If you are more urban cowboy than bronc-buster, mosey on down to Plaza Palomino for the 7th Annual Rodeo Days Arts Celebration on Saturday.
The event is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the southeast corner of North Swan and East Fort Lowell roads.
Originally conceived by artist Susan French as a “high quality, low cost venue to hire bands and help artists sell their work in the downturn of the economy,” the western-themed event has survived and thrived beyond the recession and now provides the public with opportunities to support artists and local charities.
Under the sponsorship of Plaza Palomino, the event features artwork by more than 40 artists and art groups including Many Hands Artist Cooperative, Madaras Gallery, San Xavier Co-op and more. Festivities also include live music and entertainment, a western dance contest, food vendors, a silent auction to benefit the Gospel Rescue Mission, pony rides by Step Up Into TLC Therapeutic Loving Caballos, and guided horse-drawn carriage tours through the historic Old Fort Lowell Neighborhood.
Other participating nonprofits include Arts for All and the Arizona State Museum; the scholarship fund for the Tucson Association of Museums will benefit from beer sales by local Dillinger Brewing Company.
At 3 p.m., attendees can also enjoy a special “Quick Draw” showcasing the artistic “Pictionary-style” skills of Mayor Jonathan Rothschild and former Mayor Bob Walkup, with proceeds from live auctions of their artwork to benefit the Gospel Rescue Mission.
French said that she hopes to raise at least $1,000 to assist the Gospel Rescue Mission, aiding homelessness, addiction and financial hardship.
