Artists in Tucson had opportunities to show and sell their work from their studios twice a year (fall, spring), beginning about thirty years ago. Originally the program was run by the Tucson Arts Council. When TAC transformed into the Arts Council of Southern Arizona, Open Studios continued successfully during the time that Director Debi Chess Mabie was in charge, but when she moved on, considerable disorganization followed. Open Studios stopped happening at all for a while. Attempts were made by local artists to organize area Open Studios. Chief among them was Heart of Tucson Art (HOT Art) which provided Open Studio events for mid-town Tucson artists.
Meanwhile, Open Studios was moved from the Arts Council to the Southern Arizona Arts and Culture Foundation (SAACA). Organizers at SAACA attempted to maintain absolute control of Open Studios, including disregarding groups like HOT Art. Finally, SAACA gave up and returned Open Studios to the Arts Council of Southern Arizona.
Over time, however, the Arts Council has shifted its primary attention to public art, at the expense of Open Studios for local artists. Currently (2026), there is no more Spring Open Studios, only Fall Open Studios. To participate, artists must register for the event through the Arts Council. There’s a lengthy registration process on the Art Council website, and also the option of downloading a 23 page PDF (yes. 23 pages!) with detailed instructions on registering, on participation requirements, and on a comprehensive report required by artists to return to the Arts Council following the event.
The Arts Council has made the process ridiculously complicated. And sorry to say, there is no more spring Open Studios at all. In short, the Arts Council has de-emphasized the needs of the Tucson community of artists to focus on other projects.
When I described this situation, someone made the comment that it appears to be a case of “institution over people,” or better said, “institution over artists.” The entire project of Open Studios is designed to meet the goals of the Arts Council, with artist studio show and sales being just one project of many.
I give up. I won’t be participating in Open Studios this fall or ever again. The exception to this would be if some smaller, local groups pop up, as did Heart of Tucson Art (HOT Art) several years ago.
Meanwhile, Open Studios was moved from the Arts Council to the Southern Arizona Arts and Culture Foundation (SAACA). Organizers at SAACA attempted to maintain absolute control of Open Studios, including disregarding groups like HOT Art. Finally, SAACA gave up and returned Open Studios to the Arts Council of Southern Arizona.
Over time, however, the Arts Council has shifted its primary attention to public art, at the expense of Open Studios for local artists. Currently (2026), there is no more Spring Open Studios, only Fall Open Studios. To participate, artists must register for the event through the Arts Council. There’s a lengthy registration process on the Art Council website, and also the option of downloading a 23 page PDF (yes. 23 pages!) with detailed instructions on registering, on participation requirements, and on a comprehensive report required by artists to return to the Arts Council following the event.
The Arts Council has made the process ridiculously complicated. And sorry to say, there is no more spring Open Studios at all. In short, the Arts Council has de-emphasized the needs of the Tucson community of artists to focus on other projects.
When I described this situation, someone made the comment that it appears to be a case of “institution over people,” or better said, “institution over artists.” The entire project of Open Studios is designed to meet the goals of the Arts Council, with artist studio show and sales being just one project of many.
I give up. I won’t be participating in Open Studios this fall or ever again. The exception to this would be if some smaller, local groups pop up, as did Heart of Tucson Art (HOT Art) several years ago.
RSS Feed