Pima Arts Announces a Season of Bold Stories and Creative Expression

Tucson, Arizona - This season, Pima Arts celebrates the enduring traditions of the arts while giving today’s emerging creators space to imagine what comes next. From fresh perspectives on beloved stories and timeless musical traditions to contemporary dance, visual art, digital media and fashion, the 2026-27 season brings together the rich artistic heritage of the past with the bold ideas and creative voices of the future. Featuring the talents of Pima Community College students, faculty, educators and guest artists, the season offers audiences an inspiring and diverse celebration of the arts.

Health Sciences Art Gallery

PCC West Campus, Health Professions Center of Excellence, 2202 W. Anklam Road. Programs and exhibitions are always free to the public.

The Human Condition: Berlin Prints & Intaglio Plates by James G. Davis

Aug. 31, 2026-May 28, 2027

Reception: 5-7 p.m., Sept. 17 (Joint reception with the Louis Carlos Bernal Gallery)

“The Human Condition: Berlin Prints & Intaglio Plates by James G. Davis” showcases a selection of intaglio prints, original zinc and copper plates, and materials from “The Berlin Book,” a limited-edition portfolio created during Davis’s time working in Berlin. Drawn from the collection of Tucson collector John Wells, the exhibition offers insight into the printmaking process and the international influences that shaped Davis’s artistic career.

Desert Vista Art Gallery

PCC Desert Vista Campus, Pueblo Building, 5901 S. Calle Santa Cruz. Programs and exhibitions are always free to the public.

Illuminations of Sacred Paper: Trudi Connolly

Aug. 24, 2026-May 28, 2027

Reception: 3-5 p.m., Sept. 30

“Illuminations of Sacred Paper: Trudi Connolly” features intricate hand-cut paper collages by Tucson artist and scholar Trudi Connolly. Drawing on her background in comparative literature and years of study in the humanities, Connolly transforms fragments of printed materials into richly detailed works inspired by illuminated manuscripts. Through thousands of carefully arranged paper pieces, she explores themes of history, literature, domestic life, grief and desire, inviting viewers to consider how meaning, memory and knowledge are built from the fragments of everyday life.

Louis Carlos Bernal Gallery

PCC West Campus, Center for the Arts, 2202 W. Anklam Road. Programs and exhibitions are always free to the public.

From Wichita to Oracle: James G. Davis & Joy Fox McGrew

Aug. 31-Oct. 9

Joint Reception with Health Sciences Gallery: 5-7 p.m., Sept, 17 (6 p.m. lecture)

“From Wichita to Oracle” celebrates the life and legacy of artist and educator James G. Davis, marking 10 years since his passing. The exhibition brings together works by Davis and renowned ceramic artist Joy Fox McGrew, highlighting a friendship that began in Wichita, Kansas, and continued through their shared involvement in Southern Arizona’s arts community. Featuring McGrew’s sculptures and presented alongside “The Human Condition” at the Health Sciences Art Gallery, the exhibition explores the lasting creative connections and artistic contributions that helped shape the region’s cultural landscape.

Artists from the Border: Oscar Bernal & Alejandro Macias

Oct. 29-Dec. 11

Reception: 5-7 p.m., Nov. 12

“Artists from the Border” brings together the work of painters Oscar Bernal and Alejandro Macias, whose artistic practices have been shaped by life along the U.S.-Mexico border. Through portraiture, abstraction and layered imagery, the exhibition explores themes of identity, place and cultural influence while highlighting connections between personal experience and the history of painting. Spanning generations and perspectives, their works reflect the enduring impact of border communities on contemporary art.

Lens - Future Tense: Mehrdad Mirzaie & Andrés Caballero

Jan. 25-March 5, 2027

Reception: 5-7 p.m., Feb. 4

“Lens - Future Tense: Mehrdad Mirzaie & Andrés Caballero” brings together two emerging artists whose work examines culture, history and identity through innovative photographic practices. Originally from Tehran, Iran, Mirzaie explores photography, archives and alternative image-making processes to investigate how visual histories are preserved, reinterpreted and sometimes lost over time. Caballero, originally from Mexico City and a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Arizona, focuses on migration, surveillance and marginalization along the U.S.-Mexico border, incorporating LiDAR technology to capture warmth, movement and unseen dimensions of the landscape. Together, their work highlights photography as a powerful tool for research, discovery and cultural dialogue.

