TPS is an active and vital art organization encouraging pastel artists to flourish. Through exhibitions and events, it fosters the skills and camaraderie of its members while promoting community awareness of dry pastel fine art.
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| Tucson Pastel Society Art Center |
Use the links below to skip down to the topic of interest on this page.
| Quicklinks | ||
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| Overview | Address | Directions / Map |
| Parking | Entrance | Studio / Classroom |
| Amenities | Accessibility | Owners |
Overview
The Tucson Pastel Society (TPS) art center is a 1,832-square-foot art studio space with studio equipment. There is ample parking behind the building.
On one hot summer's day in 2015, a local art organization in Tucson, Arizona, received an unexpected donation.
After providing a dance every Saturday night since 1972, "Singles & Friends," a non-profit organization, donated their building fit for a dance hall to the Tucson Pastel Society (TPS).
Conveniently located at 1st and Grant, this building has ample open space spanning 1,832 square feet, making it perfect for studio art classes and workshops.
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Artwork by Stacy Egan |
Upon receiving this generous donation, the Tucson Pastel Society, an existing 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, would seek the surrounding community's help raising maintenance funds.
In the spring of 2016, a small group of independent artists began teaching art classes at the site to help maintain and renovate the building and bring it up to city code.
Those classes were well received, students requested more, and the Art Verve Academy became a thing.
Address
The address of the TPS Art Center is:
2447 N. Los Altos Ave.
Tucson, Arizona 85705
Directions / Map
See the map below.
Map to Driveway
The map below shows which driveway to enter. You may park in either of the neighboring lots, but please move your car once you realize you're in the wrong lot.
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| Directions to Park behind the TPS Art Center |
Directions from the West
Grant Road and I-10, east on Grant, turn left after Geronimo Ave, onto N. Los Altos Ave (right before Fry's parking lot). Just one block north of Grant Road on the left (Westside) of N. Los Altos Ave.
Directions from the East
Go West on Grant Road, after 1st Ave, and turn right onto N. Los Altos Ave (right after Fry's parking lot). Just one block north of Grant Road on the left (Westside) of N. Los Altos Ave.
Parking
Parking on the street is free. However, we recommend parking behind the building (not on the road) to load and unload your studio supplies or equipment.
Due to construction efforts, the front door is closed and locked. Please park behind the building using the driveway on the south side, accessible from Los Altos Ave.
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| Close-up of the entrance to TPS Art Center Parking. |
Please drive slowly when you enter, and watch out for other students unloading studio equipment or supplies. It may be difficult to see around the corner of the building as you approach the parking lot.
Studio Entrance
Please enter through the door behind the building connected to the parking lot. It opens directly into the studio or classroom.
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| TPS Art Center Class |
Inside the Studio/Classroom
A microwave and refrigerator are available for use. Bottles of water, tea, or coffee are free for anyone taking a class.
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| Inside TPS Art Center Studio |
Furniture
Tables (2x6 ft. or smaller) and chairs are available. Taborets are also available for painters.
Easels
Standing easels, table easels, and drawing boards are available for anyone.
Consumable Materials
Anyone taking our classes at this location can access our supply cabinet. Some consumable materials, such as paint, ink, and glue, are available for experimentation.
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| Studio Equipment and Supply Cabinet for Use |
Accessibility
This space is easy to navigate for individuals with mobility challenges or those using assistive devices.
Parking
Two designated accessible parking spaces are conveniently located right next to the rear entrance. Both parking spaces are clearly labeled.
Entrance
Please enter through the door connected to the parking lot behind the building. It also serves as a convenient drop-off zone, with an overhand and concrete pad connecting to the doorway. This entrance is step-free and connects to a wide doorway. The door is not automatic, so please knock, and someone will answer or contact the instructor, and they will prop the door open before class begins. Please note that the parking lot at this location is not yet paved; TPS is currently raising funds to have it paved.
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| Accessible Parking next to the Back Entrance |
Bathrooms
Two unisex bathrooms feature wide passageways with sinks that are easily reachable from seated and standing positions.
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| ADA Compliant Bathrooms |
Service Animals
Service animals are welcome at this location.
Meet the Facility Owner!
The Tucson Pastel Society (TPS) is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization established to advocate and promote the pastel medium and have fun doing art in the communities it serves.
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TPS activities include:
- sponsors programs, exhibits, and events that encourage and support the artistic goals of its members
- provides opportunities for members to experience fun and camaraderie
- offers professional development among its members
- unites artists who enjoy working with soft pastels
- educates and promotes the appreciation of fine pastel art
- interacts and collaborates with other art groups and organizations
- engages in community outreach
- contributes charitable donations to worthy causes and groups
- inspires artists to dream, discover, create, and celebrate individual creativity.
For more information, visit Tucson Pastel Society.org.
