While living on the coast of Mexico, sculptor/musician Ed Davenport became fascinated by graceful shapes of driftwood that had been weathered by the ocean. By polishing and carving further, he made them into sculptures of extraordinary appeal. Now, he uses this technique to bring out the sensuous quality of stone, shaping the organic beauty of rocks from the mountains of Arizona into fluid forms. Presently, Ed's gallery is open by appointment only, although he is working towards having regular hours.

The Tucson-Pima Arts Council has served the artist community in Tucson for several years, and has been quite successful introducing heretofore unknown artists to the public. The large space in this downtown gallery is used for both exhibits and multimedia performances. Only group shows are displayed here, usually by three or more local artists. If you choose to purchase a piece you like, the Council will put you in touch with the artist.

The Tucson Arts Council established Shane House 12 years ago to provide affordable housing and work space for local artists. This is where you can meet and maybe even support them by buying a piece that you like. A number of solo shows are held throughout the year featuring individual artists who consider themselves avant-garde. The gallery is open during Downtown Saturday Night and by appointment only.

The Museum of Contemporary Art, formerly known as the non-profit Toole Shed Studios Artists Collective, houses about 15 artists and includes meeting space, classrooms and private studios. Tucson artists have turned an ugly unused warehouse into an art center bustling with activity all day long, contributing their share to the Tucson downtown revival movement. With gallery owner Elizabeth Cherry now running the place, the museum is destined to be at the cutting edge of contemporary art. Admission is free.

They're here to serve you, so stop by the MTCVB offices downtown, especially if you are a first-time visitor to Tucson, and let the friendly staff help you organize your visit to Tucson as efficiently as possible. Listen to their advice what to see and to do, pick up as many maps and brochures as you want, or let them help you organize your next convention. It's their job, and they love doing it.

Award-winning Navajo artist Glory Tacheenie-Campoy creates abstract images of the American Southwest, as well as paintings of horses and landscapes in prints and watercolors, plus crafts and gifts. One of her specialties is installation art. She also works on commission. Her piece are exhibited at the Central Arts Collective on Congress Street and at her home studio. Call for an appointment to see the works created in her studio.

This is Tucson's main venue for the performing arts, home of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra and the Arizona Opera, as well as the locale for pop music concerts, sports events and major trade conventions. A typical result of 1970s style urban renewal, it is only mildly interesting (stylistically) compared to the old adobe buildings that were bulldozed to make room for what now stands. However, some abstract sculptures and fountains outside the complex provide food for the art lover's imagination. There are three performance venues - Tucson Arena, Tucson Music Hall, and the Leo Rich Theater, as well as a number of Ballrooms. Every February the Center hosts the preeminent Tucson Gem and Mineral Show.

Built in 1927, the Temple of Music and Art is a proper cultural arts venue. Constructed in an elegant, Southwestern style, the Temple breathes grace and class with its beautiful surroundings of cobbled stone, fountain-splashed patio, and quiet tree-lined street. Now home of the Arizona Theatre Company, the Temple has been called " "one of this city's most elegant buildings by Tucson Weekly (1995). The spacious Alice Holsclaw Theatre with its 623 seats is a marvelous place to see either Shakespeare or concerts. If a smaller, more intimate setting is desired for a performance, upstairs the Temple has the Cabaret Theatre available.

This house was one of the centers of Tucson's upper-class social scene in the 19th century. It was formerly the home of cattle baron Hiram Sanford Stevens, and it was here where he shot his wife and killed himself after his cattle business went awry. (His wife survived, though, since the bullet ricocheted off a comb in her hair). After those unfortunate incidents, happier times came to the house with the arrival of the upscale Janos restaurant from 1970 until recently, when Janos was evicted to make room for the Tucson Museum of Art next door to expand, an act which has caused much controversy among Tucsonans.

Built in 1900 and bought by Tucson department store owner Abert Steinfeld in an upscale downtown district formerly known as Snob Hollow, this amazing mansion is a fine example of architect Henry Trosts's passion for the Mission Revival style. Note the arched portico and tiled roof, features reminiscent of the Spanish missions of Northern Mexico and the American Southwest, and take a minute to rest in the cool, shaded courtyard. Access is free. Today, the building houses several private offices, which limits your visit to the outside view.