Some of my favorite Tucson art ~

Here is another one of the fantastic photo murals (series of 4) that decorate both sides of the underpass on Broadway leading to Congress Street. Steve Farley, a photographer and artist, invented the special technique to create these tiles. This is such an interesting series. You can see more photos and read more about this art project here:
http://www.tilography.com/gateway.htm
and here: http://www.tilecanvases.com/star5399.htm
Click on "murals" at the bottom of this post to see other photos of these and other murals around town. Enjoy!

Garden Post Whimsy ~

A few days ago I posted a photo of the Iron Horse District's community garden. Here's another view of that garden fence. Looks like a lot of talented artists have combined their skills to make this community really charming.

Leaping Lizards! Well.... CLIMBING lizards, actually

The Midway Business Park on Speedway is full of surprises. Colorful lizards climb many of the walls in this mecca of small businesses. What a fun, delightful element that the builder or the developer added to what could otherwise be just an ordinary office park!

One of the organizations housed in this park is the terrific Southern Arizona Diaper Bank, a Tucson treasure. (http://www.diaperbank.org/).

Is there a canine union?

On the way to and from Nogales, Mexico there are Border Patrol stations that work to halt the trafficking of drugs and the human smuggling, too. In addition to human agents, the Border Patrol also employs specially trained canines to assist.

A Tucson Neighborhood Named after Dessert!

This home, circa 1800's, is in the historic Pie Allen neighborhood. I was walking near 4th Avenue and this house was on Hoff Avenue near 8th. The area is named after John "Pie" Allen, a man who was famous for his delicious dried apple pies (fresh fruit was not in supply year round). He was also a regional entrepreneur and ran trading posts and post offices from Bisbee to Wickenburg.

Iron Horse District - feels like a village

Tucson's Iron Horse District is named after the rail workers who onced lived here to be close to the railroad. It's a mix of small houses, apartments, and a little industrial, too. The area is a few square blocks - roughly north of Broadway to 8th Street and between Euclid and 4th Avenue. They have a charming, wonderful community garden!

http://www.tucsonnewcomer.com/features/historic.html

Whoa, partner... Tucson Rodeo ~

This lifesize metal horse sculpture on Speedway looks like it's about to step into the roadway to join the Rodeo! Sunday was the last day of the internationally famous Tucson Rodeo ~ also known as La Fiesta de los Vaqueros. It is an event "celebrating cowboys and cowgirls" and is in its 85th year. For some great action photos, click here and go to their website:

http://www.tucsonrodeo.com/