Catalyst Creative Collective
Where Arizona’s Creativity Comes to Collaborate.
The Catalyst Creative Collective is Art State Arizona’s 14,000-square-foot hub for creativity, innovation, and community connection. Located in the heart of Tucson at the Tucson Mall, Catalyst is a one-of-a-kind venue where artists, educators, cultural organizations, nonprofits, and businesses work side-by-side to integrate the arts into everyday life.
Inside Catalyst, every corner tells a story: an artist painting in the open studio, a chef leading a hands-on cooking class in the teaching kitchen, a musician recording in the sound booth, a nonprofit hosting a strategy meeting, or a community coming together for a festival or performance.
The space is designed for versatility—transforming easily from a gallery to a concert hall, from a workshop space to a community meeting room. It’s a place where ideas are shared, collaborations are born, and creative work is celebrated in all its forms.
Space Highlights:
Main Floor – Stage, 4K projector, flexible theater and conference seating, performance and exhibition venue
Commercially Licensed Teaching Kitchen – Food production, catering space, culinary education, and small business incubation
2D & 3D Gallery Spaces – Over 40 linear feet of rotating exhibitions with moveable walls, installations, and murals from regional artists and community partners
Music & Digital Production Lab – Podcast, film, and music creation
Flexible Meeting & Office and Studio Spaces – Locking offices, studios, and coworking areas
Classroom & Studio Spaces – For workshops, classes, networking, rehearsals, or production needs.
History & Origin Story of Catalyst
Tucson’s hub for creativity, collaboration, and community impact.
Located inside the Tucson Mall, Catalyst Creative Collective is a 14,000-square-foot cultural hub where artists, educators, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs come together to share resources, spark ideas, and celebrate culture.
More than just a venue, Catalyst is a flexible ecosystem designed to grow with its community. Spaces can be rented for half-day, full-day, or long-term use, with benefits like co-promotion on the Catalyst calendar, cross-sector networking, and year-round opportunities to showcase your work.
Our mission: to foster sustainable collaboration and collective impact—creating a vibrant environment where connection, creativity, and celebration thrive. From public festivals and exhibitions to coworking and rehearsals, Catalyst is where ideas come to life.
Current partners include digital creators, culinary entrepreneurs, and visual and performing artists, along with nonprofits like the Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra, Esperanza Dance Project, Tucson Youth Music, and the Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures. Together, they represent Tucson’s diverse creative fabric.
Catalyst: Redefining Collective Collaboration for Arizona’s Creative Future.
Catalyst opened in late 2019, transforming an unused retail space into one of Arizona’s most adaptable cultural venues. Founded by Art State Arizona (formerly the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance), the vision was clear: to create a highly accessible and affordable space where creativity could thrive without limits.
Since its opening, Catalyst has hosted thousands of events, exhibitions, and residencies, bringing together artists, musicians, chefs, nonprofits, and innovators from across Arizona.
It was intentionally built to break down silos—encouraging collaboration between disciplines and fostering connections between the arts and sectors like education, business, healthcare, and tourism.
Today, Catalyst stands as a model for adaptive reuse, community-driven design, and creative placemaking, inspiring other communities across the state to envision similar spaces.
Location, Parking & Accesibility
Tucson Mall
Catalyst Creative Collective
Tucson Mall – Lower Level, near the Sears and JC Penney entrance
4500 N. Oracle Road, Suite 110
Tucson, AZ 85705
Catalyst is centrally located in Tucson, with easy access from I-10, major surface roads, and public transportation routes. The venue offers:
Free parking in multiple lots surrounding the mall
Directions/Parking: The Catalyst Creative Collective is located on the lower level West wing of Tucson Mall. The closest parking is located at the Southwest corner of the Mall, between Sears and JCPenney, near the corner of Oracle and Wetmore Road. The entrance to the mall is between the two stores (Mall Entrance 3). When you enter, Catalyst is just ahead and to the right. Look for the long glass windows with Catalyst Creative Collective marked above the door.
Accessibility: Catalyst is fully located on the first floor with accessible parking and mall entry from Lot 3. The space includes four restrooms, two of which are wheelchair accessible, as well as a drinking fountain. All areas are designed for ease of access for visitors with limited mobility.
Public Transportation: Catalyst is conveniently located at the Tohono Tadai Transit Center, making it one of the most accessible creative hubs in Tucson. Multiple Sun Tran bus routes stop directly at the transit center. Whether you’re commuting daily or visiting for an event, public transportation offers an easy, affordable, and sustainable way to connect with Catalyst. Plan your trip with Sun Tran’s route maps and schedules at www.suntran.com
The entrance is clearly marked and easy to find—just steps from the parking area and minutes from shopping, dining, and other amenities.
Sponsors
Calendar of Events
Check Out our Constantly Evolving Calendar of Events in Catalyst
From intimate concerts to large-scale art markets, Catalyst hosts events all year long. The calendar features:
Visual art exhibitions
Culinary classes and chef showcases
Hands-on workshops in multiple mediums
Music and film screenings
Cultural festivals and special events
Venue Overview | Rooms and Amenities
Catalyst is a Space where everyone walks away inspired
Catalyst’s adaptable floorplan and range of spaces can be customized for nearly any event, from intimate gatherings to large-scale productions. The space is fully climate-controlled, with modern lighting, AV capabilities, and staff support available to ensure a seamless experience.
