My Darlin' and I were coming home from church this morning, and I stopped by the office to pick up a list of FHA clients. (My office is 45 minutes from our home in the Tucson Mountains.)
I'm not usually in town on Sunday, but here we were, traveling west on Grant Road. As I approached the intersection at Campbell, I noticed a man on the corner, painting a picture.
It's a busy intersection, and we had the green light, so I couldn't change lanes immediately. "I've got to go back and take a picture," I said. "There's a story back there on the corner." "Don't get us killed," was the quiet reply from the passenger seat, "we haven't had lunch yet." LOL
The artist is Dale Strong, and he's painting an Arizona Mission series of paintings. In the 1600's, Father Eusebio Kino founded a number of missions in what is now southern Arizona. Four of them remain, either in part or completely restored.
Dale Strong is an accomplished artist, and his paintings grace the homes or estates of former Vice President Walter Mondale, Luciano Pavarotti, Johnny Carson, Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, to mention a few.
Dale paints with oils, but doesn't use a brush. Instead, he uses two iced tea spoons he modified by taping them to a railroad track back 1970's.
One of the flattened spoons retains its rounded edge, and Dale uses it to blend color directly on the canvas (a wet-on-wet technique called impasto.) His inspiration? Vincent Van Gogh. The second spoon is ground down to provide an edge with which Dale creates fine lines and detail in his paintings.
Camera in hand, I apologized for interrupting his work, and asked Mr. Strong if I could take a few photos. What a gracious man! I explained that you and others on the Active Rain Real Estate Network would be reading this post, so he invited me in to the gallery to meet the owner--Henry.
Henry El Kaim is a young guy like me. (1948!) Henry is an artist in glass, among other media, and when I mentioned that my Darlin' was waiting in the car, he made her a gift of an exquisite little stained glass angel!
Don't visit Tucson without checking out this beautiful little gallery. Come on the weekend, and you're likely to see artists creating their work outside on the corner! Here's a link to a map of the location.
I'm Mike in Tucson, your preferred Tucson, AZ Mortgage lender.
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TUCSON REALTORS: You can hire me to take your First Impression Photos. (same phone number)
Mike - it looks way too sunny and warm there! lol - I may need to consider a vacation to a warmer climate soon! 9 degrees here currently. ~Rita
Rita,
It was in the low 70s here today! Come on down, but don't visit without calling first so we can meet you! Thanks for being the first to comment.
Mike in Tucson
Hi Mike! What a wonderful story! Glad you turned around (and safely, I might add!) and did a little investigating for us! This is a FANTASTIC Localism post and I know those in your area will love this info.
I hope you have a DIVINE '09.
Debe,
Thanks for the encouragement. I never know what a day will bring, and today was just fantastic. I love art, and especially western art. Dale Strong's show will be at the gallery until the day after Christmas, according to the website. Merry Christmas to you!
Mike in Tucson
Mike, I love those little galleries in the out of the way places and painting kinds of art. You done good in finding this one for us all.
Gary,
Thanks, my friend!
Mike in Tucson
Mike,
I like people who go out of their way to say nice things about other nice people. It's even nicer when they get spontaneously rewarded for it, I hope your wife liked the angel.
Your art of the art, for give me my Latin fails me, always makes me feel good!
Marry Christmas,
Bill
Bill,
It's sure good to see you. A very merry Christmas to you, too! Ginny loved the angel!
Mike in Tucson
Low 70's! Are you kidding? It didn't even get close to 70 here.
Very cool post. I am thinking, thinking, pull from the depths of the hard drive. Is the gallery on the southeast corner, in old adobe buildings?
Good Morning Mike, Cool pix and post!!! I like going to artisan places similar to where you just visited. Cool history on Southern AZ...
**** Merry Christmas ****
Mike... you sir, are a gem. I had to laugh at the 'don't get us killed...' comment. I have heard similar expressions coming from my better half on occasion. Interesting technique with the teaspoons... looks like he does a bang up job with them! Merry Christmas, Mike.
Mike,
This is a very nice localism post. I cannot imagine painting with two modified plastic spoons tho. I hope to someday pay your area a visit.
Don,
Thanks for commenting. The modified spoons are metal; they wouldn't have survived the train track modification otherwise. Call before you come; let's grab a cup of java!
Jesse,
His originals sell in the $25-35,000. range. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Good morning Michael,
It's good to see you. Thanks for stopping by to comment.
Doreen,
No; it's on the northeast corner of the intersection. The building on the southeast corner houses (among others) Bookmans.
Mike in Tucson
Reminds me of Tubac! I'd love to live that life! Getting closer to living in RV at least.
Susie,
Are you going to take a trip out here? What's the temp in North Carolina right now?
Mike in Tucson
I was thinking about Ted DeGrazia and his studio. It was located on Swan not Campbell. I was confused.
My goodness. What lovely paintings. Love it.
