The SculptureTucson Festival Show and Sale, the largest outdoor juried show in Arizona, will be held Saturday, April 6, 9:30-6 p.m., and Sunday, April 7, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., at Brandi Fenton Memorial Park, 3482 E. River Road.
Now in its second year, the free festival will showcase more than 60 local and regional sculptors. Last year, more than 5,000 people attended, says Jeff Timan, one of the organizers along with local artists Barbara Grygutis and Steve Kimble.
“We were happily shocked,” says Timan, a local businessman and artist, who explains that his efforts to introduce more sculpture to Tucson began with helping build the Sculpture Garden at the Tucson Jewish Community Center (see box). Taking a long-term approach, he also hopes to see sculptures installed on the Loop bike path.
“But the J was a really good start,” he says, noting that it was where he first got to know Grygutis, a renowned artist who has been commissioned to create more than 75 large-scale works of public art throughout North America. Kimble is the founder of Metal Arts Village and a lawyer, Timan adds, “but probably now more devoted to sculpture.”
Although all of the organizers’ own work is abstract, says Timan, the festival includes both abstract and representational works as well as diversity in materials and cultures. The festival also brings in other art forms, with dance, poetry and music performances. Food trucks will be on hand.
SculptureTucson is a nonprofit organization. With the festival, it aims to establish a signature event that will attract visitors from around the country, boost the local economy, and help artists to make a living.
A opening night patron’s reception on Friday, April 5 is an opportunity to preview and purchase art before the festival opens to the public. The reception, which will include live music, a hosted bar and hors d’oeuvres, will run 5-9 p.m.; tickets are $50 and are available at www.SculptureTucson.org.
