Unearth Your Inner Artist at SAAG’s September Art & Appetizers

Art & Appetizers is free and open to the public. • Wednesday, September 9 | 3–5 p.m. • SAAG Gallery at Joesler Village

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—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, Caryn Stedman, 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.