Tracy Bogardus Selected for Día de los Muertos Exhibition
Congratulations to SAAG artist Tracy A. Bogardus, whose artwork, “With Them Into the Light,” has been accepted into the Día de los Muertos 2026 exhibition at Raices Taller 222 Art Gallery & Workshop, a nonprofit contemporary art gallery located in Tucson's Historic Warehouse District.
Tracy's deeply moving piece explores the journey of accompanying a loved one, particularly a parent, toward the end of life. Marigold-colored grasses guide the way toward the light, where figures of loved ones who have passed before wait to welcome them. The artwork celebrates the enduring power of love, memories, and the lessons passed from one generation to the next.
Tracy also wrote a beautiful, heartfelt poem titled “Into the Light” to accompany her artwork, published on the right.
Raices Taller 222 Art Gallery & Workshop
218 E. 6th Street, Tucson
Pictured left to right:"Slipped Disk 8," "Nogales Ahh Um," and "Santa Cruz.2" all by Eldon Ward.
Congratulations to SAAG Artist Eldon Ward on Multiple Art Awards and Exhibitions!
SAAG artist Eldon Ward is making his mark in the art world with his distinctive geometric compositions and a growing list of awards and exhibitions! He recently received the Painting Award in the “Artist's Choice” online exhibition at Artist Space Gallery for his works “Slipped Disk 8” and “Nogales Ah Um.”
Adding to these achievements, his painting “Santa Cruz 2” earned First Place in Grey Cube Gallery's “Waters” online exhibition!
Known for his bold geometric shapes, vibrant colors and intricate patterns, Eldon creates imaginative compositions that bring together abstraction and elements of the natural world.
Congratulations, Eldon, on these outstanding achievements!
SAAG Artist Theresa Poalucci Wins Seven Awards in International Art Competition
Two First-Place and Two Second-Place Honors Among Her 2026 American Art Awards
SAAG artist Theresa Poalucci has received seven awards in seven different categories in the 2026 American Art Awards, an international competition that attracted entries from artists representing 69 countries. Her achievements include two First Place awards, two Second Place awards, and three Fourth Place awards, recognizing the diversity of her artistic work.
Theresa earned First Place in Expressionism – Other for “Desert Troubadour,” a whimsical painting from her popular Coyote Collection, and First Place in Floral – Not Realistic for “Perched in Heat,” a colorful botanical composition. She also received Second Place honors for “Cathedrals in Stone” in Impressionism – Landscape and “Sunday in the Sonoran” in Surrealism.
Three additional artworks received Fourth Place honors: “Red Earth Rising” in Fantasy Landscape, “Desert Kaleidoscope” in Floral Realism, and “Coyote Cooldown” in Humor/Wit.
The American Art Awards, founded by artist and actor Thom Bierdz, is an annual competition recognizing contemporary artists across 50 artistic categories. Each year, the organization selects 20 galleries and museums throughout the United States to evaluate the submitted artwork and determine the winners. The participating institutions are selected based on factors including their professional reputations, experience, exhibitions, and contributions to the arts.
Theresa creates much of her artwork through a distinctive digital painting process, combining her original photographs and hand-drawn images with digital brushes and techniques. Her finished artwork is frequently reproduced on metal, bringing brilliant color and contemporary appeal to subjects ranging from Sonoran Desert landscapes and botanicals to the playful personalities of her Coyote Collection.
The seven awards represent an exciting recognition of Theresa's artistic versatility, with winning entries spanning landscapes, florals, expressionism, surrealism, and humor.
To see more of Theresa's artwork, visit www.artisttheresapoalucci.com.
Judy Morgan Receives Curator's Award for “The Chile Pickers”
Congratulations to SAAG artist Judy Morgan, who received the Curator's Award in the Gastronomy exhibition at Roche's Ventana Gallery for her painting, “The Chile Pickers.II”
Judy's colorful painting celebrates the hardworking people behind one of the Southwest's most beloved culinary traditions. Set against a sweeping golden landscape, the scene captures chile harvesters gathering their crop, with warm yellows, rich reds, and soft blues bringing the scene to life. The painting is a wonderful tribute to the agricultural heritage and vibrant flavors of the Southwest.
Perla Segovia Presents Solo Exhibition at Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum
Congratulations to SAAG artist Perla Segovia, whose solo exhibition is currently on display in the North Gallery at the Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum through January 3, 2027. Admission to the museum is free!
Born in Lima, Peru, Perla is a multidisciplinary artist whose work explores immigration, memory, cultural identity, and resilience. Her own experience immigrating to the United States at age eleven has profoundly influenced her artistic journey.
This thought-provoking exhibition brings together glass, embroidered drawings, paintings, and handmade embroidered shoes, presented within reimagined forms of the traditional retablo. Through these diverse mediums, Perla explores the contemporary immigrant experience, weaving together personal memories, cultural heritage, and powerful visual storytelling.
Perla's artwork has been exhibited internationally, including at the Ireland Glass Biennale and the Arizona Biennial. She also teaches at Pima Community College and manages the warm shop at Tucson's Sonoran Glass School.
Congratulations, Perla, on this impressive solo exhibition!
Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum | North Gallery
1 E. Main Street, Mesa, Arizona
Exhibition continues through January 3, 2027 | Free Admission
Debra Sieloff's Leather Art Selected for National Juried Exhibition
Congratulations to SAAG artist Debra Sieloff, whose striking leather artwork, “Oonka Tattooed Bear,” has been accepted into “Inked: The Art of Tattoo,” a juried exhibition at the Smithsonian-affiliated Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center in Maryland.
Debra's imaginative piece features a bold black bear adorned with intricate, tattoo-inspired designs in vibrant reds, blues, and metallic tones. The richly textured leather artwork combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary decorative patterns, making it a wonderful fit for this unique exhibition.
The exhibition was juried by Duffy Fortner, a professional tattoo artist featured on the television series Ink Master. The show opened October 9 and continues through January 1, 2027.
Congratulations, Debra, on having your artwork selected for this prestigious exhibition!
The details are on their website at https://annmariegarden.org/exhibits/upcoming-exhibits/
“Desert Troubador” by Theresa Poalucci
“Perched in Heat” by Theresa Poalucci
"The Chili Pickers II" by Judy Morgan.
“With Them Into the Light” by Tracy Bogardus.
INTO THE LIGHT
By Tracy Bogardus
You held my hand when I was small,
You picked me up each time I'd fall,
Through every fear I couldn't face,
Your hand was there, my safest place.
And though the years
have slipped away,
I'm holding yours
again today.
Your hand is weaker now in mine,
Your eyes are tired, but still they shine,
There's nothing left we need to say,
I've said "I love you" every way.
So, close your eyes,
I'll hold you tight,
I won't let go
before the light.
I wish that I could go there too,
But there's still living left to do,
And everything you gave to me
Will live in who I come to be.
So don't look back, I'll be all right,
I'll watch you walk into the light.
The first hand that I ever knew,
The one I always reached out to,
Is resting quietly in mine—
One final gift, one final time.
I'll hold your hand into the light,
Stay beside you through the night,
You walked with me when life began,
Now let me walk with you again.
And when it's time to let you go,
There's one last thing I need you to know—
When someday I have crossed that night,
Reach out your hand Beyond the light.
You held my hand When life began.
Tonight I'll hold yours As long as I can.
"Oonka Tattooed Bear" by Debra Sieloff.