Teaching & Commercial License Kitchen
A Culinary Classroom for Creativity
The Teaching Kitchen is a 650 sq. ft. commercially licensed kitchen designed for chefs, educators, and culinary artisans. Perfect for cooking classes, chef demonstrations, tastings, food photography, and private dining experiences, the space combines professional-grade equipment with an inviting atmosphere for interactive learning and events.
Capacity & Layout
· Size: 650 sq. ft.
· Capacity: Up to 25 participants
· Seating: Stools at a central demonstration island plus flexible arrangements for classes or tastings
Features & Amenities
· Stainless steel prep tables and demonstration island
· Commercial refrigerator and freezer
· Convection oven and microwave
· 3-basin sink
· High-speed internet
· Storage and prep areas directly connected to the kitchen
Technology & AV
· Rolling 42” monitor available upon request for presentations, recipes, or live video demonstrations
Ideal Uses
· Hands-on cooking classes
· Chef demonstrations and culinary workshops
· Food tastings and pairing events
· Food photography and media shoots
· Private dining experiences or catered gatherings
· Prep and production kitchen for events and pop-ups
This space gives chefs and creatives the tools to not only cook but to teach, showcase, and share culinary culture in an engaging, professional environment.
Music & Film Recording Studio
A Creative Hub for Sound and Vision
The Music & Digital Media Lab is a fully equipped studio designed for musicians, podcasters, filmmakers, photographers, digital artists, and educators. This 1,100 sq. ft. space is ideal for media-based classes, rehearsals, recording sessions, photography shoots, intimate concerts, and digital art projects.
Capacity & Layout
· Size: 1,100 sq. ft.
· Capacity: Up to 40 people
· Seating: Red padded chairs and multiple table options for flexible setups
Features & Amenities
· 72” Smart TV with Bose sound bar
· Tables and seating for workshops or classes
·Listening-room atmosphere for small concerts
· High-speed internet
Instruments
· Kawai baby grand piano
· Ivers & Pond baby grand piano
· Electric and acoustic guitars
· Guitar and bass amplifiers
· Basic drum kit
Audio Gear
· iMac Producer Station with JBL studio monitors
· Focusrite 18i20 Scarlett Recording Interface
· Cloud 44A Ribbon Microphone
· Rhode NT1 Condenser Microphone
· Hollyland Lark M1 Bluetooth mic
· Shure PG Series microphone kit
· Cloudlifter preamp
· Vocal and drum isolation booths
Film & Photography Gear
· (2) Blackmagic Pocket Cinema cameras
· Canon Rebel DSLR camera
· (2) Photography softboxes
· (2) Tripods
· Green, grey, and black backdrops with stands
· 6 LED uplights
Professional Support
Use of recording and film equipment requires supervised sessions or an approved engineer, ensuring professional-quality results for every project.
Ideal Uses
· Music recording and rehearsals
· Podcast production
· Film shoots and video production
· Photography sessions
· Multimedia art projects
· Educational classes and workshops
· Listening-room style concerts
Community Room
Bright, Adaptable, and Ready to Work
The Flexible Classroom offers 750 sq. ft. of versatile space designed for learning, collaboration, and creativity. Perfect for workshops, staff meetings, training sessions, networking events, or small receptions, the room is equipped to support both in-person and hybrid gatherings.
Capacity & Layout
· Size: 750 sq. ft.
· Capacity: Up to 35 people
· Seating: Rolling chairs and movable wooden tables (8’ x 2’) allow for multiple configurations—from classroom rows to collaborative clusters.
Features & Amenities
· Mini-fridge for refreshments
· Keurig coffee maker
· High-speed internet access
· Bright, open design with flexible arrangements
Technology & AV
· 72” Smart TV with wireless casting
· Bose sound bar for clear audio
· Desktop computer with PowerPoint
· Meeting Owl for seamless hybrid/remote participation
· Whiteboards and additional presentation tools available
Ideal Uses
This classroom adapts easily to your needs:
· Art workshops and creative classes
· Staff and board meetings
· Training sessions and seminars
· Networking mixers and small receptions
· Hybrid presentations and collaborative gatherings
Main Event Floor
A Dynamic, Flexible Event Space
The Main Floor is the beating heart of Catalyst—a 2,600 sq. ft. open, adaptable space designed to bring your vision to life. Whether you’re planning a concert, conference, fundraiser, vendor market, film screening, or gala, this venue transforms seamlessly to fit your needs.
Capacity & Layout
· Size: 2,600 sq. ft.
· Capacity: Up to 200 guests
· Seating: Flexible arrangements, from banquet-style dining to standing-room concerts
Features & Amenities
· Stage: 8’ x 16’ main stage
· Lighting: Stage and performance lighting
· Restrooms: 4 accessible restrooms + drinking fountain
· Wi-Fi: Lightning-fast internet throughout the space
Technology & AV
· 4K projector and large-format screen
· Fully equipped sound system with wireless microphones
· Professional stage lighting
· Hybrid-ready capabilities for livestreaming and multimedia production
Catering & Food Service
· On-site Kitchen available for catering setup
· Outside food and beverage permitted
Arts Activations – Make It Unforgettable
Elevate your event with creative experiences from our Partner Arts Activation Menu, including:
· Team-building workshops
· Interactive performances
· Culinary demonstrations
· Cultural showcases and more
Past Transformations
The Main Floor has hosted an extraordinary range of events:
· Concerts and music showcases (jazz to indie rock)
· Theater and spoken word productions
· Dance performances across genres
· Film screenings with surround sound
· Artisan markets and culinary festivals
· Corporate conferences and statewide summits
· Gallery extensions and large-scale installations
· Fundraisers, seated banquets, and award nights
· Student recitals and competitions
· Cultural celebrations and world traditions
· Maker fairs and hands-on workshops
The adaptability of the Main Floor makes it equally at home as a black-tie ballroom or a buzzing festival hub—an inspired blank canvas waiting for your event.
