activities · 20
what they do
direct service · 14
- Facilitates community use of gallery space Meeting & Conference Room RentalOffers gallery rental and after-hours access to the SAAG Gallery for community groups, clubs, and nonprofit organizations to host events, meetings, and gatherings.
- Hosts public art events and community engagement programsOrganizes regular public events including "Art & Appetizers," monthly live art demonstrations, free hands-on art activities for all ages, and casual art gatherings; also hosts free monthly meetings on the first Saturday of each month (excluding July and December).
- Hosts public art events and programmingHosts regular public events including monthly "Art & Appetizers" gatherings, live art demonstrations, free hands-on art activities for all ages, and casual art meetups. Also organizes quarterly critique sessions and a Community Art Fest.
- Offers gallery rental and event space for community use Facility Rental for Community & Arts EventsMakes gallery space available for rent to community groups and nonprofit organizations for events, meetings, and gatherings, including after-hours access.
- Operates a community art gallery Community Art Gallery OperationsOperates the SAAG Gallery & Gifts in Joesler Village, Tucson, AZ, where approximately 110 juried members can display and sell original artwork. The gallery also hosts public events, demonstrations, and workshops.
- Operates a member-based art gallery and retail space Community Art Gallery OperationsRuns the SAAG Gallery & Gifts in Joesler Village, Tucson, AZ, where approximately 110 juried members display and sell original artwork. The gallery relocated from La Encantada to Joesler Village, with a reopening scheduled for January 5, 2026.
- Operates a member-based art gallery with sales and exhibition opportunities Community Art Gallery OperationsRuns the SAAG Gallery & Gifts in Joesler Village, Tucson, where approximately 110 juried members display and sell original artwork; members operate the gallery and engage with visitors.
- Organizes artist recognition and development programs Artist Support ProgramsSponsors contests, recognition programs, and guest speaker events featuring professional artists, gallery owners, and arts educators to support member growth in art creation and marketing.
- Organizes community art exhibitions and festivals Community Collaborative Art ProjectsPlans and hosts community-wide art events such as the Community Art Fest and organizes solo and group exhibitions for members to participate in.
- Produces member and community communications Member Newsletter & Magazine DistributionPublishes a monthly newsletter distributed to over 7,500 followers, featuring regional arts news, member achievements, and public programming updates.
- Produces member communications and outreach Member Newsletter & Magazine DistributionPublishes a monthly newsletter distributed to over 7,500 followers, highlighting regional arts events, member achievements, and public participation opportunities.
- Provides art education and skill-building programsOffers classes, workshops, demonstrations, and critique sessions led by professional artists and instructors at the SAAG Gallery; includes quarterly formal critique sessions and monthly non-critique Zoom sessions for members.
- Provides artist membership and representation services Studio Access & Glass/Clay Arts EducationOffers juried membership opportunities for artists to display and sell their work, including online representation via portfolio pages, social media promotion, and participation in art shows, fairs, and local business partnerships.
- Supports member professional development and marketing Online Artist Portfolio & Memorial GalleryProvides members with marketing and representation opportunities through personal portfolio pages on the SAAG website, social media features, a Members' Work Photo Gallery, and facilitation of participation in art shows, fairs, and local business displays.
capacity building · 6
- Administers student art scholarships and mentorship programs Performing Arts Training ScholarshipsProvides financial support to college-level art students through scholarships and offers internship/mentorship opportunities for emerging artists.
- Administers student scholarships and mentorship programs Performing Arts Training ScholarshipsProvides financial support and developmental opportunities for emerging artists through college scholarships and internship/mentorship programs. Awarded $2,000 to Pima Community College for seven student scholarships.
- Facilitates member-led governance and volunteer engagement Board-Led Organizational GovernanceOperates with an executive board nominated annually by members and a board of directors; engages members in volunteer roles such as Reconciliation Coordinator and Lead Cashier Trainer.
- Hosts regular member meetings and governance activities Member Meetings and ConventionsHolds free monthly member meetings on the first Saturday of each month (excluding July and December) and maintains a member-nominated executive board and board of directors to guide organizational leadership.
- Offers art education and skill-building programsProvides classes, workshops, and demonstrations at the SAAG Gallery led by professional artists and instructors. Also offers monthly non-critique Zoom sessions for members to share work in a supportive environment.
- Supports emerging artists through scholarships and mentorship Artist Support ProgramsAdministers a scholarship program for college-level art students and offers internship/mentorship opportunities for emerging artists to develop their skills and careers.
strategies · 19
how they think
Theories of action extracted from this org's own source material. Click any to see the full field of orgs running the same approach.
- Advance artistic skills through structured learning and mentorshipOffers workshops with skilled instructors who provide technical training, feedback, and opportunities to experiment with mediums, helping individuals develop their artistic abilities and creative expression.
- Advance artistic skills through structured workshops and instructionOffers guided art workshops with skilled instructors who provide technical training, feedback, and opportunities to experiment with mediums, helping individuals develop their craft.
- Arts promotion to strengthen regional cultural identity arts_promotionSupports local artists and enhances the regional arts ecosystem by promoting their work and contributing to the cultural vitality of Southern Arizona.
- Building artist community to reduce isolation and foster collaboration community_buildingCreates social events, networking opportunities, and shared creative environments that help artists form meaningful connections, collaborate, and combat professional and creative isolation.
