The Tucson Museum of Art

the Tucson Museum of Art
Kasser Family Wing of Latin American Art exterior

The Tucson Museum of Art has been a leader in the fine arts and education in Southern Arizona for nearly a century. It was established in 1924 and is in Tucson’s historic downtown and moved to its current location in 1975. TMA features permanent and traveling exhibitions of Modern and Contemporary, Indigen

Patrick Martinez work at the Tucson Museum of Art
Patrick Martinez’ neon signs on view in the Kasser Family Wing of Latin American Art

ous, American West, Latin American, European, and Asian art. The museum resides on a four-acre campus, and its exhibits and arts education programs are central to its mission. In addition, the museum hosts events serves as a steward of five historic properties and has a 6,800-square-foot art education center and research library. It has a permanent collection of over 12,000 works spanning continents, centuries, and media.

TMA
View of the gallery for Latin American Folk Art

The museum will take you on a journey through art, history, and culture and with artwork ranging from ancient to contemporary, there is something for everyone! Thousands of lives have been enriched by the museum’s programs and exhibitions including: an award-winning outreach program serving Tucson’s refugee community, robust k-12 programs, one of the state’s longest-running biennial exhibitions, public programs, and lifelong learning programs like TMALearn! Docents. The museum provides numerous opportunities to connect and engage with the arts and local community, such as free First Thursday and Second SundAZe, lecture series, annual spring and fall artisans market, youth studio programs, K-12 field trips, and more!

The Tucson Museum of Art Summer Camp Class
Teacher leading a group of students during summer camp

Reviews 

“This place is a quiet gem. It was so much more than what we expected. Masterful artworks on careful display. I’m no art expert but I found this museum to be an excellent way to spend a relaxing few hours. Although as an introvert I found myself exhausted after exploring the many displays. Go if you haven’t been!  We also enjoyed salad for lunch at the attached café.”

Paul H on Yelp 9/27/2021

“The Tucson Museum of Art was a great stop. We took three generations of our family to visit it. The layout of the museum is expansive. We covered a lot of ground (not all of the buildings were open, so we didn’t get to see everything) over a two-hour period.

The exhibits on display were definitely thought-provoking and got us talking about topics that may not have come up otherwise. I’m glad we made the trip there for the discussions it invoked.

Wear comfortable shoes and plan enough time to really soak everything in!”

Karl A on Yelp—1/11/2019

Tucson Museum of Art
North Entrance to TMA

Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block

Office Address: 140 North Main Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85701

Contact Name (s): Marianna Pegno

Phone (s): 520-624-2333

As of July 1, 2023 the following will go into effect for hours and pricing related to admissions:

HOURS
Wednesday – Sunday 10 am – 5 pm
First Thursday of every month 10 am – 8 pm

ADMISSION
General $15
Senior/ Educator $12
College Students $10
17 and under/ Veterans and Military/ Members – Free

TOURS
PreK – 12 Student $7
Art-making $5 ($12 total)

NOTE: Discounts for College and Senior tours will no longer be offered.

Weddings by John

 

Rainbow heart with
Just Married phrase on the bright watercolor rainbow heart.

Lesbian Weddings by John

Are you planning on getting married soon? Make sure you hire a caring, certified, charismatic wedding officiant like Weddings by John. As your wedding celebrant, I will dedicate myself to working with you to create the perfect ceremony. I will meet with both of you either in person or virtually and together we will build a plan for your dream wedding ceremony. I have vast experience in crafting the perfect celebration that fits your needs exactly, for an elopement, huge event, or anywhere in between. It can be non-religious, semi-religious, traditional, unique, or something totally different.

Gay Weddings by JohnI am especially thrilled to officiate LGBTQ+ couples having been with my husband for almost 30 years. As a licensed wedding celebrant, I will guide you through the process. Informing you and letting you know all the options available to you. It is my desire to individually craft your wedding ceremony to reflect your love for each other and your personal style…

Anywhere you choose.

I am located in Tucson Arizona. And, I love guiding couples to plan and execute one of the most important events of their lives together.

 

Testimonials for Weddings by John

Rainbow sole sneakers“As a gay couple, we had a difficult time finding an officiant who understood who we really were and what we wanted… then we found John and couldn’t have been happier.  He made our wedding beautiful, personal, poignant, magical, and perfect. Thanks, John
–  Jennifer & Roo

 

 

 

 

“Not only did John create a ceremony that represented all of our wishes and hopes, but his caring, guidance and welcoming presence made our wedding ceremony perfect.”

