Take a Piece of Downtown Home: A Celebration of Ignacio Garcia’s Urban Sonoran Collection
Categories Downtown Community Arts & Entertainment
One unforgettable collection. Two special events. One final chance to experience it.
For the past year and a half, Ignacio Garcia's Urban Sonoran Collection has transformed the face of the Gibson Market into an open-air celebration of color, culture, and community. Now as the collection enters its final chapter, the public is invited to be part of its next journey through two special events celebrating the 30-piece collection before they continue to inspire in new homes. Whether you've admired the collection from afar or followed its story from the very beginning, this is your opportunity to experience it one last time as a complete body of work!
What began as an opportunity to temporarily reimagine the exterior of the Gibson Market during redevelopment has since become one of downtown's most recognizable public art installations. Spearheaded in collaboration with Downtown Tucson Partnership (DTP), the Urban Sonoran Collection transformed the space into a vibrant celebration of Southern Arizona's culture while demonstrating the power of public art to create a stronger sense of place. According to DTP President and CEO, Crystal Moore, the collection represents exactly what public art has the power to do:
“We’re proud to have commissioned this installation by Ignacio Garcia because we believe public art creates a sense of place and strengthens the identity of downtown Tucson. Seeing it continue its journey through this auction is especially rewarding, knowing the proceeds will benefit local nonprofit organizations that enrich the lives of children and families in downtown Tucson.” — Crystal Moore, President & CEO, Downtown Tucson Partnership
Own a Piece of Downtown Tucson
Looking to own a piece of the collection? The Urban Sonoran Collection Online Auction gives collectors, art lovers, and community members the opportunity to bid on original works from the collection, each one celebrating the colors, culture, and spirit of Southern Arizona. As each individual piece finds a new home, bidders have the rare opportunity to own a recognizable part of downtown's creative landscape. The online auction opens on Monday, July 13 with bidding concluding at the collection's farewell celebration!
Celebrating the Collection One Last Time
Before the artwork begins its next chapter, join Ignacio Garcia and fellow community members for the Urban Sonoran Collection Gala on Friday, July 18, from 6pm – 9pm at The Grand. This special evening marks the public’s final opportunity to experience the collection as a whole, celebrating not only Garcia's work, but also the role that public art plays in shaping downtown's creative identity. It's a chance to reflect on the collection's impact, connect with fellow art enthusiasts, and send the artwork off in style before it finds new homes through the auction, with online and live bidding continuing throughout the evening until 8 pm.
Want to experience the collection before it says goodbye? Gala tickets are just $50, but don't wait too long! Only a limited number of tickets are available. You can purchase yours here.
Insider Tip: If you’re planning to attend the Gala, you might be in for a treat! The Gibson Market & Food Hall is expected to open a few days prior, so be sure to stop by and see downtown’s newest addition for yourself!
A Collection That Leaves a Lasting Impression
Public art has a remarkable way of becoming part of a city's story, and the Urban Sonoran Collection has done exactly that. Over the past year and a half, Ignacio Garcia's vibrant works have inspired conversation, celebrated Southern Arizona's unique identity, and invited both locals and visitors to experience downtown through a new lens.
The collection's impact won't end when the artwork is sold. Proceeds from the Urban Sonoran Collection Auction will benefit several Tucson nonprofit organizations, including Imago Dei Middle School, City High School, Children's Museum Tucson, and the Tucson School for the Blind. Whether you're attending the gala, placing a bid, or simply stopping by for one final look, you'll be celebrating not only an incredible collection, but also supporting organizations that continue to enrich our community!
Ready to experience thecollection for yourself? See the collection for yourself, place your bid through the Online Auction, or learn more about the Urban Sonoran Collection Gala on our website.