- Community access to shared arts spaces to strengthen local engagement community_space_accessOffers dedicated gallery and event space for community use, increasing public access to the arts and fostering local cultural participation.
- Create community access to arts spaces and programming community_space_accessOffers gallery space and educational programs to increase community engagement with the arts, including events, workshops, and guest speakers.
- Create community access to arts spaces and programming community_space_accessOffers gallery space and educational programs to increase community engagement with the arts, enabling local groups and individuals to participate in and benefit from cultural activities.
- Expanding art engagement through education and public programming community_engagementIncreases community interaction with the arts by offering educational programs, guest speakers, and initiatives that inspire creativity, challenge perspectives, and promote art as a tool for personal and social reflection.
- Financial support for emerging artists to sustain artistic development scholarship_support_for_emerging_artistsProvides scholarships and financial assistance to student artists, enabling them to continue their art education and professional growth.
- Foster artist community through collaboration and connection community_buildingBuilds a supportive artistic community by facilitating workshops, critique sessions, social events, and networking opportunities that reduce isolation and encourage peer learning and collaboration.
- Foster artistic community and peer connection community_buildingBuilds a supportive network among artists through social events, critique sessions, collaboration opportunities, and shared learning environments to reduce isolation and stimulate creative growth.
- Operate through volunteer-led organizational modelRelies on an executive board, board of directors, and volunteer contributions of time and talent to sustain programming and operations.
- Promote art as a vehicle for creativity, expression, and perspective-shiftingUses art exhibitions and creative engagement to inspire imagination, challenge perceptions, and provide therapeutic benefits such as stress relief and personal reflection.
- Promote art as a vehicle for inspiration, perspective, and well-beingUses art exhibitions and creative engagement to challenge perceptions, spark imagination, and provide stress relief, enhancing individual and community well-being through artistic experience.
- Strengthen local arts ecosystem through artist support and promotion arts_promotionSupports local artists and enriches the regional cultural landscape by promoting their work and sustaining a vibrant, interconnected arts community.
- Strengthen regional arts culture through local artist support arts_promotionSupports local artists and enhances the cultural fabric of Southern Arizona by promoting their work and sustaining a vibrant regional arts ecosystem.
- Support emerging artists through financial and portfolio development scholarship_support_for_emerging_artistsProvides scholarships and portfolio-building support to student artists, enabling them to continue their art education and advance professional development.
- Support emerging artists through financial and portfolio development scholarship_support_for_emerging_artistsProvides scholarships and portfolio-building support to student artists to enable continuation of their art education and prepare them for professional careers.
- Workshop-based skill development with mentorship and peer learningOffers structured art workshops featuring skilled instructors, constructive feedback, and opportunities for peer-to-peer learning, enabling participants to refine techniques and develop artistically in a supportive environment.
named programs · 9
what they call their work
Art & Appetizers
Monthly events featuring live art demonstrations and light refreshments at the SAAG Gallery.
Art Shows
Opportunities for guild members to exhibit their art in various galleries, local businesses, art fairs, and SAAG's own shows.
Community Exhibitions and Solo Shows
Opportunities for members to participate in SAAG's community exhibitions and/or solo shows.
Critique Sessions
Quarterly critique sessions with a panel of professional artists and monthly non-critique sessions for members to share their artwork in a supportive setting.
Diane Loving Founder and Art Lady Scholarships
Scholarship program for college-level art students, specifically Pima Community College art students, to support their art studies.
Educational Opportunities
Workshops, classes, and demonstrations by professional artists and instructors, covering skill development, creative expression, and various mediums.
Expert Speaker Presentations
Presentations on art and culture by experts in the field.
Internship and Mentorship Programs
Programs designed for emerging artists to gain experience and guidance.
SAAG Gallery & Gifts
A venue to display and sell art by juried members, located in Joesler Village, Tucson, AZ. Also offers demonstrations and workshops.
relationships · 20
who they work with
- Christine Alkhoury Partner — Vice President/Executive Board
- Diane Loving Partner — Founding Member/Executive Board
- Erin Newman Partner — Workshop Coordinator/Gallery Management Team
- Gail Kushner Partner — Facebook Chair
- Jeffrey Woods Partner — POS Inventory Manager/Gallery Management Team
- Johnny Bondi Partner — Gallery Manager
- Lawrence Peters Partner — Community Calendars
- Lisa Suarez Partner — Exhibitions Chair
- Liz Halsted Partner — Programs Chair
- Louis Carlos Bernal Gallery West Campus Partner — Gallery at Pima Community College involved in partnership and exhibition collaboration with SAAG.
- Morgiana Correa Partner — Treasurer/Executive Board
- Pima Community College Partner — Partner institution receiving scholarship funding and hosting collaborative art exhibitions.
- Robert Snyder Partner — Operations Manager/Gallery Management Team
- Robyn Fowler Partner — Shift Calendar Manager/Gallery Management Team
- Roni Bader-Tables Partner — Membership Coordinator
- SAAG Community Group Partner — Community groups that utilize the gallery space for events.
- Sarah Wetzel Partner — Website Administrator
- Sharon Hessoun Partner — Secretary/Executive Board
- Terese Ann Butler Partner — President/Executive Board
- Theresa Poalucci Partner — PR/Newsletter/Marketing Chair