Robbie Sanchez

 

“We wanted something special for our wedding ceremony and could not have found a better person than John to make our wedding ceremony MORE amazing than we could have ever expected. Highly recommend his services.” – Janice Mitchell

Weddings by John certified officiant 

 Weddings By John

Website –  https://theatrixx.wixsite.com/website-1

Email – jmuszynski386@gmail.com

Phone number – 312-576-3383

 

Candid Sol Wedding Photography

Candid Sol Wedding Photography
Owner: Angie Roberts
(520) 302-5338
www.candidsol.net
Google Reviews

Wedding photography that is true to the couple and unique to each story isn’t always easy to find. Candid Sol makes sure that the story of your love and the story of your wedding day is what’s most important and captures the moments as they unfold on your wedding day. Your crazy aunt, your wild best friend, your beautiful love – Candid Sol will work tirelessly to capture as many moments as possible so you can relive them over and over with your love and your future generations can experience them with you too.

Capturing the real you and the true story of the relationships of those you have invited to experience your wedding is a true honor. Emotion and stories at weddings are what keeps me inspired to continue wedding photography year after year. This is why candid moments are the main focus. I find details to be just a small part of the day. Of course these details will be captured, and beautifully, but I want you to feel the moment your love smashed a piece of cake in your face when you look back at the photos. I want you to look through your wedding album every year on your anniversary and laugh when you see your flower man crying all the way down the aisle. I want you to be nervous when you see the photos of your first look and remember how sweaty your hands were waiting to see your love before your wedding. All of your favorite moments, and even the ones you never saw happen, will be immortalized forever.

Serving the LGBTQ+ community is an act I take very seriously. Your comfort on your wedding day, and throughout your planning process, is of the utmost importance. Candid Sol proudly and respectfully serves all genders, races, disabilities, sexual orientations, nationalities, skin colors, and lovers.

Desert Rat Art Collective

MoreGraphic image of the sonoran desert with the desert rat art collective statement

Image of desert rat art collective founder Tierney
DRAC founder Tierney

Desert Rat Art Collective is a local Tucson community of artists that specialize in the strange and beautiful, inspired by our lives in the desert. They see the charm of the dirt and mountains and know that no matter where life takes them, they’ll basically always be desert rats at heart. DRAC is queer-owned and operated, and was founded by artist Tierney after their group of friends got together every Friday for about 2 years to make art together. Those little gatherings still go on, and now they have a website to support art sales now that they’ve run out of wall space to show everything off.

Desert Rat Art Collective

Image from desert rat art collective of sushi in acrylic paintDRAC specializes in selling original canvas art pieces online, but also offers prints, merchandise, and also accepts mural requests around town! Their art is usually cheeky, with wildly different styles between the current members. E/ze, the anonymous artist featured exclusively on their website, creates heavily textured pieces inspired by street art. You can feel the deep emotion in every piece. Ry Arvin is an expert in all things text and font. They’re wildly creative with mandalas, text, and also reimagines the margin-doodles of our teenage years. Tierney, the founder, and manager of Desert Rat Art Collective creates a wide variety of prints and patterns. Using the same techniques in their digital art as their physical canvas work, creating strong lines and measured shading.

A collections of desert rat art collective workTucson and the Sonoran Desert will always hold a special place in Desert Rat’s little heart. Moreover, they want to honor and give back to the community. They’ve got big dreams of being able to provide free art supplies to underfunded schools throughout Tucson. Sharing the love of art to everyone they can. The website itself takes only 3% commission which is far less than physical gallery spaces. Any DRAC money leftover after the minimal website maintenance costs goes right back to supporting local Tucson small businesses and art ventures.

Company Name: Desert Rat Art Collective
Office Address: Online
Contact Name (s): Tierney
Website: Desertratac.com
Socials: @DesertRatArtC

Client Review

“The original piece by JackofAllArt is the highlight of our kitchen. The meticulous care given to every detail and the bold use of color make this an outstanding creation. We love it!” – Windy Lynn, owner of Sushi Flood by JackofAllArt

Roma Imports

Roma Imports
Roma Imports

Roma Imports

Lets talk about lunch.

Go to Roma Imports and have some of the best Italian food in Tucson.

Roma Imports is an Italian food import store with a little restaurant in the back. Nothing fancy, but absolutely Italy-icious!

I like to eat lunch there and then take home some of the home made hot Italian sausage. They have one that is really hot.

They always have incredible antipasta’s, cheeses, desserts, pastas and just about anything Italian your heart may desire.

