When most people hear the phrase "Four Corners," they probably think of the famous Southwestern landmark where the states of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah meet. In Tucson, however, Four Corners has taken on a whole new meaning, thanks to the work of the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance (SAACA).
The arts organization has teamed up with local businesses, artists and restaurants to present the Four Corners Festival, a celebration of one of the city's burgeoning arts and shopping districts.
The four corners in question are home to La Encantada Shopping Center (northwest corner), the Plaza Colonial (southwest corner), Gallery Row (northeast corner) and the Paloma Village (southeast corner). All four corners are home to an eclectic mix of boutiques and art galleries.
Local art is the main attraction at Tucson's Four Corners Festival, which celebrates one of the city's most eclectic art and shopping districts — Photo courtesy of Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance
The festival, now in its third year, will take place on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 16, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free to the public.
This year, the Four Corners Festival will be adding a new item to its schedule: a juried art exhibit. There will also be live music, performance art, culinary arts demonstrations, film screenings, public art, food tastings from local restaurants and wine tastings.
Artists will be stationed on all four corners of the intersection throughout the weekend. At La Encantada Shopping Center, more than 40 fine artists will be on hand to display their work and chat with local art enthusiasts. While guests enjoy the art, they can also take in performances by strolling musicians and get deals on merchant specials.
As part of the event, La Encantada restaurants will be offering happy hour specials for festival-goers. Some of the restaurants at the Spanish-inspired shopping center include Blanco Tacos + Tequila, RA Sushi Bar, Firebirds Wood Fired Grill and North.
Across the street at the Plaza Colonial, there will be folkloric dancing, artisan demonstrations and a diverse selection of handmade textiles and craft goods available for purchase.
Paloma Village will present culinary demonstrations, fine art demonstrations and deals on locally made goods. Over at Gallery Row, there will be live art demonstrations, public art displays and wine tastings.
SAACA hopes the festival will shine a light on an overlooked section of Tucson's art community. The Four Corners district has long been a destination for upscale shopping and locally made goods, but the neighborhood is only now being recognized as home to one of the liveliest cross sections of Tucson art and culture.