2027 Annual Juried Student Award Art Exhibition

April 5-May 7, 2027

Reception: 3-5 p.m., April 14 (4 p.m. awards ceremony)

This annual exhibition brings together the jurors’ selections of the best works of student artists produced during the 2026 summer and fall semesters and spring 2027 semester from all of Pima Community College’s campuses. Jurors: TBD

Visual Arts Gallery

Pima West Campus, 2202 W. Anklam Road, Santa Rita Building, second floor. Programs and exhibitions are always free to the public.

Quiet Pursuits: PaperWorks Sonoran Art Collective

Sept. 21-Oct. 30

Reception: 2-4 p.m., Sept. 23

“Quiet Pursuits: PaperWorks Sonoran Art Collective” is a juried exhibition presented through PaperWorks that celebrates the power of reflection, observation and personal discovery. Featuring works that emerge from moments of contemplation, the exhibition invites artists and viewers alike to slow down and notice the subtle details that shape our experiences – shifts in light, mood, memory and atmosphere. Rather than seeking definitive answers, “Quiet Pursuits” embraces curiosity and open-ended exploration, revealing how meaning can be found in the act of searching itself. Through a diverse collection of artwork, the exhibition offers a thoughtful space for connection, introspection and quiet wonder.

All Campus Visual and Digital Arts Student Exhibition

Nov. 16, 2026-Jan. 29, 2027

Reception: 2-4 p.m., Nov. 18

This annual student art exhibit celebrates the creativity, skill and innovation of Pima’s emerging artists. Featuring works from the spring, summer and fall 2026 semesters, the show offers a dynamic mix of mediums and styles, highlighting the artistic growth, dedication and unique voices of our talented students.

Visions & Voices: PCC Adjunct Arts Faculty

Feb. 17-March 26, 2027

Reception: 2-4 p.m., Feb. 17

“Visions and Voices: PCC Adjunct Arts Faculty” celebrates the talented instructors teaching Visual Arts at Pima Community College in the 2026-27 academic year. Featuring work across a variety of mediums, the exhibition highlights the artistic excellence and diverse creative practices of the instructors who inspire Pima students every day. By showcasing the work of these dedicated educators, the exhibition fosters greater connection within the arts community and gives students the opportunity to experience artwork created by their own teachers.

BorderLens/SW – A Women's Photography & Cinematography Collective

April 12, 2027 - Sept. 3, 2028

Reception: 2-4 p.m., April 21

“BorderLens/SW – A Women’s Photography & Cinematography Collective” brings together the work of women artists using photography and film to explore identity, place, memory and the world around them. The exhibition highlights diverse perspectives and approaches to visual storytelling, showcasing the ways women artists document, interpret and connect with their communities and experiences.

Pima Theater

Neverland: The Lost Shadows

Oct. 1-4, Thu.-Sat., 7 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 2 p.m.; ASL Night, Oct. 2

In this original work written and performed by Pima Theater students, and directed and choreographed by Chris Will and Claire Elise Hancock, the story of Neverland continues after Peter Pan and the Darlings have returned to London. When a mysterious plague causes the island’s inhabitants to lose their shadows, Tiger Lily and her friends set out across Neverland to find the mysterious Shadow Snatcher. Their journey takes them through a world of magic, friendship and adventure as they race to reclaim the stolen shadows and save Neverland before its magic disappears forever. Tickets: $15, $10 Students/Seniors/Military/Groups

Frankenstein’s Monster

Oct. 22-Nov. 1, Thurs.-Sat. 7 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m.; ASL Night, Oct. 30

Written and directed by Maryann Green, this fresh approach to the classic gothic horror story brings new humanity to the Creature and greater depth to the women in Victor Frankenstein’s life. The production explores what it means to be human, from our need for belonging to the fear, hatred and violence that can arise when we feel threatened or rejected. Tickets: $15, $10 Students/Seniors/Military/Groups

Come from Away

Feb. 25-March 7, Thurs.-Sat., 7 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m.; ASL Night. March 5

Book, Music and Lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein. Directed by Maryann Green and Chris Will. When 38 planes are forced to land unexpectedly in a small town on Canada’s Newfoundland Island following the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the local community opens its doors to thousands of stranded passengers. Based on a true story, “Come From Away” is an uplifting musical about unexpected friendship, generosity and the ways people can come together in times of crisis.

