Tucson Desert Art Museum Inc

Overview
The Tucson Desert Art Museum, a nonprofit organization, was established on November 1, 2013. It is dedicated to showcasing the art and artifacts of the Desert Southwest and surrounding regions. The museum features approximately 25,000 square feet of exhibit space, classrooms, and meeting facilities, serving as a hub for art, culture, and education in Tucson.

Mission
The museum's mission is to educate the public about the history, cultures, and art of the Desert Southwest through diverse exhibitions. It aims to provide an immersive experience where visitors can visualize history through art. The organization emphasizes the importance of presenting a truthful narrative of history, encouraging visitors to learn from past challenges and biases[1][3].

Collections and Exhibitions
At the heart of the Tucson Desert Art Museum is one of the Southwest's premier collections of Navajo and Hopi textiles pre-dating the 1940s, which includes chief's blankets, saddle blankets, optical art textiles, and Yei weavings. The museum also boasts a wide-ranging collection of historical artifacts and classic as well as contemporary Southwestern paintings by renowned artists such as Maynard Dixon, Thomas Moran, and Ed Mell.

The museum hosts rotating special exhibitions that change each year, allowing for a dynamic visitor experience. Featured exhibitions have included topics such as Navajo sand painting and early armaments of the Southwest[1][2][4].

Founder
James E. Conley Jr. (1943-2020), a prominent newspaperman, philanthropist, and art collector, founded the Tucson Desert Art Museum with the aim of sharing his extensive collection of Southwestern art with the public. Throughout his life, Conley emphasized the importance of art in understanding history and the human experience. His work and contributions continue to inform the museum’s mission and operations[1].

Visitor Information
The Tucson Desert Art Museum is open to the public from Wednesday to Saturday, providing affordable admission options, including free entry for members, children under 12, and tribal members. The museum encourages community engagement and aims to make art and history accessible to all visitors[1][3].