“We’re packing up the paint and moving to a bigger canvas!”
We will continue to be at La Encantada through to the end of 2025!
Then we will invite you to see our new walls, new space, new classroom, and all our great local artists at Joesler Village,
1745 E River Road, Ste 145, Tucson, AZ 85718
La Encantada Gallery closes on December 31.
SAAG will be moving January 1 through 4.
New Joesler Gallery opens for business January 5, starting at 10 am.
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Southern Arizona Arts Guild Announces Relocation of Its Fine Art Gallery to
Joesler Village!
Reopening set for January 5, 2026
TUCSON, Ariz. — The Southern Arizona Arts Guild (SAAG), one of the region’s largest nonprofit arts organizations, is proud to announce the relocation of the SAAG Gallery from La Encantada to a newly designed space at Joesler Village.
The gallery officially opens to the public on January 5, 2026, marking an exciting new chapter in the Guild’s 24-year history of supporting local artists and enriching the Southern Arizona arts landscape.
Representing nearly 300 artists across all visual disciplines, SAAG has long served as a cultural anchor in Tucson. The SAAG Gallery showcases the work of approximately 110 juried members at any given time, offering visitors a dynamic and ever-changing collection of fine art created by local artisans.
“Our new home at Joesler Village will allow us to expand our educational offerings and continue fostering meaningful connections between artists and the community,” said SAAG President Terese Butler. “We look forward to becoming an active, welcoming presence within this historic shopping district.”
Expanded Community Engagement and Programs
In addition to exhibitions and art sales, SAAG provides robust public programming, including:
● Monthly live art demonstrations
● Free hands-on art activities for visitors of all ages
● Casual art gatherings and meet-the-artist opportunities
● A scholarship program for college-level art students
● Internship and mentorship programs for emerging artists
● Upcoming expert speaker presentations on art and culture
SAAG also maintains a strong connection with the wider community through a monthly newsletter reaching more than 7,500 followers, highlighting regional arts events, member achievements, and opportunities for public participation.
A Resource for Community Clubs and Nonprofits
As part of its mission to uplift local arts and serve Southern Arizona residents, the new SAAG Gallery will offer after-hours access to community groups, clubs, and nonprofit organizations seeking a unique space for gatherings, meetings, or special events surrounded by fine art. The Guild has hosted a wide range of community- focused activities in the past and looks forward to expanding these opportunities at Joesler Village.
A Welcome Addition to Joesler Village
SAAG’s presence at Joesler Village brings a vibrant cultural element to the historic shopping center, offering fresh opportunities for collaboration, community enrichment, and public engagement.
“We are thrilled to join the Joesler Village community,” added Butler. “This move allows us to increase our visibility, deepen our outreach, and offer even more ways for people to experience and enjoy the arts.”
Grand Reopening Celebration Coming Soon
SAAG will announce details of its Grand Reopening Celebration in the coming weeks. The event will be open to our client list the public (NO!!!) and will introduce visitors to the new gallery design, expanded programming, and featured artists. The easiest way to stay in the know about this event is to visit their website and sign up for the Guild’s monthly newsletter.
SAAG’s new address will be 1745 E. River Road, Ste 135, Tucson, AZ 85716.
Visit the Guild at www.southernarizonartsguild.com.
For more information about SAAG or to arrange a visit, please contact:
Theresa Poalucci, Communications Chair
Email: Theresa.mydirectorynw@gmail.com
Architectural Model of the New SAAG Gallery for our Big Move in January 2026 now on display
We are so excited to share in our current gallery at La Encantada, the 3D Model of our NEW Gallery, that is opening at the beginning of the new year 2026. Please take some time to come in and check it out.
Between our all-volunteer building design, merchandise design, marketing and relocation teams, this is going to be amazing. We are all working to make sure we have everything we need for a successful transition. The Gallery will have a whole new open feel to it so you can enjoy each piece of art. We have come up with a unique display design with custom made "fins" to show off our wonderful Artists' work.
There will be a beautiful new space "just for teaching" classroom. There is natural light which is very important when creating. This opens us up for more classes with more room. Also our class room will include a big screen and white board to make sure our students will have the greatest experience with the least amount of distractions. It's All about having fun while learning new techniques and gaining knowledge to create!
We look forward to seeing you all there. Keep reading the newsletter for more updates.
Christine Alkhoury, Vice-President SAAG