Tickets: $20, $15 Students/Seniors/Military/Groups

Boeing Boeing

April 15-25, Thurs.-Sat., 7 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m.; ASL Night, April 23

Directed by Robin Boussel. Written by Marc Camoletti. A hilarious farce of infidelity, secrets and mid-century air travel, complete with near misses, mistaken identities and increasingly desperate cover-ups. When a bachelor’s carefully managed life of romance begins to unravel, keeping his three fiancées from discovering each other becomes a high-flying comedy of errors.

Tickets: $15, $10 Students/Seniors/Military/Groups

Pima Music

Music performances are held at Pima West Campus, Center for the Arts.

Fall and Spring Music Showcase

Oct. 18 and April 4, 1-5 p.m.

Experience an afternoon immersed in the melody, harmony and rhythm of Pima’s diverse music ensembles. From the harmonious voices of Chorale & College Singers to the dynamic performances of our Concert Band, Symphonic

Orchestra, Jazz Band, Guitar Ensemble, Musical Theater Workshop and Mariachi Azteca de Pima College, performances will offer an array of creative and skillful performances to revel in. Free Admission

Michael Lich, Guitar Faculty Recital

Oct. 22, 7 p.m.

Enjoy an engaging evening of classical guitar performed by Pima guitar instructor Michael Lich. The program will showcase a diverse selection of traditional and contemporary works, including J.S. Bach’s “Violin Partita No. 3,” Lich’s new transcription of Maurice Ravel’s “Sonatine” and pieces by jazz guitarists Julian Lage and Ralph Towner. Audiences can expect a rich and varied musical experience highlighting Lich’s artistry and the versatility of the classical guitar. Tickets: $6, $5 Students/Seniors/Military/Groups

Piano Day

Nov. 21, 2026 and April 24, 2027, 3 p.m

These piano recitals provide the opportunity for you to enjoy captivating performances from a diverse lineup of Pima piano faculty, talented students and accomplished alumni.

Free Admission

Percussion Ensemble

Dec. 7, 2026 and May 10, 2027, 7 p.m.

Pima’s Percussion Ensemble, directed by Trevor Barroero, D.M.A., perform an exciting and diverse array of traditional and contemporary percussion ensemble repertoire, utilizing more than two dozen different instruments, including marimbas, xylophones, vibraphones, snare drums, cymbals and hand drums. These performances are certain to be exhilarating for audience members of all ages and backgrounds.

Tickets: $6, $5 Students/Seniors/Military/Groups

Jazz Band

Dec. 9, 2026 and May 12, 2027, 7 p.m.

Under the direction of Scott Black, the band plays jazz standards from a variety of periods in big band style. Tickets: $6, $5 Students/Seniors/Military/Groups

Concert Band

Dec. 10, 2026 and May 13, 2027, 7 p.m.

Under the direction of Victor Valenzuela, the ensemble will perform classics for a full band.

Tickets: $6, $5 Students/Seniors/Military/Groups

Mariachi Azteca de Pima College

Dec. 11, 2026 and May 14, 2027, 7 p.m.

Mariachi Azteca de Pima College, led by director Salvador Gallegos, will perform mariachi standards along with modern compositions, including Mexican variations and styles of the Son, Ranchera, Huasteca and Bolero. Tickets: $6, $5 Students/Seniors/Military/Groups

Orchestra

Dec. 12, 2026 and May 15, 2027, 3 p.m.

Under the direction of Anne Grimes, D.M.A., the Pima Symphonic Orchestra brings together many talented musicians to perform a mix of classical and modern pieces, including famous orchestral standards, concerto movements, musical theater hits, movie themes and more.

Tickets: $6, $5 Students/Seniors/Military/Groups

Guitar Ensemble

Dec. 12, 2026 and May 15, 2027 7 p.m.

Under the direction of Michael Lich, the ensemble, as well as soloists, perform a mix of classical and contemporary repertoire on classical guitars.