Working Studios & Flexible Classroom & Meeting Spaces
A shared working environment where artists, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs can focus on their work while surrounded by inspiration.
Features:
· Dedicated desks or shared table space
· Access to all common areas
· Networking opportunities with fellow creatives
· Large and Small Meeting and Classroom flexible space
Prices can range depending on the size of the studio, length of rental, or use of multiple dedicated spaces
Rental Rates
Rental Rate Overview
Catalyst offers flexible rental options for classes, workshops, meetings, and events. Bookings are available by the half-day or full day, with opportunities for arts-related public events to be co-promoted through Catalyst networks.
Space Rental Rates
Classroom Rental
$200 – Half Day (4 hours, includes setup & breakdown)
$300 – Full Day (8 hours, includes setup & breakdown)
+$50 per additional hour
Main Floor Rental
$400 – Half Day (4-hour minimum, includes setup & breakdown)
$800 – Full Day (8 hours, includes setup & breakdown)
Private Rental – Entire Space
$1,200 – Half Day (4-hour minimum, includes setup & breakdown)
$2,000 – Full Day (8 hours, includes setup & breakdown)
Rates apply Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Add 10% for weekday bookings after 5 p.m.
Add 10% for weekend bookings (Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.)
Non-Profit Discount on Venue Rentals
At CATALYST Creative Collective, we’re proud to support the organizations that uplift and serve our community. To make our space more accessible, we offer a 20% discount on all venue rentals for registered non-profit organizations. Whether you’re planning a performance, community gathering, fundraiser, or educational event, CATALYST provides flexible, affordable space designed to help your mission thrive.
Add-On Services & Equipment
Audio/Visual
4K Projector – $50
Laptop with PowerPoint – $50
Sound System (background audio only) – $100
Sound System (background audio + 2 microphones) – $100 + $25/hr sound tech
Meeting Owl (hybrid meetings) – $50/day
Bluetooth Jambox – $25/half day
Media Lab – Music & Film
Piano rental (Kawai Baby Grand) – $150
Piano tuning – $150
Green screen backdrop – $50
Additional music/film gear available upon request (project rates apply)
Event Furniture & Décor
Banquet Tables (8’ plastic) – $10 each
Black Linens – $50 (up to 10 tables) / $100 (10+ tables)
Custom layouts, special lighting, and other requests available ($100–$500)
Food and Beverage
Alcohol
BYO Permit: Available after 4 p.m.
Hosted Bar:
$75 setup fee (includes table, linen, ice, and serving bins)
$100/hr per bartender
View Alcohol FAQ Document
Catering
Catalyst partners with a wide range of preferred caterers.
Outside catering is permitted.
Marketing Support
Arts-related classes and events may be promoted through Catalyst channels, including:
Social media posts
Printed calendars
Digital mall signage
Monthly e-blast (10,000+ reach)
Events subject to approval.
Art Activations
Add unique creative experiences to your event.
Virtual Tours of Catalyst
Take a virtual walk through the Catalyst Creative Collective
Take a virtual walk through our Teaching Kitchen, Main Floor and our Community Room
Join the Collective
Catalyst isn’t just a building—it’s a living network of creative people and ideas in motion. Every space is designed to adapt, transform, and inspire, making it one of Arizona’s most versatile cultural hubs. On any given day, Catalyst may be hosting an intimate arts class, a bustling festival, a film premiere, or a strategy retreat that shapes the future of a community.
At Catalyst, you might find:
Artists teaching classes to students of all ages and skill levels
A culinary demonstration or tasting in the licensed cottage kitchen featuring Arizona-grown ingredients
A nonprofit board meeting or community planning session in the conference room
A live concert, theatrical performance, or dance showcase on the main event floor
Actors, musicians, or dancers in rehearsal, refining their work for an upcoming show
A film screening or multimedia presentation for a private or public audience
A collaborative art installation taking shape in the gallery space
Creative professionals using co-working desks or private office space to advance their projects
Musicians, filmmakers, and podcasters recording in the fully equipped studio
Local businesses and organizations hosting corporate retreats or team-building workshops
Visual artists creating in open studio spaces available for rent
Cultural festivals and multi-day events bringing diverse communities together
Pop-up artisan markets showcasing handmade goods and original works
Special events that blend disciplines—like food-and-art pairings, live painting with music, or culinary storytelling nights
Statewide partnerships launching programs that connect art to health, education, and economic development
The open, shared environment encourages spontaneous collaboration—a chef might team up with a painter for a pop-up dinner gallery, or a musician might score a filmmaker’s new project being edited down the hall. Catalyst thrives on this cross-pollination of talent, making it a creative ecosystem where innovation, community, and culture converge.
Catalyst offers a flexible, affordable home base for creative work. Partners have access to:
Fully equipped studios and classrooms
Performance and exhibition spaces
Meeting rooms for strategic planning and collaboration
A professional kitchen for culinary arts
High-speed internet, AV equipment, and technical support
Whether you’re an independent artist, a small nonprofit, or a growing creative business, Catalyst provides the space and resources you need to expand your work and your impact.
