Tubac Center of the Arts represents Tubac's artistic heritage and identity. We pursure excellence in serving as a venue for artistic expression, appreciation, and learning for those who create and enjoy in southern Arizona.
At Tubac Center of the Arts we believe that creative and artistic expression is equally available to all people without discrimination in age, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability. We respect, value, and intentionally engage diverse cultures, perspectives, and abilities.
Since the early ’70s, the Tubac Center of the Arts (TCA) has provided a venue for encouraging and attracting artistic activity. As the Santa Cruz Valley’s most inclusive and comprehensive arts organization, TCA has expanded to meet the area’s growing needs. It now houses five galleries with more than 3,500 square feet of wheelchair-accessible exhibit space, a performance stage, an art library, Gallery Gift Shop, and office and storage spaces. The Tubac Center of the Arts is a true artistic gem in the Southwest, offering nationally juried art exhibitions, opportunities for artists to exhibit their work, art workshops, lectures, a performing arts series, special events, and a youth summer arts program. Nestled in the Santa Cruz River Valley between the Tumacácori, Santa Rita, and San Cayetano mountains, the village of Tubac offers much to its visitors—recreation, lodging, restaurants, galleries, artists’ studios, the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park, and the Tumacácori National Historical Park. Tubac is located about 40 miles south of Tucson and 17 miles north of Nogales, off Interstate 19.
Tubac is one of the oldest towns in Arizona, an 1800’s Spanish Presidio turned artist colony. Tubac offers a rich history as well as an artistic experience. Nationally recognized artist Dale Nichols opened an art school in the small desert village in 1948 and restored some of Tubac’s historic buildings. Other artists attracted to Tubac included Mortimer Wilson, Sophie and Harwood Steiger, Hal Empie and Hugh Cabot. The Santa Cruz Valley Art Association was formed to prove artists a place to showcase their artwork. Now known as Tubac Center of the Arts. The organization has grown over time with three significant additions to the building. (Find more information at the Tubac Historical Society about the village of Tubac and artists who lived and worked here.)
The Santa Cruz Valley Art Association, DBA Tubac Center of the Arts is a 501(c)3 nonprofit in Arizona governed by a board of directors.
Your membership or donation is an investment in the future of vibrant cultural programming in the Santa Cruz Valley.
Visit our exhibitions and Gallery Gift Shop. Enjoy our performing arts concerts, Art Speaks lectures, workshops or classes and much more!
View the calendars with all our programs and events
More information on how to contribute to Tubac Center of the Arts
