In March 1924, members of the arts committee of the Tucson Woman’s Club saw the need for a separately funded organization for the arts. Sixty men and women met to consider the matter. The Tucson Fine Arts Association was formed at that first meeting. Over eighty years later, the organization has grown and transformed into the Tucson Museum of Art.
The first permanent display space for the TFFA was the large gallery on the second floor of the Temple of Music and Art on S. Scott Ave. Later, they moved to the basement of the Chamber of Commerce Bldg. on S. Stone Ave. But, with exposed pipes and water spots, the space was “not a place of beauty.”
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1968 Star file photo
The Tucson Art Center at 325 W. Franklin St.
Several pleas were made to the city for help in securing an adequate space for the group, but little was done to help them out. In 1957, the UA received a bequest of the Judge Samuel Latta Kingan home on W. Franklin St. Since the university had no plans for the building, they offered it to the arts organization. Their offer was accepted.
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The group started its 33rd session in its new facility and with a new name – the Tucson Art Center. As soon as they moved in, they started expanding. A full time director was appointed to oversee some 400 volunteers. About 2,000 visitors were passing through the center each month.
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File photo
Tucson Museum of Art
By the 1960s, the Tucson Art Center was looking for a larger space. Fund drives were held and land was eventually secured at W. Alameda St between Main and Meyer avenues. Work began on the new arts complex in 1974.
The new Tucson Museum of Art opened in May 1975. The first show was called “Tucson Collects.” Forty-three private local collectors loaned 215 pieces, paintings, sculpture, decorative arts and graphics for display in the new gallery.
Information on the Tucson Museum of Art is available on their website.
Faculty concerned about changes to U of A admissions policy
