For ticket information about tickets to this concert, click here.

From the Juror, Miles Conrad of Custom Encaustics LLC

I want to thank the artists of SAAGE and the organizers of The Dance for asking me to jury this exhibition. I will tell you that it is never easy. Having been a working artist myself for the better part of 40 years- I understand the vulnerability it takes to not only place your work in the public eye- but to also place it under the scrutiny of a so-called juror.

So I do not approach this role lightly. I want to thank each and every participating artist for the high level of quality on display throughout the exhibit. I enjoyed the many voices and interpretations on the theme, and was impressed by the skill and variety on display.

This was, without a doubt, a difficult series of decisions to make.

For Best of Show, I selected Desert Dance Crested Saguaro, by Tamara Scott Anderson. This piece surprised me. It drew my attention immediately, asserting its presence and joy- like springtime in the desert. It put me in mind of the fanfare and costumery of a Las Vegas Show or maybe as a proposition for some future kind of Saguaro goddess worship. We need more ways to re-image how our bodies relate to this land we live with.

For Award of Merit, I was seeking a synthesis of technical expertise, unique approaches to the theme, visual and emotional impact, and three different media.

I selected The Red Slipper by Irene Klar, because of its playful energy and the way it beautifully captures the essence of sisterhood.

I selected Posessed by Howard Paley, for its eerie intensity and striking contrast between light and shadow.

I selected Humming Bird Dance By Corrine Babcock, for the truly creative re-imagination of the hummingbird with its intricate iridescent beadwork as a striking piece of wearable art.

For Honorable Mention, I was looking for singular voices. Unexpected and varied takes on the theme. This is a more difficult category to narrow down- because there are many worthy pieces- and I could only choose four when I would have liked to call attention to many more.

I selected Xoxotictochtli by Ralph Philabaum for its opulent detail and sense of mythos.

“Blooming Sky” by Tamara Scott Anderson.

For those of you that have not been to the Overlook athe Oro Valley Community Center, the facility has been going through some construction of late. Now the remodel is done and everyone who attended the reception for SAAG’s latest exhibit got a chance to see the upgrades.

“The new elevator is finally in,” said SAAG Founder Diane Loving. “Several big SAAG art pieces welcome visitors right inside the front door as well.

The new entrance will also serve as an additional space to rent for one-artist shows. In fact out new Exhibit Chair, Lisa Suarez has designated several new opportunities for a single artist to host a show.  Click here to visit the SAAG website for more information and rental pricing. (Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page to see the solo show opportunities).

The Overlook Manager indicated that he and the staff really enjoy the current themes and works that SAAG has been showing in our exhibitions. “I'm in awe of the fact that SAAG continues to exclusively hold this venue.”

Rabbit Rabbit and All Things Lucky runs through September 10. Be sure to support all the artist by catching the show. Here are the winners:

Best in Show went to “Blooming Tree” by Tamara Scott Anderson. This fiber art wall sculpture used originality, technical excellence and design. The judge was drawn in by the beautiful use of varied fibers, colors and materials. The open spaces give the viewer the feeling of seeing through a branch. Spring is truly in the air.

Award of Merit went to “Full Circle” by Michelle Kusi. A mixed media piece that used embroidery to piece together archival digital pieces of a child and the woman she becomes was considered by the judge to be both creative with an emotional appeal. 

Award of Merit also went to “Horizons” by Joy Grant. A watercolor on wood, the judge felt that the materials used were very creative. The perception of the eye really draws the view in as if to see into your soul. 

Honorable Mention went to “What’s That” an oil by Beth Giachette. Comments included great composition, design and technical skills. One can feel the rabbit is prepared for trouble. 

Honorable Mention went to “Jack” a photograph Lisa Suarez. What an amazing shot the camera captured. The essence of the exhibition. 

Honorable Mention went to “Turbulence” acrylic on canvas by Ingrid McCathy,  part of the Dream exhibit.This is a powerful piece of art with original composition and design offers great visual and emotional appeal. 

Honorable Mention went to Rabbit of Good Fortune” by Monique Mynlieff.

Artist Sarah Wetzel creates artwork for upcoming local concert

SAAG member Sarah Wetzel is not the only artist in her family. Herr husband is an award-winning singer and is performing in a concert, "Beyond Broadway," a tribute to classic show tunes in June. Sarah was asked to create all the backdrops for the show, including the one pictured above, for this event which takes place at the Gaslight Musice Hall. The concert also features a 5-piece band.

“Red Slipper” a linotcut and watercolor by Irene Klar.

“The Humming Bird Dance” by Corinne Babcock.

“Jack” by Lisa Suarez.

“Xoxotictochtil” watercolor print by Rallph Philabaum.

“Possessed” by Howard Paley.

selected Northern Lights 2 by Stephanie R Nordlin, for its subtle undulations of color and light within the darkness.

I selected Many Shades of White by Peggy Rubin, for its ghostly atmospheric poise between movement and stillness.

I selected Beyonce & Bruno Moves by John Stalano, for its dramatic use of perspective, sense of “show biz” energy, and its ability to ride that fine line between abstraction and figuration.

Thank you again, for this opportunity to witness the work of so many fine artists and I wish I had the platform to acknowledge each and every one of you. Thank you for what you made and contributed to this fun and fantastic exhibition. Enjoy your success.

Rabbit, Rabbit and All Things Lucky now on exhibit

SAAG Artist John Staiano recieves honorable mention for painting featuring Bruno Mars and Beyonce

At the Dance Exhibit at Pima Community College Juror, Miles Conrad of Custom Encaustics said the following: “For Honorable Mention, I was looking for singular voices. Unexpected and varied takes on the theme. This is a more difficult category to narrow down- because there are many worthy pieces- and I could only choose four when I would have liked to call attention to many more."

I selected "Beyonce & Bruno Moves" by John Staiano, for its dramatic use of perspective, sense of “show biz” energy, and its ability to ride that fine line between abstraction and figuration.