karin newby gallery & sculpture garden

I have to admit, I was in a hurry to get back to my car after all the crush of the crowds and sensory overload from the recent Art Festival, so I didn't go into the art gallery. Next trip... But I LOVED walking through the sculpture garden! I actually slowed down, took a deep breath, and savored the beautiful, thoughtful, and often whimsical pieces displayed there. Next time I visit Tubac, it will be when the Art Festival isn't going on, and I will enjoy the permanent shops and art work.

The sculpture garden here with myriad life-size pieces beckoned to us as we left Lone Mountain Turquoise Gallery on Tubac Road. We crossed an adjacent footbridge for a closer inspection and discovered some fascinating creations, all with instructions to check inside the gallery to learn prices. That helped us to focus on the artworks rather than the figures attached to them. I especially liked the realistic bronzes by Gary Lee Price. My favorites: Monet sitting on a bench, working at an easel; Abe Lincoln seated on a bench; and "Circle of Peace," which shows five children clasping hands and running in a circle. But "Black Horse Rearing" (maybe a tad bigger than life-size) by Esther Benedict was so unusual that it blew me away. The awe-inspiring creation is a mixed-media line-wire sculpture. I had to enter the gallery and ask the cost, which was quite out of my price range at $16,500. Not that I have anywhere to put such a statue, had it been affordable. Once inside the huge gallery, I had fun checking out the contents. Eclectic offerings include fine Western paintings; small wildlife statues; jewelry; unusual clocks, such as a white teapot; life-size bronze ravens; handcrafted furniture; and much more. There seemed to be something in almost anyone's price range. I spied an open umbrella display, hanging from the ceiling of the women's room, of all places. The beautiful colors and designs, including one that depicts "it's raining cats and dogs," beckoned. I soon purchased a stunning creation in pink and purple with scalloped edges ($29). The gallery staff were friendly and helpful but not the least bit pushy. One woman went out of her way to get information for me on the name of a group singing a French song streaming in the background.If Tubac is on your itinerary when visiting Tucson, I highly recommend a stop at both the sculpture garden and the gallery. This is truly a first-class establishment.

You can see this Gallery from the frontage road. It is located beside the Tubac Market. The outdoor art especially the art that moves with the wind will immediately catch your eye. Be sure to check it out as it is not on the main Plaza road and can get missed if coming from the north.

In addition to an outstanding gallery featuring nationally known artists,be sure that you check out their new fine craft gallery,Indigo Desert Ranch. Here you can discover artisan made home accents and gifts at very affordable prices. Le Roy Doyle,the manager is low key .No high pressure exerted in my favorite gallery.

We had so much fun in the sculpture garden. We had been to Tubac many times, and this time we got to show our Wisconsin relatives a new Gallery. It is now one of our favorite places. Took a picture playing with the children in the garden. Mare is such a ham!