Current Catalyst Partners
Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra
Founded in 1979 inside a humble trailer in Wilcox, Arizona, the Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra (SASO) emerged as the musicians’ orchestra—driven by heart, grit, and a deep commitment to community connection. Today, it’s a thriving artistic powerhouse that bridges Southern Arizona to the global music community, igniting audiences with world premieres, hidden gems, and beloved classics. Learn more at https://sasomusic.org
Why it matters: SASO isn’t just about concerts—it’s a cultural lifeline. Through vibrant, accessible performances, they nurture both artists and audiences, inspiring lifelong appreciation and participation in classical music. From Wilcox to SaddleBrooke to your ears, they’re crafting experiences that resonate, educate, and uplift.
Esperanza Dance Project
Esperanza Dance Project transforms heartbreak into healing through movement. This multimedia dance company tours high schools and community events across Arizona, opening up dialogue about childhood sexual trauma and delivering a message of resilience, empowerment, and hope—one graceful step at a time. Learn more at https://www.esperanzadanceproject.org.
Why it matters: Esperanza doesn’t just perform—it fosters courage. With every performance and discussion, they dismantle stigma and show community, especially survivors, that strength and healing can be danced into being.
Tucson Toolbox
Mondays from 5:00-7:00pm
This free community tool library and hands-on knowledge-sharing hub is dedicated to empowering people with practical skills, resources, and connections. Drop in every Monday to borrow tools, learn from peers, share your own expertise, or explore DIY projects in an inclusive, collaborative environment. Whether you’re repairing something at home, starting a creative build, or simply looking to connect with others, Tucson Toolbox is here to support your creativity and community spirit — all from their new home inside Catalyst.
Tucson Youth Music
Tucson Youth Music is a melody-filled sanctuary where underserved youth receive tuition-free music lessons, supplies, instruments—you name it—so long as it opens up a world of musical possibility. With expert instructors who are both compassionate educators and musicians, students explore technique, theory, sight-reading, improvisation, performance, and musical appreciation. More at https://www.tucsonyouthmusic.org
Why it matters: Access to music transforms lives. By removing financial and logistical barriers, TYM ensures every child can discover their voice, discipline, and creative spirit. That’s music education with social purpose.
Humble Board
Humble Board began at friendly gatherings but quickly blossomed into Tucson’s go-to for grazing tables and charcuterie spreads that elevate any event. Created by Tucson-native Emili Krzyzanowski, these artfully arranged boards now serve weddings, corporate functions, birthdays, showers—you bring the moment, they bring the feast. Order at https://www.humbleboard.com.
Why it matters: Every board is a work of art and a gesture of connection. Humble Board feeds more than bodies—it enriches gatherings, builds community, and reminds us that food can be both nourishing and beautifully expressive.
Dancesequences
Dancesequences is a collaborative community of artists and participants from diverse backgrounds and abilities, united by a shared belief in the power of movement. Through inclusive and integrated dance programming, they create welcoming spaces for people of all experiences, including mixed-ability individuals, survivors of trauma, veterans, elders, and LGBTQ communities. Through workshops, performances, and educational programs, Dancesequences nurtures creativity while supporting personal and collective expression. https://dancesequences.org/
Why it matters: Dancesequences expands access to the arts for underserved and underrepresented communities. Their work demonstrates how creative expression can build bridges, strengthen community ties, and support healing and resilience. By prioritizing inclusion and shared humanity, they help ensure that the arts remain a powerful, accessible force for connection and change.
7sound & Co Media Group
7sound & Co Media Group is an Innovative Creative Agency bringing Dreams to Reality. We are a Creative School, Production Studio, Record Label, streaming station, and performing arts group for artists of all ages. 7sound brings a wealth of creativity to the space through performances, workshops, and more!
Why it matters: They’re not just producing—they’re cultivating. In bringing arts and media production to every town, 7sound & Co. amplifies voices and spreads creative agency—one town at a time.
https://www.7sound.co/
Bravissimo Art Center
Bravissimo Art Center is an art school based in Tucson, AZ designed for mastery of drawing and color techniques. We teach you everything you need to know about drawing and painting by building a strong foundational structure of skills and abilities. At the same time, we build your portfolio, work on personal projects, and get you prepared to either enter the field or sell your work to industry standards and specifications. Each separate program caters to a variety of student objectives.
Why it matters: Bravissimo connects strong, skill-based art education with a supportive creative community where artists can grow, connect, and build real opportunities.
Bravissimo Art Center website
Antsy Nancy
Antsy Nancy provides “how-to” skills classes for home, health, and happiness. Master skills classes are designed for beginners with new DIY projects offered every month. Categories include Arts & Crafts, Cooking & Entertaining, Gardening & Landscaping, Holiday Projects, Home Decorating, and Health, Wellness & Beauty. Expert instruction, tools and materials are all provided. Each class results in a new skill learned and a successful project for students to share with family and friends.
Why it matters: Antsy Nancy helps make the arts approachable and essential by giving people the tools and confidence to create in their everyday lives. By removing barriers – like access to materials, instruction, and space – they empower individuals to see creativity as a practical, joyful part of home, health, and community. In a time when many feel disconnected from hands-on making, their work reinforces that creative expression isn’t a luxury -it’s a vital skill that fosters well-being, self-sufficiency, and connection.
https://antsy-nancy.com/
More Than a Bed
More Than a Bed is a local nonprofit that provides essential items and support to children in foster, kinship, and adoptive care. This support not only helps ease the financial expense for caregivers, it helps a child to feel seen and valued during challenging transitions. Classes offered at Catalyst are part of their Enrichment Center Programs, providing educational and recreational opportunities for the youth they serve.
