Sahuarita Art Guild prepares for takeoff

Under the guidance of Town of Sahuarita Neighborhood Outreach Coordinator Sue Payne, another new community event is emerging in Sahuarita.

The successful Farmer’s Market, which Payne coordinates, is a big draw for the community.

It’s being followed by shows and events by the Sahuarita Art Guild.

With a mission “to encourage and support the creation, performance, education and appreciation of the arts” the executive board, which is headed by Sahuarita artist Sherry Darrah, is kicking off its inaugural season with a Tucson Symphony Orchestra event for children on Saturday, Oct. 4, at 10:30 a.m.

It will be held in the Council Chambers; it’s free and open to the public.

“More than ‘art-art,’ there’ll be music, theater and fiber-art events,” Payne said.

Other planned events by the guild include MarketDaze, a craft show scheduled at the Town Center on Nov. 1 and 2, the first art exhibit on Nov. 21 and 22, and a Tucson Symphony Orchestra program for adults on Saturday, Dec. 13.

Working with Darrah on the executive board is vice president and arts patron Phyllis Culver, treasurer and multi-media artist Roger Gilliam and secretary and craft show producer Pat Cervantes. Payne works with the board as town adviser.

One part of the formation of the guild has Payne very enthusiastic and that’s adding color and art to the new but still-blank walls of the Town Center. “I’m excited because we’ll have local art in the Town Hall to fill our otherwise bare walls,” she said.

On Thursday, Sept. 4, Pete Todd and Moe Gaul of Moe’s Gallery in Tucson were busy installing a new cable system to allow for easy replacement of hanging art.

“Although we’re just getting started we’re very excited and have some enthusiastic members. We’re looking for more members. The guild is open to artists and patrons of the arts, those who care about the arts,” Darrah said.

Anyone wishing to join need not live in Sahuarita, she said, adding that annual dues aren’t firm but will likely be $25 per member or $30 per couple. Meetings are held the first Monday of the month at 4 p.m. at the Town Hall.

In addition to being president of the executive board and a contributing artist, Darrah said she hopes to have workshops for youth and teens.

Among the guild’s stated goals are to assist local artists to showcase their work through shows, exhibits, fairs and demonstrations; to assist and coordinate workshops and programs for adults, youth and children; to offer programs and special events to encourage community involvement and interaction with the arts and to assist in development of fundraisers to support the guild.

For more information, call Payne at 822-8824 or Darrah at 399-2843.

Ellen Sussman is a freelance writer in Green Valley. Contact her at ellen2414@cox.net.