I don’t know the owner but I do like the people who work there. The reason I’m telling you about them is because I’m Italian and everyone should know good Italian food, gay or not.

Tell them Tony Ray sent you and have a great lunch.

Roma Imports
Roma Imports

Roma Imports

627 S. Vine
Tucson, AZ 85719
520-792-3173
www.RomaImports.com
Roma Imports

Combat Krav Maga Tucson

Combat Krav Maga Tucson
Combat Krav Maga Tucson

Website: https://www.combatkravmagatucson.com/
Address: 3273 N Freeway #545, Tucson, AZ 85705
Phone:  (520) 975-4722
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/KravMagaAZ
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/combatkrav/

Combat Krav Maga Tucson has been teaching reality-based self-defense to the Tucson community since 2015. It is owned by Jenna Herder who has been practicing Krav for over 18 years. She has her 3rd degree Black Belt from the United States Krav Maga Association.

Jenna strives to create an inclusive safe space community where everyone is accepted and cherished. Combat Krav Maga is a PROUD member of the Tucson LGBT Chamber of Commerce. Jenna is proud to be a part of the Tucson LGBT+ community and is excited to be hosting low cost/no cost self-defense classes and seminars for the LGBT+ community.

The Window Covering Company

The Window Covering Company
The Window Covering Company

The Window Covering Company

I’ve know Dell for several years and they have always exceeded my clients expectations. For many of my clients they treated every window of their new home.

Now, The Window Covering Company has a full selection of window coverings, almost every brand name possible. And Jason and Dell really know the product. Pair their knowledge of the product with their creative enthusiasm and that’s why I think that they are so good at what they do.

But what makes them great is that they measure and install your window treatments for you and the price is usually lower than the price you would pay at the super “depot” type stores.
It doesn’t get better than that.
Make sure you tell Dell that you heard about him at Gay Tucson.

The Window Covering Company - Logo
The Window Covering Company – Logo

The Window Covering Company

3661 N Campbell pmb 250
Tucson, AZ 85719
contact: Dell De-Lorenzo
(520) 326-4648

The Window Covering Company - Shades

Rainbow Connection

Rainbow connection over a rainbow background Tucson’s Rising Phoenix Self-Defense & Fitness is a unique, queer-friendly martial arts and self-defense gym open to all ages, skill levels, and fitness levels. Rising Phoenix has named this branch of their program The Rainbow Connection.

Our Approach

Founded in 2014, Rising Phoenix takes a different approach to self-defense training by using therapeutic martial arts instruction to promote healthy human connection, emotional control, and the importance of consent. Each class focuses on street-smart self-defense skills and concepts designed to be immediately applicable to real-world situations. The self-defense we teach is based on Israeli Krav Maga, specifically intended to be practical, functional, and quick to learn. In 2021, the Israeli Martial Arts Hall of Fame named Rising Phoenix the Best Krav Maga School in Tucson.

The Rainbow Connection

Weapon tactics at the Rainbow ConnectionRising Phoenix provides a welcoming environment for people in the LGBTQIA+ community to be themselves, gain confidence, and learn valuable skills. Rainbow Connection is our weekly donations-based self-defense class for the LGBTQIA+ community and allies. Rainbow Connection was established as part of Rising Phoenix in 2016. The program was created by former gym member James Cook, who saw the need for self-defense training among his fellow members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Our Rainbow Connection classes provide training specifically designed to address concerns in the queer community. We practice trauma-aware instruction, focused on helping students take ownership of their minds and bodies to challenge their comfort zones and discover what they’re capable of. Rainbow Connection is a safe place. Its dedication is to helping participants effectively learn and use assertiveness and self-defense skills in uncomfortable, intimidating, and scary situations. Our instructors and students use their strengths to help, support, and encourage each other to succeed.

Our Classes

Judo with the Rainbow ConnectionTucson’s Rising Phoenix offers a variety of self-defense, martial arts, and fitness classes, ranging from Krav Maga, Yoga, and Group Fitness, to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Weapons Tactics, and more! We have two donations-based classes that are open to the public: Our Rainbow Connection LGBTQIA+ self-defense classes every Saturday from noon – 1:00 p.m., and our women’s self-defense classes every Friday from 6:00 p.m. –7:30 p.m. and every Saturday from 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. One-on-one private lessons, small-group private lessons, customized group workshops, and corporate training sessions are also available.

Our Owner

The founder and owner of Rising Phoenix, Jesse James Tucker, has been teaching self-defense and Krav Maga for over 15 years. He holds black belts in four different Krav Maga systems. He is also a certified Krav Maga instructor with the Federation of Israeli Martial Arts (FIMA). Jesse has been inducted into both the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame and the Israeli Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He was named Defense Master Instructor of the Year in 2021 by the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame.