Why it matters: By integrating arts-based enrichment into its programming, More Than a Bed helps ensure that creative expression is accessible to every child, regardless of circumstance. These experiences support healing, self-discovery, and connection, reinforcing the role of the arts as essential to overall well-being.
https://morethanabed.com/
Mr Ice Guy
Mr. Ice Guy serves up locally made Italian ice that’s 100% vegan, fat free, and made with real fruit in every flavor. It’s a cool treat with a clean record—no dairy, no fat, no funny business—just pure refreshment on a hot Tucson day. Straight from the “crime scene cooler,” Mr. Ice Guy is your badge-wearing, spoon-slinging good guy bringing chilled, fruity joy to every scoop.
Why it matters: Mr. Ice Guy isn’t just about beating the heat—it’s about serving up a treat everyone can enjoy, no matter their diet. With every spoonful, this guilt-free dessert creates moments of delight and proves that the sweetest indulgences can also be the simplest.
Artist in Residence Program
About the Catalyst Creative Collective Artist in Residence Program
Art State Arizona is seeking Arizona-based artists of all disciplines for the Artist-in-Residence program at Catalyst Creative Collective in Tucson Mall. This residency provides flexible studio space and opportunities to create, share, and connect with the community through open studio hours, workshops, and events.
As a Catalyst Artist-in-Residence, you’ll serve as an ambassador—inviting the public into your creative process while advancing Art State Arizona’s mission to make the arts essential in everyday life. Residencies run 1–2 months, with artists typically working in public view about 10 hours per week. Artists may also offer community workshops, talks, or performances, with marketing and event support provided.
Applications are reviewed twice annually by a panel of community judges and evaluated on artistic excellence, potential for community engagement, and alignment with career goals.
March 2026 Artist-in-Residence | Exit 12 Dance Company
Exit 12 Dance Company
Exit12 is a contemporary dance company committed to creating and performing works of high cultural significance that inspire conversations about world differences and the lasting effects of violence and conflict on communities, families, and individuals.
Through movement workshops, performances, and presentations, Exit12 heals the veteran and military-connected community, educates civilians, and advocates for veterans issues.
Co-founded by US Marine Iraq War Veteran and his professional ballerina wife, Exit12 Dance Company began as a way for its founders to process their personal military experience through choreography. Today, Exit12 investigates the military experience by exploring the service member, the family, the perceived enemy, shared humanity, homecomings, and trauma.
Community Workshops
March 10–12 from 4–6 PM at Catalyst Creative Collective
No dance experience needed—all bodies and abilities welcome!
Be sure to attend the culminating performance on March 13 at Pima Community College!
February 2026 Artist-in-Residence | Diane Bertrand-Goldsmith
Diane Bertrand-Goldsmith
Performance Artist
Diane Bertrand-Goldsmith – she/her Is a Tucson based performance artist who loves connecting with people of all performance backgrounds. She received her Bachelor of Music Education in Voice from The University of Oklahoma and later traveled on tour with the international music group, Up with People, for five years as a participant, vocal instructor, & show manager.
On top of teaching private voice out of her home in Tucson, Diane serves as Associate Producer for Tier5: A Theatre Company based in NYC and is a member of the Resident Actor Company at Arts Express Theatre for the 24-25 season. She believes that harnessing your true voice helps a person not only on stage, but in their everyday lives.
December 2025 & January 2026 Artist-in-Residence | Brown Pumaz
Brown Pumaz
Artist Collective
Brown Pumaz is a creative partnership between Maricopa Sun and Vincent De La Cruz López, a multifaceted duo working across painting, music, textiles, and film. Their work blends personal vision with ancestral memory, exploring the evolving future of Chicano and Indigenous art. Rooted in culture and community, they bridge traditional practices with contemporary expression to honor where they come from and imagine where their people are going. Both lifelong educators, they’ve led youth art programs in schools and community centers, and continue to uplift young voices in Tucson through creative mentorship. Brown Pumaz is committed to bringing cultural arts programs to schools, neighborhoods, and daily life—making creativity accessible, visible, and sacred for underserved communities. Together, they create not just art, but pathways for others to see themselves reflected in it.
“BLOODLINES” Closing Exhibition
January 31 from 11am – 4pm
Diane Bertrand-Goldsmith
Performance Artist
Diane Bertrand-Goldsmith – she/her Is a Tucson based performance artist who loves connecting with people of all performance backgrounds. She received her Bachelor of Music Education in Voice from The University of Oklahoma and later traveled on tour with the international music group, Up with People, for five years as a participant, vocal instructor, & show manager.
On top of teaching private voice out of her home in Tucson, Diane serves as Associate Producer for Tier5: A Theatre Company based in NYC and is a member of the Resident Actor Company at Arts Express Theatre for the 24-25 season. She believes that harnessing your true voice helps a person not only on stage, but in their everyday lives.
November 2025 Artist-in-Residence | Wall Plugs Artist Collective
Wall Plugs
Artist Collective
Salvador Sahuaqui is a self-taught Yaqui artist and the visionary behind Wall Plugs, a South Tucson–based collective transforming community spaces through street art, music, and collaboration. A member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, Sahuaqui was born in San Bernardino, California, and now calls South Tucson’s Barrio Libre home.
