Arizona Illustrated Community Connections

This Arizona Illustrated special highlights the vibrant & dynamic lifestyles of Southern Arizona.

Stories from the Boneyard
It’s one of the most recognizable landmarks in Tucson, yet it is one of the least understood. Sprawling over 2600 acres in southeast Tucson, adjacent to Davis- Monthan Air Force base, is what’s affectionately known as “the Boneyard”. The over 4000 aircraft stored there are part of the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group, and every one of them has a story.

Footprints from the Past
Archaeologists have recently uncovered ancient human footprints beneath the windswept landscape of White Sands National Park in New Mexico that date to as far back as 23,000 years. That makes these footprints the earliest unequivocal evidence for human habitation in the Americas, pushing back our understanding of the date of arrival by as much as 10,000 years. The history-shaking find also helps to validate Native American claims of a deep time connection to this continent, and could forever alter our theories about the peopling of the Americas.

Owl Party
If you’re driving through Tucson’s Palo Verde neighborhood and see dozens of people staring up at a tree, you might have stumbled upon an owl party. Each evening, these people gather to see what the resident Great Horned Owl family is doing, and in the process, get to know their neighbors and create a stronger community.

Navajo Weavers
Barbara Teller Ornelas and Lynda Teller Pete are the master Navajo Weavers. They were born for the To’aheedliinii (Two Waters Flow Together Clan). Barbara and Lynda are fifth-generation Navajo weavers. They have been weaving since they were little. They are internationally acclaimed for their fine tapestry weaving. Barbara and Lynda will share the inside story of how these textiles resonate in Navajo culture.

Saguaro City Music Theatre
After decades of performing professionally in the New York City theater scene, couple Dena DiGiacinto and Drew Humphrey moved to Tucson after a stint in St. Louis where they rekindled their love for their craft through teaching music theatre to kids of all abilities. During the pandemic they decided that a move to Drew’s native Tucson to open the Saguaro City Music Theatre and remove every barrier that stood in the way of any child taking the stage. Now three years later, the theatre is stronger than ever and transforming so many kid’s lives. In this story we follow three children’s journey through the theatre’s summer camp program as they prepare for the production of Willy Wonka!

Bobcats Among Us
A group of scientists and volunteers has been conducting an extensive study about bobcats west of I-10 in Tucson. The “Bobcats in Tucson Research Project” involves trapping the animals, taking DNA samples, and recording details such as weight and overall health. So far, the group has captured and released more than 50 individual bobcats and collared most of them, which have been spotted in about 50,000 locations.

Restoring Degrazia
A mysterious mural in a Tucson backyard turns out to be the largest Ted DeGrazia mural still in existence. It was originally painted by the artist in 1948 or 1949 and gives us a glimpse into DeGrazia’s mind before his fame and fortune. Nearly 70 years later, the mural had started to succumb to the elements. Fine Art conservator, Charlie Burton was brought in to restore it. She worked on the mural three days a week for six months and logged 240 hours bringing it back to life.

Rio
Rio Finnegan is a beloved figure in the downtown Tucson music and art scene. He is a filmmaker, musician, and podcaster who was born with spina bifida. With humor, he encourages honest conversations about issues effecting the disabled community, issues that are often misrepresented through the “able-bodied” lens.

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