Reviews

Rainbow Connection classMatt S.

“Stepping into a martial arts gym can be really scary, especially when you’re not a “Tough Guy,” but summoning my courage and walking through the doors at Rising Phoenix is the best thing I’ve done since relocating to Tucson three years ago. Jesse and his fellow instructors go out of their way to make people of every age, body type, culture, and orientation feel welcome and empowered with the best in modern martial arts training. Rising Phoenix’s Krav Maga isn’t static: It’s constantly evolving and incorporating techniques from kickboxing, jiu-jitsu, and catch wrestling, alongside the tried and true martial education in Israeli Krav Maga you’d expect. Rising Phoenix also offers more stuff than Krav Maga, too: specialized instruction in Judo, BJJ, and Muay Thai, weapons, and you can take as much as you want for one price. I look back at the years I’ve spent training here and see a totally changed me. I’m tougher physically and psychologically, and my day-to-day life is better for it. Thanks, Jesse!”

Kristina S.

“I can honestly say training at Rising Phoenix is one of the best decisions I have EVER made. Whether you are at a beginner or advanced level in Krav Maga, BJJ, etc, this place makes you feel right at home. I have never met any instructors who are as passionate about teaching self-defense. Jesse, Chance, and Alicia are three of the most amazing people I have met in Tucson. I can ask endless questions, pose endless scenarios, and someone is ALWAYS ready to help and answer my questions. Instructors will stay after class with you for more than an hour to discuss your personal training plan, answer any questions you might have, or just to talk about your experiences and what brought you to Rising Phoenix. They care about your personal experience and want to help you get what kind of training you’re looking for.… I have learned so much from Rising Phoenix, and I cannot wait to continue my training. I have gone to other gyms in Tucson, but there is no place better to train than Rising Phoenix. The atmosphere and the instructors are unbeatable.”

Jeremiah Thomas

“The people here are amazing. The instructors are professional, helpful, willing to show techniques that meet your fitness level, and very supportive. The training here is awesome. From real-life situations to multiple scenarios per technique, the instructors here are on top of their game. The group fitness class is great. It will work you into fighting shape pretty effectively. If you come, just say hi to anyone, and you will find a friend at this gym. I have been coming here for a couple of years now. Every new person is immediately treated as someone you’ve known for a lifetime. It really does make this such an inviting place to learn how to defend yourself and others.” Womens self defence taught at the Rainbow ConnectionCompany Name: Tucson’s Rising Phoenix Fitness & Defense Office Address: 4500 E Speedway Blvd, Suite 4, Tucson, AZ 85712 Contact Name (s): Jesse James Tucker Phone (s): (520) 838-1592 Email: tucsonrisingphoenix@gmail.com Pricing: sliding scale Website: https://tucsonselfdefenseandfitness.com/ Office hours: (Please check our website for class times)  

Kristi Frank – American Family Insurance

Kristi Frank American Family Insurance Office Tucson AZ
Kristi Frank American Family Insurance Office Tucson AZ

Kristi Frank – American Family Insurance

Kristi Frank Agency, INC.

4319 E Broadway Blvd
Tucson, AZ 85711
Office: 520-323-0017
Fax: 855-383-8085
Website
E-Mail: kfrank@amfam.com
24-Hour Claims Reporting: 800-374-1111

I’ve known Kristi Frank for years and she always has been someone in the community I respect and trust. And my clients, they can’t say enough about her. From the minute they walk in and meet her and her associates, they know the experience is going to be different. Everyone is friendly and professional at Kristi Frank’s office.

My clients have told me that they appreciate how Kristi cares enough to really examine their entire financial situation before offering her services. Best of all, she usually gets them more insurance and still saves them money. She has done the same for me.

Whether it’s home owners insurance, renters insurance, flood insurance, auto insurance, an umbrella policy or a combination, you should at least give her a call and see what she can do for you.

Kristi Frank American Family Insurance
Kristi Frank American Family Insurance

I know that when you meet Kristi, you’ll feel at ease about discussing and disclosing personal information with her. You will also get an overwhelming sense that she genuinely cares about you and your needs. You’ll know immediately that she is someone on your side and someone you can trust.

You’ll be sending me an email with a big thank you.
A small gift would be nice too, just saying LOL

The legal stuff:
©2005 American Family Mutual Insurance Co. and its Subsidiaries
Home Office – Madison, WI 53783