His name, Sahuaqui—meaning “Corazón de Pitaya” (“Heart of the Dragon Fruit”)—honors a family legacy of resilience and cultural pride. That spirit pulses through his work, which brings color, dignity, and visibility to the stories of Tucson’s underrepresented neighborhoods
Over the past six years, Sahuaqui has helped grow South Tucson’s mural scene from a few dozen walls to more than a hundred public artworks, including over forty of his own. Through Wall Plugs, he leads a vibrant collective of artists, muralists, and musicians—often including live DJs and guest collaborators—who merge graffiti, fine art, and storytelling in large-scale, community-centered projects. Their work includes the YOEME mural at the Pascua Yaqui Richey Resource Center and the evolving MLK Wall series at Luna y Sol Café.
During their Wall Plugs Residency at CATALYST Creative Collective, Salvador and his team will bring that same energy indoors—transforming the space through live painting, sound, and installation. Their residency continues a growing movement of community-led artistry, celebrating the power of creative expression to connect, heal, and transform.
Learn more: @officialwallplugs
October 2025 Artist-in-Residence | Haji Miranda
Haji Miranda
Multimedia Artist
Haji Miranda’s sculptural imaginings tell many a fantastic tale, blending flora and fauna with flowing abstract and ornate elements. A fascination with texture and color is evident in her work, as she plays with symmetry, asymmetry and balance, uniting materials in their natural states with sculpted and painted forms. An accomplished metalsmith and stone carver, Haji is a master jeweler of old, while also a newly emerging multimedia artist and sculptor. Her background as a jewelry artist imparts uniquely vibrant detail and intricacy to her current larger scale creations. Delving into the realm of public artwork and innovative dimensional murals, Haji diligently explores building with earth friendly materials. Conservation and sustainability hold significant consideration in both the materials she employs and often in the subject matter of her work
“Art unites us. I wish to create artworks which speak to and of our current era.”, Haji says. She does so unforgettably. Her artistry invites us to walk where creative spirit thrives and we’re all brilliantly undivided humans simply being.
Of South Asian and multi-European descent herself, Haji has honed her artistic skills in studios from Minneapolis to Santa Fe, Hawai’i to New York, and India to Ecuador. Visitors are invited to her midtown Tucson home studio, Stardust Junction, for tours by appointment as well as for occasional events with performances by local cirque, dance and music artists.
For her residency, Haji will be creating Soul Blossom – a colorful sculptural installation in the Catalyst front windows.
Learn more: https://haji-miranda.carrd.co/
IG @hajimiranda
September 2025 Artist-in-Residence | Delaney Wamer
Delaney Wamer
Dreamwork Practitioner and Multidisciplinary Artist
About the Artist
Delaney Wamer is a multidisciplinary artist and dreamwork practitioner. Her work invites participants to engage with dreams as a springboard for creative exploration through a multimedia approach — including visual arts, story-making, shadow play, movement, and devised theatre-making.
Whether for creativity, healing, or transformational change, her practice focuses on reclaiming agency over our personal and collective stories, and the new narratives we create from dreaming. Delaney brings a passion for transforming perspectives and stories through dream sharing, cultivating meaning, and building community.
Learn More
August 2025 Artist-in-Residence | Tucson Tasty Show
The Tucson Tasty Show
Culinary Arts
The Tucson Tasty Show is a culinary exploration of the restaurant and food community in Southern Arizona. Its goal is to highlight local chefs, bakers, winemakers, coffee roasters, and anyone creating something unique in the Tucson culinary scene—whether they are well known or just getting started.
You could listen to The Tucson Tasty Show on iHeart Radio as well as Fox11, ABC, The CW, and Arizona58. Learn more at www.thetastyshow.co
May 2025 | Lourdes Leiner | Poet
Lourdes Leiner is a poet, educator, and community advocate based in Tucson, Arizona. With four published poetry collections, her work delved into themes of identity, belonging, and radical self-expression. Known for her lyrical intensity, Lourdes blended personal reflection with universal insights that resonated deeply with readers across diverse backgrounds.
Her poetry is featured in local bookstores across the Southwest as well as Barnes & Noble. In addition to her own writing, she nurtured the next generation of writers through teaching and mentorship, leading workshops and readings that encouraged self-expression and a love of poetry in the community.
Rooted in the Sonoran Desert, Lourdes draws inspiration from the landscapes, cultures, and communities around her. She was an active participant in Tucson’s vibrant literary and arts scene and worked to make the arts more accessible to underserved populations.
www.feralghoulfriend.com
March–April 2025 | The Cinnamon Girls | Fiber Arts
The Cinnamon Girls (Tina Howard & Caroline Gardner)
Fiber Arts
The Cinnamon Girls worked in fiber arts of every variety and considered themselves “fiber activists.” Through the Community Craft Closet at Catalyst, they made textile-based arts visible, welcoming, and accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic or other barriers.
They described art as the purest form of resistance and a perfect agent for change, serving as a conduit for knowledge and interest in fiber arts both as a pastime and a community-building mechanism. Their residency became a space for gathering, sharing, reflecting, making, and—most importantly—mending.
