If you love your hometown, share the love with your home.
Tucson has plenty of artists and business owners who make and sell pieces that pay tribute to all things local — or at least all things cactus.
And since we love supporting local makers and do-ers, we thought we'd highlight a few that can help you brighten up your space.
Pop Cycle
Pop Cycle is a women-owned business on Fourth Avenue.
In your hunt for Tucson decor, Pop Cycle needs to be your first stop. This is a desert-lover's wonderland, with beautifully framed cactus prints, an angry cactus pillow for your couch, Tucson-themed light switch plates and trays and even end tables with cactus art for tabletops. You could go crazy in here.
Pop Cycle's goal is to promote pieces made locally and out of recycled materials. It's so much fun.
Pop Cycle even has Tucson-themed furniture.
Address: 422 N. Fourth Ave.
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m..
Now or Never
Home decor items for sale at Now or Never at the MSA Annex, 267 S Avenida del Convento, on May 2, 2018.
One of the new shops at the MSA Annex, Now or Never sells modern and minimalist pieces for your home. You'll find lots of bowls and platters in geometric shapes and pastel colors. We also loved the Southwest-inspired blankets draped over several ladders and the hanging cactus planters ($44) we found tucked in the back of the store.
These geometric planters ($44) give you some minimalist flair. Plus, Now or Never is fun to explore.
Address: 267 S. Avendia del Convento
Hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.
Visit nowornever.shop for more information.
La Cabaña
La Cabaña is one of those stores packed with treasures.
Head down to the original Mercado San Agustín to check out this eye-catching shop. Even if you don't buy anything, this shop is worth exploring. Folk art hangs from walls and carefully balanced stacks of Talavera pottery fill tables. You'll find a mix of antiques and local artwork here. We particularly liked solid bronze, palm-sized desert creatures — think javelinas and jack rabbits (about $150 each).
These bronze animals at La Cabaña will cost you $150 a piece (eek). But we love the little treasures like this that you'll find throughout La Cabaña.
Address: 100 S. Avenida del Convento
Hours: The store is closed Mondays but open by noon the rest of the week. Closing hours vary, so call in advance.
For more information, call 404-9008.
Carly Quinn Designs
Quinn's clients often want desert scenes when they commission pieces from her.
Tucson artist Carly Quinn makes custom hand-glazed tile murals in her shop/studio just north of 5 Points Market and Restaurant. Although commissioning a mural can be expensive, she also sells individual tiles that you could use, say, as house numbers. Many of her designs use sunset colors and pay homage to desert imagery.
Carly Quinn holds fired tile that is almost ready for assembly.
Address: 730 S. Russell Ave.
Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m and Saturday, noon to 4 p.m..
For more information and to find her Etsy shop, visit carlyquinndesigns.com.
Annotated Audrey
Orange and teal skies, rugged mountains and blooming cacti outlined in thick black marker. Annotated Audrey's artwork will make you love the desert just a little bit more. The wood slice signs ($20) that she makes will brighten up a front door or entryway with their welcoming messages: "Desert vibes," Chase the sun," and "Everyone is welcome."
Follow her on Facebook for updates on where to find her in person or shop online at shop.annotatedaudrey.com.
