DeGrazia Gallery, Tucson

Ted DeGrazia knew the struggles of an unrepresented artist. The DeGrazia Foundation still recognizes unrepresented artists. There is a juried competition to show in The Little Gallery at no charge for approximately three weeks at a time in the winter months. I was fortunate to be accepted as a Guest Artist in the Little Gallery. It was a most amazing experience to show at The DeGrazia Museum. My mother's favorite artist in the seventies was Ted DeGrazia. We found the DeGrazia studio in the Superstition Mountains in the late seventies. When we discovered the Tucson Studio years later it was an endless dedication to DeGrazia's work. The staff at the DeGrazia Museum were very helpful through my stay there as a visiting artist. It was such an honor to be in The Little Gallery, as that's where it all started when Mr. DeGrazia obtained the land in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains. This is a place I return to time and time again. It is a peaceful place where one can still touch the beauty of the wild desert. Behold the Sonoran desert and it's founding people through the respect and creativity of an American Impressionist's eyes, Ted DeGrazia.

I grew up in Tucson never knowing this place of solitude existed. I've lived in CA for the last 24 yrs. & try to go visit at least once a year with my family. About 12 yrs ago my daughter, husband & i went back to visit (i still have 2 sisters & a brother and lots of neices & nephews) and my sister took us there and I could'nt believe how beautiful it was i was famillier with the drawings but i could'nt believe it was at the end of swan rd. long story short, i go back every year to visit. i light a candle in the small chapel for my son. if i can't be there, my sister goes for me.

This gallery was an exceptional gem in the desert. Even if you don't like art, the gallery and mission were worth seeing. I loved the gardens behind the gallery. I couldn't believe it was free! I really enjoyed it here, and I would love to go back!

Every time I visit my Dad I have to go to the Gallery. It holds such a calming effect on me and is truely my peace on earth. Suz

First visited the DeGrazia Gallery in October, 2005 on our first visit to Tucson. What a find this was!! Our friends' daughter was being married at the tiny chapel next to the gallery, and we were there at sunset, which is a wonderful time to see the area, but explored the outbuildings and gallery itself the next day! Totally different from galleries in Philadelphia, so very exciting! Excellent gift shop too!! I'll be taking a friend back there in a couple of weeks when I return to Tucson - it's worth several visits as the exhibited art changes frequently. If in the area, don't miss it!!

Visiting the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun is a wonderful experience. However, the place is so cluttered with what seems to be empty alcohol boxes fake plastic flowers and so much other “crap” that is difficult to see the beauty or the art. Because of the enormous amount of stuff, everything is in competition. Also the gift shop is kind of falling apart and shabby, dirty stains on furniture that is very worn down. The day I was there the woman behind the counter were dressed rather inappropriately. Perhaps the Gallery should clean it up a bit, try to show the best qualities. The place would really be a destination and tourist center in Tucson if they embrace the adage: less is more.

We attended a wedding at the chapel at the DeGrazia Gallery on Oct. 8 and it was a very interesting experience! The lovely, tiny Indian chapel is an experience, esp. at sunset! It must be seen. The next day, we went back to visit the Gallery. Well, we were amazed...knowing nothing about the artist, DeGrazia, and nothing about the Indian culture of the southwest, this was a true insight. Well worth a trip there, can be seen in about 2 hours tops, and easy to get to on Swan Road. Lovely, quality gift shop. Will go back!

I love DeGrazia art. It is such a pleasure to go back in time, visit the little chapel which DeGrazia built, see Mrs. DeGrazia walking around the grounds (I pray she is still alive, see where DeGrazia is buried (under piles of rock) - take in the beautiful, calming grounds with its fountains. The gift shop has many treasure to purchase -- and reprints of DeGrazia's art. If you are in the neighborhood - please make it a stop!