February 2025 | Edwina the Artist | Visual Artist
EDWINA (she/her)
Visual Artist
Edwina is a visual artist who channeled divine energy to craft metaphysical artworks that served as portals to explore realms of spirituality, higher consciousness, and transformative growth. With nothing but a color palette and canvas in hand, she surrendered to the flow of universal wisdom, allowing each stroke to manifest organically and bring visions from the universe to life.
Her work bridges the gap between the physical and spiritual worlds, offering viewers a visual journey into the depths of consciousness. Through intricate sacred geometry and symbolic imagery, she invited audiences to explore universal truths, expand their awareness, and connect with the divine within themselves.
More Info: https://www.edwinatheartist.com/
January 2025 | Bo Shimmin | Opera Singer
Bo Shimmin (he/him)
Opera Singer
Bo Shimmin, a Native (Pueblo of Acoma) tenor, is lauded for his expressivity and wide use of vocal colors. Based in Tucson, Arizona, he was recognized for his interpretation of new music and art song repertoires. In November 2022, he made his Italian recital debut at the Lyceum Club overlooking the Arno in Florence. His operatic roles included Scaramuccio (Ariadne auf Naxos), Telemaco (Il Ritorno d’Ulisse in Patria), Fiscal (Juana), Little Bat (Susannah), and Nate (Highway One, USA).
He held degrees from Arizona State University, the University of Michigan, and DePauw University and performed at Barn Opera, Dell’Arte Opera Ensemble, Ad Astra Music Festival, Southern Illinois Music Festival, Hawaii Performing Arts Festival, and Opera in the Ozarks. A two-time Fulbright grantee, he also taught English and Italian and was a sought-after voice teacher nationwide.
More Info: https://www.facebook.com/bo.shimmin
Oct–Dec 2024 | Ibrahim Khazzaka | Visual & Teaching Artist
Ibrahim Khazzaka (he/him)
Visual Artist, Teaching Artist
Ibrahim Khazzaka is a Lebanese-born transnational artist who used various techniques to form sculptures and installations in vivid colors, inviting contemplation on affection, sensuality, and belonging. After a career in psychology and education in Lebanon, Dubai, and Los Angeles, he moved to NYC in 2018 to focus on his studio practice, later earning an MFA in ceramics from SUNY New Paltz in 2023.
In Tucson, he taught Design and Art Appreciation at Pima Community College. He believed innovation thrived at the border of cultures and that creative risk was essential. His practice blended design concepts with cultural disintegration and reintegration, rooted in social and interfaith dialogues, place-making, and material research.
More Info: http://www.ibrahim-khazzaka.com/
September 2024 | Southern Arizona Film Society
Film
The Southern Arizona Film Society is more than a film club—it is a catalyst for cultural transformation, unification, and empowerment in the region’s growing film community, from Tucson to Nogales and beyond. Founded by filmmakers Francisco J Landin Jr, Oscar Rene Coronado, and Jazzy Benson, SoAZFilm nurtured a sustainable film ecosystem rooted in collaboration, inclusivity, and positive representation.
During their residency, the group hosted a mentorship program with classes and workshops for emerging filmmakers, networking events, and a showcase highlighting Southern Arizona film. They also partnered with @Cyberf.ck and the Arizona Underground Film Fest to co-produce the festival’s closing night event and offered open-to-the-public rehearsals and prop-building sessions.
More Info: http://www.soazfilm.org/
August 2024 | Sierra | Visual Artist
Visual Artist
Sierra is a visual artist specializing in upcycling discarded materials into statement artworks. As a late-diagnosed autistic woman, she experienced textures in fabric and textiles with deep sensitivity, guiding her in crafting tapestries, artwear, and soft sculptures.
Inspired by the climate crisis and the waste of ultra-fast fashion, Sierra combined traditional fiber techniques learned from her grandmother with modern plastic waste—such as grocery bags and polyester clothing—to create works addressing environmental urgency.
During her residency, she hosted Crafting Circle drop-in workshops and a Fiber Arts mixer to engage the public in sustainable artmaking.
July 2024 | Ben Pawlowski | Visual Artist & Animator
Ben Pawlowski is a multidisciplinary artist exploring stop-motion animation, maze drawing, and experimental material-based art. He earned his M.A. in Art and Visual Culture Education from the University of Arizona and a B.S. in Art Education from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. His master’s thesis examined how artistic practices can connect physical places with virtual spaces.
Previously, Ben taught K–12 art in Pennsylvania, Michigan, New Mexico, and at BASIS Schools in Tucson. He also served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Thailand, working with local teachers to modernize instruction.
June 2024 | Maestro Riko | Multidisciplinary Artist, Innovator, Musician, Producer
Maestro Riko is a multidisciplinary artist operating at the intersection of art, wellness, and societal discourse. With more than two decades of experience in music production and performance, he pioneered Wellness-Based Art that merged music, technology, and mindfulness.
During his Catalyst residency, Riko presented “808s & Meditate: The Immersion,” a program combining multimedia, music therapy, and mindfulness meditation for transformative sonic experiences. His holistic approach positioned him as a curator of spaces where creativity flourished and transformative ideas took root.
More Info: https://iammaestrohq.com/
May 2024 | Emiland Kray | Visual Artist
Emiland Kray is a visual artist working in book arts and game design to explore the complexities of memory and dreams. He earned his BFA from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2020 and his MFA from the University of Arizona in 2023. His work was exhibited nationally in group and solo shows, and his artist books entered permanent collections across the American Southwest.
