Ladies learn about artist Ted DeGrazia.
Viewing the chapel DeGrazia created.
Janice Pell
It was a perfect sunny spring day in March when The Women of Quail Creek took their annual field trip. Traveling by buses, 93 members of the club visited both the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun and the Tucson Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures. At both museums groups enjoyed guided tours that enhanced their visits.
Education Director Shannon Rossomando at the DeGrazia Gallery did an amazing job of making the philosophical issues and Native American legends that are inherent in the works of Tucson’s most famous artist, Ted DeGrazia, come alive. The art works became more meaningful once viewers understood the passions and stories that inspired them. It was fascinating to see how primitively and simply the prolific artist lived. His endless imagination and skill at recycling allowed him to transform everything he touched into art. Adding to the enjoyment of the visit were the magnificent views and desert plants in bloom on the property.
The knowledgeable docents at the Mini Time Museum gave a lot of insight into the intriguing world of miniatures, explaining the techniques used in constructing the antique and contemporary dollhouses and room boxes. The ladies were delighted by the magical aspects of the numerous displays. Ranging from spooky Halloween displays to miniature versions of shops and houses in various architectural styles, the buildings and room furnishings were all meticulously crafted to scale. The attention to detail and craftsmanship achieved by the artists was remarkable. There was even a French Chateau that took a woman 30 years to create. A special treat was the temporary exhibition on famous diamonds and the historical figures that owned and wore them.
An additional highlight of the day was the delicious lunch at Trattoria Pina.