What a treat.
Thank you for sharing your story about Artist at Work. I have painted locations on city streets and appreciated your story.
Hey, great post. Thanks for the information about your area.
Beautiful post! You always capture a sensational picture and give it true meaning.
Thanks Mike!
Cheron Lange
Mike, it is not only me who is wandering off the "beaten path" LOL ... Last Sunday after church (that is the truth) me and my darling went to Cattlemen's in stockyards for an early breakfast and then to see the Indian jewelry artist at the gallery just across the street...breathtaking original artwork and what an inspiration...perhaps I should take a few pics next Sunday and write about him... I envy you the great warm weather ... here we're having a regular "heatwave" of 8 to 20's ... ouch!
Congratulations on the feature and Merry Christmas to you and yours!
It's always fun to discover local treasures to share with others. Thank you for sharing this. If I am ever in your part of the country or know someone passing through, I'll make sure to pass along this information.
Hi Mike...Wonderful that you are always thinking of us here in the Rain. You know how much we enjoy these posts of yours.
This one was a real treat.
Kate
That is a great find! I love the sign "artist as work" I would love to be in Tuscon right NOW! Happy Holidays.
I would have been shot by my passenger in the right hand seat
Hi Mike, We have a daughter in Tucson, working on her Doctorate at the University. Next time we visit, we'll have to check out the gallery you mention. Thanks for sharing, and Localism is a perfect showcase for such great info about your area.
Dear Mike, What a pleasure meeting you yesterday at the Gallery. I do want to thank you for your interest and consideration for stopping to meet us and writing a great story! We are pleased without measure for the quality of your fine work.
Yes I am a permanent fixture at the "Artist at Work" Gallery and will be there painting on the street corner indefinitely. Henry El Kaim is owner and a master at Stained Glass Creations as well as George Hobbit, woodworker; Donald R., Potter and we all attempt to work our craft every weekend in front of the gallery.
Although many of my paintings are appraised at $25,000 to $30,000 I also paint smaller canvases 9x12 to 16x20 appraising at $1,000 to $3,000. I also have produces 10 issues of Signed and Numbered Limited Edition Prints that run from $200 to $750.
I am so impressed with the number of people who have responded to you from all over the country. I hope that they all visit you in Tucson and stop by the gallery so I can meet them as well.
I might add that my wife has the same feelings of having her life risked every tim I drive when she rides with me.
Thank you again so much for your wonderful article and we are looking forward to having you drop by again. Happy Holidays for you and yours and may 2009 be a great year for all of us!
Wamest Regards Dale and Henry.
Pretty cool. You don't see much of this on local street corners. This is like something from an amusement park. Thanks for sharing
Wow Mike what a wonderful and thoughtful post. The weather seems out of whack for this time of year consider how cold it is. Dale seems to be a good artist from the picture here. God Bless and Merry Christmas.
WOW! This is great information. I can't wait to drive down to Tucson and visit your area. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas. Mele Kalikimaka!
Nice local story about an interesting guy. I do enjoy this type of local information thanks for going back and taking the time to post this.
Terry,
You're welcome! Thanks for commenting.
Leolinda,
Just get in the car and come on down! Merry Christmas to you!
Charles,
Thanks, and the same to you and yours!
Roland,
Tucson's a happening place!
Dale,
What a pleasure to make your acquaintance! I'll be back to see you soon. Thanks for taking the time to give me a story, too.
Susan,
Please call the next time you come down and we'll grab a cup of Joe!
Russ,
I hear you!
Joan,
It's waaaarrm here! Come visit!
Kate,
Thanks for saying so! I've become the storyteller.
Shay,
Come on down any time!
Bo,
Ooh! That's cooold!
Cheron,
And you're always so encouraging! Thanks.
Brian,
You bet! Thanks for stopping by.
Joel,
I really appreciate having another artist commenting. Thanks for coming.
Lenn,
I'll have to have the honor of writing about your oils one of these days!
Doreen,
Same street, different cross street. When that happens to me, I tell people that "file guy couldn't locate the file," or "file guy's looking for it. Come back later." LOL
Mike in Tucson
Mike,
Cameras in hand, we Active Rainers are always looking for our next post!!! Thanks, Fran
Fran,
...and that's the truth! LOL
Mike in Tucson
Good to see there is nice weather somewhere.....one of my favorite spots to visit in the Winter is Cozumel, where the artists gather in their town squart to share their work and participate! Thanks for the map...I may put it on my wish list for a get-a-way spot!
Happy Holidays!
Shawn
Mike - thank you for sharing!!! I am planning a trip out there this coming year and will put this on my list!!! Merry Christmas!!!!
Shawn,
There's almost always nice weather in Tucson. Come on down to visit!
Barbara-Jo,
Merry Christmas back at ya! Please call and let us know you're in town.
