Saguaro Embrace
The saguaro is one of our more unique national treasures. A classic icon of Tucson and the Sonoran Desert Southwest, it is a majestic sight to behold.
Most of us have a pretty strong recollection of the first time we set eyes on one in person. The passenger to first spot a saguaro on a long road trip is rewarded with cheers from fellow travelers, accompanied by groans from those who had hoped to have spotted it first.
The saguaro is such a treasured icon that it is frequently commandeered by those to whom it really doesn't belong. Have a look in the salsa isle the next time you are at the market. You'll see our beloved Saguaro's silhouette branded on the jars from Old El Paso, though there isn't a saguaro to be found anywhere near El Paso, TX.
With the coming of spring, the saguaro celebrates its royalty (Carnegiea gigantea) in the cacti family with a crown of flowers that open to entice pollinators, artists and passersby. Come to the gallery at the Temple of Music and Art, 330 South Scott Avenue, to join in the celebration of the saguaro with an exhibition of photographs featuring our beloved cacti.
"We were inspired to host the Tucson Saguaro Photography Invitational by the show, The Second City Does Arizona, or Close But No Saguaro, now running at the Temple of Music and Art, and decided to do a show in keeping with that theme," says Terry Etherton.
Etherton Gallery manages the Temple Gallery whose goal it is to showcase top local and regional artists. "There are so many accomplished artists here—the pool is pretty deep—so an invitational was the ideal way for the gallery to support them and get the word out," says Etherton. "One of the things that I love about this show is that even after being in business for 30 years, I am still meeting new artists. My staff and I have really enjoyed working with the participants and are thrilled with the positive response we’ve received from the community. It’s really gratifying."
Featuring 32 photographers with 46 works of art, submissions to this invitational were juried by Terry Etherton and the Etherton Gallery staff. The gallery is open Monday through Friday, from 10 am to 5 p.m. They also open the gallery before scheduled performances at the Temple. Occasionally, during quieter hours, they lock up the gallery for security. If you arrive and the doors happen to be locked, please just check in downstairs with one of the very friendly folks of the Temple of Music and Art. They will happily unlock the doors and show you in.
In case you aren't able to get over to the gallery, the exhibition can also be viewed online at the Etherton Gallery website. But like most art installations, it is so much better to see the works in person.
The show opened April 3rd and will be viewable through May 30, 2010.
For more information you may contact Etherton Gallery at: info@ethertongallery.com or call 624-7370.
This article appears in the May, 2010 issue of Zocalo.