Emiland’s residency focused on community engagement and volunteer-driven projects, offering interactive ways for the public to engage with book arts and independent game design.
More Info: https://linktr.ee/troctopus
March 2024 | HAAS | Movement Artist, Curator, Facilitator, Writer
Haas is a movement artist, curator, facilitator, and writer whose interdisciplinary work often incorporated film. They earned a B.A. in Dance from Columbia College Chicago and an M.F.A. in Dance from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. After graduate school, Haas built a mobile house/stage and spent three years traveling, partnering with arts centers, municipalities, and universities to offer free workshops and performances.
During their Catalyst residency, Haas presented The Anger Project, a participatory exploration of how anger manifests in the body and how communities can heal through movement, conversation, and film. This process created space for both private reflection and public participation.
More Info: https://www.angerproject.org/
February 2024 | Team Studio Create Photography Studio
Team Studio Create (#StudioC) is a trio of photographers—Katie Cooper, Patrick Mulligan, and Briana Rambo—each with a unique specialty, united by a commitment to artistic excellence. Their new photography studio on Speedway provided space for projects ranging from intimate portraits to large-scale sets.
During their residency, #StudioC hosted Contrast Couture, a two-part event featuring their signature ShootShow and an inaugural Gallery Night in partnership with The Solana Foundation. Catalyst was transformed into a red-and-white set where local models and photographers reimagined the space, with the resulting images debuting at Gallery Night.
More info: https://www.photographystudiotucson.com/
Dec 2023 – Jan 2024 | 7Sound & Co | Multimedia Creative Agency
7Sound & Co is an innovative creative agency combining a creative school, production studio, streaming station, and online artist shop. Their Catalyst residency brought the public behind the scenes of their production process, offering live e-courses and opportunities to observe work in film, music, illustration, and writing.
They also shared rehearsals and performances of MysteryM Show, a multimedia, musical adventure.
More Info: https://www.7sound.co/
October–November 2023 | Jameela Hill | Visual Artist & Yoga Instructor
Jameela Hill is a multidisciplinary artist, trained doula, and yoga instructor whose work is centered on community. Raised in Detroit, MI and based in Tucson, she blended painting, writing, photography, and movement into retreats and workshops.
Her Catalyst residency featured collaborations with local artists, musicians, and wellness practitioners. Regular weekend programming integrated creativity, wellness, and community connection.
More Info: https://www.jijivishaholistic.com/
September 2023 | Ana Rincon | Visual Artist
Ana Rincon is an accomplished visual artist from Mexico City whose career spanned Austin, Paris, San Francisco, and Southern Arizona. She owned and operated several galleries, including Rinconart Studio and Gallery in Tubac, AZ.
Her commissioned projects include murals, faux finishes, and the 2009 cover art for the Verizon Yellow Book—Tucson Glowing—which was printed on over 500,000 copies. During her residency, she continued creating new art, promoting her online store, and engaging with the community.
More Info: https://www.rinconart.com/
June–July 2023 –| Frank Powers | Cartoonist & Entertainer
Frank Powers is a cartoonist and entertainer dedicated to inspiring creativity in children and families. Known for his animated personality, he restored a 1969 VW Bus to create The Comic Bookmobile, traveling to schools and events throughout Tucson.
Powers was also a reporter for KOLD NEWS 13’s Tucson Now segments and the radio host of Lifestyle Tucson, highlighting local nonprofits. His Catalyst residency included youth-focused creativity programming and community events.
More Info: http://www.TheComicBookmobile.com/
May 2023 | Christopher Scott | Filmmaker
Christopher Scott is a filmmaker with nearly two decades of industry experience in Southern Arizona. His directorial debut, Eddie Mummy: A Love Story, won multiple awards, and his body of work included short films, features, and the scripted podcast Tucson Heat.
During his residency, Scott advanced work on the third season of Tucson Heat while engaging the public in discussions about filmmaking, storytelling, and representation.
More Info: https://www.elephantscout.com/
March 2023 | Ingrid Keller | Visual Artist
Born and raised in Tucson, Ingrid Keller’s work is inspired by nature and evolved into a sentimental surrealism that explored human experience. Her studies in Biology and Art History informed her pieces, connecting viewers to nature, history, and emotion.
Her Catalyst residency featured exhibitions and workshops designed to provide new perspectives and encourage creative curiosity.
More Info: https://www.ingridkeller.art/
February 2023 | Chaos Theater | Experimental Theater
Chaos Theater developed site-specific, interactive theatrical experiences for communities with limited access to the arts. For their Catalyst residency, the company explored the theme of “love” in a mall setting during February.
The project included performative moments designed to spark imagination in everyday spaces, inviting public participation and engagement.
More info: https://unscrewedtheater.org/comic-chaos/
January 2023 | Malcolm Nicoll | Glass Artist
Malcolm Nicoll’s work aimed to make all aspects of life a form of art, activating the “divine gift” of creativity to expand beauty in the world. His Catalyst residency focused on glasswork and conceptual projects exploring aesthetics, spirituality, and transformation.
Learn More: https://www.malcolmnicoll.com/
Art Installations and Gallery at Catalyst
Catalyst’s gallery walls and installation spaces feature rotating exhibitions from local, regional, and national artists. Many of the art installations were created through collaborative work with Art State Arizona Staff, volunteers, and local artists. The space can accomodate a range of artistic presentations, whether permanent or temporary.
Solo or group shows
Private art receptions
Interactive installations
Themed exhibitions tied to community events
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