A best place to visit in Tubac, Arizona, is the Cactus Wren Art Gallery. I connected recently with Gale Thomssen, the owner and director of Cactus Wren. Actually, Gale described herself as “owner/artist/slave.”
Slave? I think we all know what it feels like when you love something so much that you become devoted to its success, and sometimes a bit burdened, too. Gale does have six artists that assist her in running the gallery.
Entrance to Cactus Wren Art Gallery
Gale tells me that Cactus Wren Art Gallery is five years old. The gallery currently represents eighty artists working in all mediums.
“The Cactus Wren artists must be Arizona artists,” Gale explained. “Their work must be different from what we currently have. I don't want competition among our artists. Artist are encouraged to participate in events and demonstrate. We are currently very full. But I keep a file of potential artists.”
Gale is an accomplished jewelry artist herself, and she’s also busy with sales, advertising, the gallery’s web site, and also community relations, including serving as vice president of the Santa Cruz Valley Citizens Council. She’s also served as a former member Board for Chamber of Commerce.
 Gale Thomssen |  Artwork by Gale Thomssen |
In May of 2024, Cactus Wren opened six artist studios in The Nest. These artists work in their studios about once a week. “The Nest is the room next to CWAG.” Gale explained. “We expanded and opened an entrance into The Nest” in the gallery.”
In addition, Cactus Wren hosts and participates in Chamber of Commerce events as well as Women Who Wine, Día de Los Muertos and Luminaria.
Are you an artist interested in becoming part of the Cactus Wren family. Gale says, “Artists interested in joining us send an email with photos of their work. We have all mediums.” As mentioned, all artists are Arizona artists, and must be unlike any other artist’s work in the gallery. Gale adds, “Artists are encouraged to participate in events and demonstrate. We are currently very full. But I keep a file of potential artists.”
In addition, Cactus Wren hosts and participates in Chamber of Commerce events as well as Women Who Wine, Día de Los Muertos and Luminaria.
Are you an artist interested in becoming part of the Cactus Wren family. Gale says, “Artists interested in joining us send an email with photos of their work. We have all mediums.” As mentioned, all artists are Arizona artists, and must be unlike any other artist’s work in the gallery. Gale adds, “Artists are encouraged to participate in events and demonstrate. We are currently very full. But I keep a file of potential artists.”
 Visitors at Cactus Wren |  Yes, Cactus Wren is open! |
Here’s Cactus Wren Art Gallery’s website: https://cactuswrenart.gallery/
and Tubac will be hosting a Festival of the Arts February 5-9. Learn more here:
https://tubacaz.com/festivals/
and Tubac will be hosting a Festival of the Arts February 5-9. Learn more here:
https://tubacaz.com/festivals/
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