Gallery In The Sun

One of Tucson's hidden treasures is located in the desert of the Foothills. It is an art gallery first and foremost, but the Gallery in the Sun is much more than that. It is one of the most interesting displays of Southwest art and architecture in the city.



Ettore "Ted" DeGrazia (1909-1982) designed and built the gallery in the early 1950's out of traditional adobe brick, where he lived with his wife Marion. DeGrazia, a University of Arizona graduate and transcendent of Italian immigrants, drew much of his inspiration from the Southwest. The six permanent collections of his art work displayed in the gallery represent historical events and the native cultures of the Southwest.
After his early paintings were published, DeGrazia traveled to Mexico and worked with mural artists Diego Rivera and Jose Clemente Orozco. DeGrazia's murals can be found on the walls of the Gallery in the Sun, an open-roofed building.


After his death, the "Little Gallery" was opened as a way for lesser-known artists to display their work. Currently, Geri Niedermiller, 65, is showing her collection of intricate colored pencil drawings that resemble photographs more so than human-made artwork.


The gallery is open everyday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and admission is free. It is located at 6300 N. Swan Road. Prints and books of DeGrazia's work can be purchased in the gift shop or online.


The Gallery in the Sun is rich with the culture of the Southwest. DeGrazia's colorful paintings are incredibly unique and not to be missed on a visit to Tucson.