn art that captures the spirit of the Halloween!

Friday, October 2

9:00 - 11:30:00 am

$50.00

Confident Acrylics 

with Mernie Buchanan

Complete a beautiful painting—even if you’ve never painted before. We read abstract shapes in a supplied landscape photo, then quickly mix and layer color from shadows to highlights.Goal is to short circuit fault finding, identify successful passages (happy accidents!) and build from there. Your own unique style emerges intuitively. Experienced painter already? Mernie has taught unique techniques to hundreds of students at every level. Everyone walks out amazed. Materials Included.

Saturday, October 3

1:30 - 4:00 pm

$60.00

Join the Tucson Handweavers and Spinners Guild in October. The piece above is by Cris Crichton.

Visitors will discover an impressive selection of handwoven, knitted, crocheted, felted, beaded, dyed, and hand-spun artwork, including wearable fashions, jewelry, accessories, home décor, baskets, rugs and distinctive gifts. Throughout the weekend, artists will demonstrate traditional fiber arts techniques, giving guests the opportunity to meet the makers and learn about the creative process behind their work. 

The Tucson Handweavers and Spinners Guild (THSG), is a nonprofit organization that has been promoting fiber arts, education, and community for more than 50 years. The guild welcomes weavers, spinners, knitters, crocheters, basket makers, felters, beaders, and fiber enthusiasts of all experience levels through monthly meetings, workshops, and study groups. 

Community service is an important part of the Guild's mission. In addition to supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters through Fiber Arts Tucson, THSG contributes to projects benefiting Navajo families through the Adopt-A-Native Elder Program, teaches free knitting and crochet at Bookman's, and supports Artisans Beyond Borders by helping asylum-seeking artisans earn income through their handcrafted work. 

Fiber Arts Tucson will be held Friday, October 23, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, October 24, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Celebration Center at St. Francis in the Foothills, 4625 E. River Road. Admission is free. For additional information, visit FiberArtsTucson.org.