Arts & Culture

Artists say Tubac’s atmosphere is embellished with “good light.” Ths good light provides a stimulating environment for artist to express their creativity and talent. Art in Tubac consists of every medium available – oil, watercolors, charcoal, glass, ceramics, metal, and wood. Native American jewelry, both old and new, abounds in the various galleries and shops, as do new and modern designs. Galleries display the works of artists from all over America as well as local established and emerging artist.

Tubac Center of the Arts

The Tubac Center of the Arts hosts a performing arts season, bringing jazz, cellos, brass ensembles, and more to the village. New, distinct, and old-period art is exhibited throughout the year. In November, a juried exhibition of local member artists is a featured event.

Tubac Presidio State Historic Park

Tubac Presidio State Historic Park Museum is a worldclass gallery. Exhibits of artifacts from Tubac’s early past from Spanish armor, clothing, maps and more are on display. The Park also hosts demonstrations of Arizona’s fist printing press. Arizona’s fist newspaper, the Weekly Arizonian, was printed using this technology in 1859. The Shaw D. Kinsley Gallery displays the Cavalcade of History by renowned artist William Ahrendt and other exhibits throughout the year.

El Presidito

El Presidito is a historic site with its distinctive architecture and alluring patios. Built in the 1950s, it once served as a residence, post offi and restaurant before eventually becoming a haven for painters, sculptors, and other artists. Its location across the old road from the Presidio State Historic Park and St Ann’s Church is at the entry to Old Town Tubac.