The unveiling of these four magnificent murals represents one of the most significant public art celebrations in Tucson’s recent history. The Rio Nuevo District collaborated with the Visit Tucson, Downtown Tucson Partnership, Presidio Museum and the Mayor’s Office, to commission four new murals throughout the downtown area, creating a cultural tour that spans centuries of our shared heritage.
A Historic Collaboration Unfolds
The unveiling of these four magnificent murals represents one of the most significant public art celebrations in Tucson’s recent history. The Rio Nuevo District collaborated with the Mayor’s Office, Visit Tucson, Downtown Tucson Partnership and the Presidio Museum to commission four new murals throughout the downtown area, creating a cultural tour that spans centuries of our shared heritage.
Four artists — Pen Macias, Joe Pagac, Ignacio Garcia and Camila Ibarra — have been commissioned by Rio Nuevo to paint four murals as part of Old Pueblo’s anniversary celebration. With a total investment of $108,000, these works are drivers of our creative economy and testament to the power of community collaboration.
The artists were given extraordinary creative freedom, with only a few unifying elements: incorporating the mayor’s 250 logo and honoring the linguistic evolution of our city’s name through S-cukSon, Tucsón, and Tucson. The public art project celebrates Tucson’s upcoming 250th anniversary in August and honors over two millennia of cultural history.
Meet the Masters Behind the Magic
Pen Macias: A Journey Through Time
Pen Macias has created “Tucson250+,” a breathtaking temporal narrative located at the northeast corner of West Congress Street and North Church Avenue. Her mural unfolds like a historical timeline, featuring three distinct vignettes that transport viewers from the ancient Hohokam settlement through the Spanish creation of the Presidio, culminating in Tucson’s modern downtown development. The piece brilliantly connects past and present, with a car driving toward the distance where Joe Pagac’s iconic saguaro mural creates a visual bridge to contemporary Tucson. It’s a masterpiece of storytelling that captures the essence of our city’s evolution.
Ignacio Garcia: Honoring Indigenous Roots
Ignacio Garcia’s mural stands as a powerful tribute to Tucson’s Indigenous heritage, featuring members of the Tohono O’odham and Pascua Yaqui tribes. Located along Arizona Avenue near Congress Street, this work holds special significance as Garcia’s first commissioned piece to include sacred imagery like the deer dancer and Tohono O’odham people. “It kind of shows the root of downtown, where it all started,” Garcia explains. This mural honors the living cultures that continue to shape our city today.
Joe Pagac: Celebrating with Desert Spirit
Known throughout Tucson for his vibrant desert iconography, Joe Pagac brings his signature style to La Placita Garage with a spectacular 240-foot-wide celebration piece. His mural features a whimsical Gila monster sporting a birthday hat, complete with a cupcake and candle, surrounded by historical symbols including Native American pottery, a Mexican blanket, cowboy spurs, and the mountain ranges that embrace our city. As a lifelong Tucsonan, Pagac calls this commission “a huge honor” and his joyful approach perfectly captures the celebratory spirit of our 250th anniversary.
Camila Ibarra: Weaving Past and Present
Camila Ibarra’s mural beautifully weaves together Tucson’s cultural tapestry, featuring a Tohono O’odham woman weaving a basket, the San Xavier Mission, the Presidio, Father Kino on horseback, and the arrival of the railroad. Her work embodies the theme of honoring the past while embracing Tucson’s modern identity, creating a visual narrative that spans centuries of cultural evolution. The piece represents months of careful research and community collaboration, ensuring each element was captured “correctly and as beautifully as I can,” as Ibarra describes her meticulous process. What makes this mural even more remarkable is the artist’s own journey—the Sahuaro High School graduate who once painted murals in her school cafeteria, went on to study engineering at ASU before finally following her artistic calling full-time in January 2025. Her transition from engineer to full-time muralist mirrors the very theme of her artwork: honoring tradition while boldly stepping into the future.
The Grand Unveiling Experience
The official unveiling celebration takes place on July 25th at HighWire (30 W. Arizona Alley), bringing together art lovers, history enthusiasts, and proud Tucsonans for an evening of culture and community. The event featured artist meet-and-greets, guided walking tours, Tucson Trolley Tour excursions, and refreshments, creating an immersive experience that allowed attendees to not just see the murals, but understand the stories and passion behind each brushstroke.
Your Mural Adventure Awaits
These four murals have transformed downtown Tucson into an open-air gallery, creating a cultural walking tour that celebrates our city’s incredible diversity and resilience. Whether you explore on foot or by trolley, each mural offers a unique perspective on what makes Tucson extraordinary.
Take Home a Piece of History
The Tucson Gallery is proud to offer exclusive commemorative postcards featuring all four stunning murals from Tucson’s 250th anniversary celebration. These beautifully designed postcards capture the vibrant colors and intricate details of each artwork, making them perfect keepsakes or gifts for fellow art enthusiasts. Whether you’re sending greetings to friends and family or adding to your own collection, these postcards allow you to share the magic of Tucson’s artistic heritage wherever you go.
Each postcard set includes high-quality photography of the murals by Pen Macias, Ignacio Garcia, Joe Pagac, and Camila Ibarra, complete with artist information.. Look for them at The Tucson Gallery during the event to secure your set of these limited-edition commemorative pieces.
Ready to Experience Tucson’s 250th Anniversary Murals?
🎨 Take the self-guided tour and discover all four murals throughout downtown Tucson
🖼️ Visit our artist pages to learn more about Pen Macias, Joe Pagac, Ignacio Garcia, and Camila Ibarra
📬 Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know about our grand reopening this October
📸 Share your mural photos using #Tucson250Murals or #CelebrateTucsonArt
As we celebrate 250 years of Tucson’s rich history, these murals remind us that art has the power to unite communities, preserve stories, and inspire future generations. They’re permanent monuments to the creativity, diversity, and spirit that make Tucson truly one-of-a-kind.
External Sources:
This Is Tucson – New downtown murals to celebrate 250 years of Tucson history: https://thisistucson.com/tucsonlife/article_c1346b2c-d5dd-4115-9efe-6810770cd6b3.html
