Celebrate American Artist Appreciation Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio featuring Lance Laber, Executive Director of the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun. Lance shares details about the gallery’s new rotating exhibits on view from September 5, 2025 through January 28, 2026. These special collections highlight different dimensions of the artistry of Ted DeGrazia, one of the most reproduced artists in the world.

The fall/winter exhibits include: - Brush Drawings of Ted DeGrazia (1945-1963): Bold, fluid works created without a pen, capturing children at play, ballerinas in motion, cowboys, horses, musicians, and miners.

- Ceramic Paintings of Ted DeGrazia: Figurative works painted on ceramic plates and sculptural forms, featuring beloved subjects like angels, madonnas, roadrunners, and petroglyph-inspired designs.

- DeGrazia’s Pastels (1953-1978): A rare showcase of impressionistic pastel drawings, many never before displayed, including live demonstration pieces created during public events.

This conversation also explores DeGrazia’s creative process, his impact on the Southwest art scene, and the gallery’s role as a cultural landmark and community hub in Tucson, Arizona.

🔗 Learn more: http://www.degrazia.org 🎙️ New Tales of Ted DeGrazia episodes air every 4th Sunday 📲 Follow the podcast: https://ted-degrazia.podbean.com

This episode also airs on Big Blend Radio’s “Big Daily Blend" and “Toast to The Arts” podcast channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

In this episode of Big Blend Radio, Lance Laber, Executive Director of the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun, shares the fascinating stories behind the permanent exhibit “DeGrazia Paints Papago Indian Legends.” Created in 1975, the series was inspired by traditional Papago (now Tohono O’odham, meaning “desert people”) legends, including The Creation of the World, The Monster of Quitovac, The Eagle-Man, and Ho’ok. Through vivid, expressive imagery, DeGrazia honored these Indigenous stories, helping preserve their cultural significance through visual storytelling.

Lance also talks about the life and legacy of renowned Southwest artist Ted DeGrazia, whose bold work remains among the most reproduced in the world. The conversation covers DeGrazia's deep ties to Native American and Mexican heritage, his contributions to Arizona Highways magazine, and his influence on generations of art lovers.

You'll also hear about the current rotating exhibits on display through September 3, 2025: “Ted DeGrazia in the Studio of Diego Rivera,” “Louise Serpa’s Portraits of Ted DeGrazia,” and “The Way of the Cross.”

Located in Tucson, Arizona, the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun is a 10-acre historic landmark that houses more than 15,000 original works. Open 361 days a year, the gallery offers a unique glimpse into the artistic spirit of the Southwest.

🔗 Learn more: http://www.degrazia.org 🎙️ New Tales of Ted DeGrazia episodes air every 4th Sunday 📲 Follow the podcast: https://ted-degrazia.podbean.com

This episode also airs on Big Blend Radio’s “Big Daily Blend,” “Way Back When,” and “Toast to The Arts” podcast channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

In this episode of Big Blend Radio, we’re joined by Lance Laber, Executive Director of the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun, to honor the life and legacy of Ted DeGrazia on what would be his 116th birthday (Flag Day, June 14).

Known as one of the most reproduced artists in the world, DeGrazia captured the spirit of the Southwest through bold, expressive paintings that reflected the region’s people, cultures, and landscapes. From his deep connections to Native American and Mexican traditions, to his contributions to Arizona Highways magazine, DeGrazia’s work continues to inspire generations.

🎧 In This Episode: * The history and mission of the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun, a 10-acre National Historic Landmark in Tucson * Stories behind current exhibits: Ted DeGrazia in the Studio of Diego Rivera and Louise Serpa's Portraits of Ted DeGrazia (on display through Sept. 3, 2025) * DeGrazia’s ongoing influence on art, culture, and community dialogue

📍 Did You Know? * DeGrazia once made his own flag * He was featured and honored by Arizona Highways for his unique artistic voice * The gallery provides a cool and creative escape during Tucson’s hot summers

🔗 Learn more: http://www.degrazia.org 🎙️ New Tales of Ted DeGrazia episodes air every 4th Sunday 📲 Follow the podcast: https://ted-degrazia.podbean.com