Tubac Festival of Arts runs through Sunday

The 49th Annual Tubac Festival of the Arts runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., beginning today through Sunday in Tubac.

Arizona’s longest running art festival, this juried show will feature the work of 170 visiting artists, craft persons and musicians from around the country.

Festival booths will line the village streets, mixed among the 100 year-round shops, fine art galleries and working artists’ studios. Horse-drawn trolleys will shuttle visitors around the historic village. An eclectic variety of arts will be showcased including watercolors, oil paintings, pottery, jewelry, sculpture, music, gourd art, photography, leather crafts, glass, clothing and wood.

The entertainment lineup includes folk dancers, Mariachi music, Jazz music, art demonstrations and more. HawkQuest returns to the Festival bringing its environmental education presentation and four “feathered teachers”—a bald eagle, a hawk, an owl and a falcon.

Nationally-recognized Native American artist Amado Pena designed this year’s commemorative festival poster and will be in attendance throughout the festival to sign posters.

The poster artwork is entitled “Dia del Mercado” from Pena’s Mestizo Series. Pena is widely known for his use of vibrant colors and bold lines. His work pays homage to the enduring landscapes and people of the Southwest.

The Festival Food Court will offer ethnic treats including Greek, Thai, Chinese, Mexican, Barbecue and Southwestern fare. There will be All-American favorites like burgers, chili dogs, curly fries, funnel cakes, ice cream, kettle corn and roasted nuts. Visitors can take home treats like gourmet pastas, spices, salsas, soup mixes, garlic specialties, jams and jellies.

Located south of Tucson at Exit 34 on I-19, Tubac is a haven for art, history and nature lovers. The Tubac Festival of the Arts is presented by the Tubac Chamber of Commerce. For more information, contact the Chamber at (520) 398-2704 or visit www.tubacaz.com.

rford@gvnews.com