Tickets: $6, $5 Students/Seniors/Military/Groups

Chorale & College Singers

Dec. 13, 2026 and May 16, 2027, 3 p.m.

Immerse yourself in the enchanting melodies of the Chorale & College Singers, directed by Jonathan Ng, D.M.A. With a diverse repertoire, the group performs as a grand mixed-voice choir and an a capella ensemble. Tickets: $6, $5 Students/Seniors/Military/Groups

Musical Theater Workshop

Dec. 15, 2026 and May 18, 2027, 4 p.m.

Under the direction of Chris Will and Anne Grimes, students in the Musical Theater workshop perform a condensed version of a popular musical.

Free Admission

Raymond Ryder Piano Recital

Feb. 7, 2027, 3 p.m.

Pianist Raymond T. Ryder presents an evening of music spanning four centuries, featuring works by J.S. Bach and contemporary Arizona composer Connor Chee. This recital offers audiences a chance to hear how piano music has changed and developed over time through a variety of styles and composers.

Tickets: $6, $5 Students/Seniors/Military/Groups

Guitar Orchestra Festival

April 10, 2027, 7 p.m.

This event will feature classical guitar ensembles from around Arizona. Groups include those made up of students from Pima’s Guitar Ensemble, the University of Arizona, Northern Arizona University and Sahuaro High School. Celebrate the beauty and power of the guitar, where the sounds of different cultures and styles will unite for a mesmerizing performance.

Free Admission

Pima Dance

Fall and Spring Dance Concerts

Dec. 4 & 5, 2026 and May 7 & 8, 2027, 7 p.m.

Dance lead Julie Andrews guides Pima Dance students in delivering captivating performances throughout the year. In both Fall and Spring concerts, the company showcases an impressive array of faculty- and student-choreographed pieces, embracing an eclectic mix of dance styles, such as contemporary, jazz, ballet, folklórico, modern and hip-hop. Tickets: $10, $8 Students/Seniors/Military/Groups

Pima Digital Arts

The Digital Arts Awards

May 21, 2027, Expo and Reception, 6 p.m.; Awards, 7 p.m.

The Digital Arts Awards bring the red-carpet excitement of an awards night to Pima Community College, honoring the year’s best student filmmakers and animators. The evening features the announcement of top honors and clips from winning films, motion graphics and animations. Before the ceremony, guests can explore a portfolio tabling event of graduating students, student work of our DAR Design and illustration students and even play-test student board games. Come join Pima faculty, industry professionals and community members on hand to celebrate emerging talent. Free Admission

Pima Fashion Design

Spring 2027 Fashion Runway Show

May 22, 7 p.m.; VIP Reception, 5:30 p.m.

Led by Fashion Department Head Jessica Peel Scott, this year’s Spring Fashion Runway Show highlights the creativity and innovation of Pima’s emerging designers. The evening will showcase stunning student collections alongside designs from accomplished alumni, all brought to life with the latest apparel technology. A special highlight of the night is the highly anticipated upcycling collaboration with Goodwill Industries, where fashion meets sustainability in bold and unexpected ways.

Tickets: TBA

What: Pima Arts 2026-2027 Season
Where: Center for the Arts, Pima West Campus, 2202 W. Anklam Road
When: August 2026 through May 2027
Additional info: Tickets can be purchased online at pimaarts.com. Prices vary; see descriptions for details. If you have questions, call 520-206-6986 or email centerforthearts@pima.edu.

Pima Arts encompasses an array of artistic disciplines that ignite the imagination and foster innovation. Pima Arts encompasses performing arts, visual arts, fashion design, and digital arts. Led by a team of highly skilled and passionate faculty members, Pima Arts is committed to imparting their expertise and knowledge to inspire and guide the next generation of creative minds. Students are provided with a rich and immersive learning experience that empowers them to explore their artistic potential.

To learn more about Pima Arts:

Founded in 1969, Pima Community College offers degrees and certificates in more than 100 transfer and occupational programs at teaching sites throughout Pima County. To learn more, visit www.pima.edu or call (520) 206-4500.

Contact: Carina Garcia, Marketing and Publicity Coordinator
Arts Division - Pima Community College
clisalda@pima.edu, 520-206-3062