The Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum and Muheim Heritage House Museum have teamed up to host an exhibit called “Bisbee Through the Eyes of Ted DeGrazia.” About a dozen pieces of artwork by the former Bisbee resident, Ettore “Ted” DeGrazia, who moved to Bisbee in 1936 to manage his father-in-law’s Lyric Theater, will be on display at both venues until May 26.
Using his mornings to paint before going into the theater every afternoon, DeGrazia made time for his art interest. In 1942, during a trip to Mexico City, he met the famed Mexican artist, Diego Rivera. As a result, Rivera and another Mexican artist, Jose Clemente Orozco, sponsored a solo exhibition of DeGrazia’s paintings at the Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City.
When DeGrazia returned to the U.S., he faced a cool reception by the art galleries in Tucson; however, it did not derail his dreams. In 1944, DeGrazia purchased an acre of land in Tucson, where he built his first adobe studio. This space eventually expanded into a 10-acre National Historic District designed and built by him, named DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun.
The gallery is run by the DeGrazia Foundation, led by Lance Laber, the executive director since 2005 (and employee of the family since 1982). Jim Jenkins, curator of the collection of over 14,000 original pieces since 2007 (formerly an exhibit builder at the Arizona Historical Society), is also a key cog in the daily operations. “He makes me look good,” said Laber. The two hope the collaboration creates more exposure for Bisbee and the museums, as well as the flagship gallery in Tucson.
After a successful four-month DeGrazia art exhibit at the Muheim Heritage House Museum in 2010, Fr. Joseph Saba, member of Bisbee Council on the Arts & Humanities (BCAH) board of directors and Muheim Heritage House Museum committee member, thought now would be a good time to do it again 15 years later. “DeGrazia loved the people and the different culture in Bisbee,” said Saba, “and I wanted to bring his art back to Bisbee.”
This exhibit has a special place in Saba’s heart, as his parents had a personal relationship with DeGrazia and his first wife, Alexandra, for years. Saba’s dad, Dr. Jospeh Saba, was in family practice and delivered DeGrazia’s son, Nicholas, in 1939. (DeGrazia’s daughter, Kathy, was also born in Bisbee in 1942.) Saba said after the DeGrazias moved to Tucson in 1944, their families remained in touch, and he has fun memories of DeGrazia giving him Jeep rides around his studio/gallery, all while letting the young boy sit on his lap and steer.
DeGrazia’s legacy is still seen today through the art in people’s homes around town, and there’s a good chance there’s also a first or secondhand story about him that goes with each piece. “Any family who has been in Bisbee for a while has a connection to the DeGrazias,” said Annie Graeme Larkin, director of Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum. Her grandfather also worked at the Lyric Theater with DeGrazia as a projectionist. “Bisbee has a lot of history, and the exhibit gives a good perspective of what is and was here,” said Saba.
Saba enlisted Graeme Larkin to co-sponsor the exhibit to offer a more extensive collection to the community (and in an accessible location). “It makes more sense to do it together, and Annie has a personality that draws people together,” said Saba. On the flip side, Graeme Larkin gave much of the logistical credit to Laber, Jenkins and everyone else at the gallery who are doing this to be good neighbors and good friends. “The DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun has been fantastic to work with,” said Graeme Larkin. “They have done everything from making the text panels and labels to doing all the installation, without asking for anything in return.”
DeGrazia’s artwork officially returned to Bisbee on January 17, with an intimate event/celebration at the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum. “We’re excited to introduce his work to new visitors and to refamiliarize local people with his connection to Bisbee,” said Graeme Larkin. “His work represents industrial art with street scenes and personal scenes of Bisbee that captures that period.” For example, the birth of DeGrazia’s son, Nicholas, at the hands of Dr. Saba is depicted in an original painting, titled “Surgery.” It can be viewed at the Muheim Heritage House Museum. Graeme stressed he was one of the several world-class artists who have lived and continue to live here.
To help spread the word, the two museums partnered with the Bisbee Restoration Museum and Copper Queen Library, who both have displays of and information about the exhibit. The Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum is open every day from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and the Muheim Heritage House Museum is open from Thursday-Sunday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (extended hours until May 26). The exhibit would not have been possible without the support of the Bert Whitehead Family.
To learn more about the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun and their three new upcoming exhibits opening January 31, please go to degrazia.org.