Mike in Tucson
I like the way you think. There is a story everywhere we look. I loved this post, and would love to have one of Mr. Strong's paintings.
I love posts that feature local artisans, I think it is a great way to bring awareness and appreciation to your community!
Dear Mike, It is very heartwarming to read all the replies that you have had on the article you wrote. One thing which was never mentioned which I think is very remarkable, is that Henry El Kaim, the owner of the gallery that features my work and where I paint outside on the street corner, lost the fingers on both hands. He lost them fighting in the 1967 Israeli war when a bomb exploded and took these fingers off. With just stumps, he does meticulous, beautiful stained glass work. He is a very interesting person who speaks 7 langagues fluently. As for people interested in my work, I would be happy to receive calls at 520-529-3890 or they can e-mail me at www.dalestrong@att.net I moved down to Tucson in May of this year and found it to be the most cultural, musical city in the United States.of any place I have lived. For instance, on the 1st Monday of December 9f every year since 1973, they perform the Messiah in a sing-in which is one of the oldest in the United States. With the Members of the Tucson Symphony, professional soloists and the combination of lmany community members of the professional choruses in Tucson, this chorus numbers over 850 voices! It is the most phenomenal sound any person could ever experience! In fact , another chorus, directed by Eric Holten (who has a PHD in conducting) cosists of only professional music majors from the University of Arizona. This is a city that a person must put on their map as the most interesting city of the Great Southwest. I seems to me, that there is an art gallery everywhere you turn in addition to the Tucson Museum of Art. As you know, Mike, we live in the midst of a cultural mecca. I am so blessed to be here and also to be so close to the Artists colony of Tubac , Arizona. Dale Strong
Mike, thank you for posting that. Great pictures, captivating story, it's always nice to get glimpses into different regions around the country.
And Dale, thanks for coming on and posting the follow up. you've both made me want to visit Tucson, sounds like a very interesting place!
Mike: Thanks for sharing. It is always such fun to see how someone has painted a scene that I have painted myself. This mission is located just south of Tubac, AZ. It is one of my favorite missions to paint. Thanks again. Cheri
Cheri,
If you're not a member of Active Rain, may I send you an invitation? I'd like to see you blog about your paintings. Realtors are such a talented group of people!
Andrew,
You're welcome! Thanks for coming by to comment. See you soon on your blog.
Dale,
As you can see, people really appreciate what you and Henry, and the other artists at ARTISTS AT WORK do. Thanks for telling us more about Henry El Kaim. I'm looking forward to my next visit. Tucson is a wonderful town. City, actually. My wife and I chose to move here more than 10 years ago. The company I worked for at the time wanted me to move "out west." They didn't care where, so long as it was within striking distance of a major airport. We chose Tucson, and never looked back!
Christine,
Amen! Thanks for commenting.
Rebecca,
Call him up! I think you should have one.
Mike in Tucson
Hi Mike, I almost missed the party on this excellent Localism post. I always like writing about local stuff in Austin and congrats on the feature!
Hey Mike!
How do I get a job out there?? LOL .....I passed this blog on to my dad. My parents will appreciate it, as they like alot of localized artists etc.....
Thanks for taking the time!
merry xmas!
Darin
One Source Mortgage, LLC
Lodi, Wisconsin
Dear Mike, Thank you again for listing me on your blog. I did mention to you that I am working on painting a series of Missions in AZ. This is such a beautiful state with Tucson being the Jewel. Mountain, deserts, folage and these historical Missions. The first one I painted was Tumacacori Mission which is about 70 miles south of Tucson. This Mission was the first constructed in 1691by the Spanish Government when This was still part of Mexico. The second Mission constructed the next year is San Xavier Del Bac located about 30 miles south of Tucson. Tumacacori Mission is being perserved as a ruin, where San Xavier was restored and is still being used as a cathedral. The fourth was St Augustine persidio in Old town Tucson. I have these three painted now and am heading for the fourth Mission in Cooledge, Az called the Casa Grande Mission. This was not built during that expansion of the Spanish but rather by the Hohokam Indian civilization 1,000 + year prior. This is being maintained as a ruin. Arizona has everything and Tucson has a beautiful touch of everything. I sure urge anyone to come visit us. Dale Strong
How cool was that Mike? I loved how you went back and found the story you knew was there! Camera must be in hand with you at all times huh?
What a talented man Dale Strong is and with the unique set of tools he uses to create his works of art. God has gifted each of us with something and it's so inspiring when I see what others have been gifted with.
Thanks for sharing!
He sure is! (Dale, I mean) I do have the camera with me all the time--even in church. People have gotten used to me taking photos of people "up front" like this one. I play with the photo in photoshop, make a card, and send it with a "thank you" note. People need to be appreciated.
Mike in Tucson
Wow, I'm glad I came back and read the comments. Dale thank you for sharing the information about Henry El Kaim. What talented men.