06/11/2026
With the mercury expected to hit 104 degrees in Tucson today, a group of residents from Handmaker's Rubin AL Neighborhood went Out and About to the University of Arizona Museum of Art.
We could not have a better guide to this incredible museum than our docent Liz. Her tour concentrated on a few pieces of art on exhibit from the museum's collection, but we learned a lot from seeing, discussing, and hearing some stories about those pieces.
Liz showed us a wide range of art, from portraits of wealthy aristocrats, to a mythological scene, as well as some modern pieces. We spent some in front of "Green on Blue" by Mark Rothko, each visitor sharing what they saw and felt. That exercise helped the group appreciate this piece more, although Jane still would not like to have it hanging on her living room wall.
Liz told us the story of the theft of their de Koening painting, Woman-Ochre, which we got to see on display behind a glass casing. The painting was stolen by a couple who arrived just before the museum opened one day. The couple and the painting disappeared. The painting turned up 30 years later at an antique sale in New Mexico, and the museum finally got it back!
Thanks so much to Myriam and Willa who were so accommodating in arranging this visit, and to our phenomenal docent, Liz. And of course to Ramon for getting us there and back safely, and to Monica and Yedida for chaperoning.
We will be back to see more again soon!
