The Catalina Foothills, outside of Tucson, are home to a unique art and cultural gallery. The DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun includes a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe and a gallery showcasing the artwork of one man—Ted DeGrazia.
Ettore “Ted” DeGrazia (1909-1982) was born in the town of Morencia, Arizona Territory. His father and uncles were copper miners at the Morencia Mines who had emigrated from Italy. He graduated high school at age 23, due to his family having to return to Italy for five years when the mines were temporarily closed. Not wanting to work in the mines, Ted made his way to Tucson and enrolled in the University of Arizona, eventually earning degrees in Fine Arts and Art Education.
During his very prolific life, DeGrazia created hundreds of drawings, paintings, sculptures, and ceramic pieces. His work explores the mythologies of local native tribes, and the cultural and religious lives of Mexican-Americans. The gallery is divided into rooms that highlight the different aspects of his career.
The day of my visit was the feast day for Our Lady of Guadalupe, the national saint of Mexico. Local troupes performed Mexican folk dances. At the end of the day there was a jazz concert featuring Ted’s son Domingo DeGrazia.
Nuts and Bolts
The Gallery is open Daily from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Entrance fee is Adults $10/ youth $5
