Photo courtesy of the De Grazia Gallery in the Sun.
Jim Johnson
Mary Kopp
The Friends of SaddleBrooke Libraries is hosting two events in November featuring the life and work of noted Tucson artist Ted DeGrazia.
A lecture about DeGrazia is set for 4:00 p.m. November 19 in the MountainView East Ballroom. DeGrazia biographer James W. Johnson will share stories he collected in researching the 2013 book, DeGrazia: The Man and the Myths.
Johnson, a former reporter with the Arizona Daily Star, is a graduate of the University of Arizona’s School of Journalism and also served on the school faculty. His reporter’s skills helped uncover many of the hidden details that make up the DeGrazia story. Joining Johnson in telling about unraveling the DeGrazia mysteries is Marilyn D. Johnson, his wife and professional colleague.
The lecture is free to FSL members. Non-members pay $5 at the door. Seating is open with no reservations or pre-registration required.
If the lecture inspires you to learn more about a uniquely Tucson treasure, a private guided tour of DeGrazia’s Gallery in the Sun is being held at 10:00 a.m. November 20. The Johnsons will provide a 90-minute tour of the DeGrazia home, chapel, gravesite and gallery, providing insight and commentary.
The free tour is limited to 40 participants. Sign-ups will be taken at the November 19 lecture. Transportation to the gallery at 6300 N. Swan Road is on your own. The gallery and other buildings were designed and built by DeGrazia.
One of the most reproduced artists of the 20th century, DeGrazia is known to many around the world for the faceless Indian and Mexican children featured on UNICEF Christmas cards. Success as a commercial artist is only one aspect of his many endeavors. Learn about some of his other passions at the lecture and tour.
For more information about the lecture or tour, contact Kay White at 818-9482 or [email protected]. Visit FSL online at www.FriendsSBLib.org to find out more about upcoming events.