CAS Winter 2026 Newsletter
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The Contemporary Art Society (CAS) is an affinity group for Modern and Contemporary Art at the Tucson Museum of Art. Established in 1999, CAS’s mission is to foster greater community awareness of the role contemporary art plays in the region’s cultural identity. Our objectives include furthering the strategic goals of the Tucson Museum of Art by actively acquiring contemporary art for the permanent collection, supporting exhibitions of modern and contemporary art at the Museum, and sponsoring lectures by contemporary artists, curators, and critics. CAS organizes studio visits, salons, tours, workshops, and events that promote the study, discussion, and appreciation of contemporary art.
*Museum membership required to join the Contemporary Art Society.
Acquisitions
Since 1999, CAS has raised and contributed more than $1 million in artwork value to the Tucson Museum of Art in consultation with the curatorial staff. Acquisitions include works by James Havard, Gustavo Ramos Rivera, John Chamberlain, Chuck Close, William T. Wiley, Vernon Fisher, Tom Uttech, Paho Mann, Joyce Scott, Gregory Crewdson, James Drake, Tomás Saraceno, Kara Walker, Enrique Martinez Celaya, Brad Kahlhamer, Claire Campbell Park, and Shelly Niro.
CAS Details
What Tucson Collects
Invites members to tour collectors’ homes and gain a unique perspective on the passion of art collecting.
Contemporary Lecture Series
CAS sponsors lectures by locally and internationally prominent artists, curators, critics, gallerists, museum directors, and other arts professionals who give fascinating insights into art, art history, and the business of art. Past distinguished speakers include Audrey Flack, Ivan Karp, Jane Hammond, Terence La Noue, Gaylen Hansen, Mark Klett, Raymond Pettibon, Vincent Desiderio, Ellen Wagener, Dr. Eric Motley, Luc La Rochelle, and Einar and Jamex de la Torre.
Studio and Gallery Visits
Monthly programming focuses on visiting artists’ studios and contemporary galleries in the region so that members can meet the artists and hear them talk about their work. “Artspeak” is a feature that enables members to attend galleries during a pre-opening to hear artists and gain a better appreciation of their exhibitions.
Tours and Trips
CAS plans highly popular regional, national, and international art tours including a yearly trip to the Phoenix area; national trips to such cities as Houston, Los Angeles, Palm Springs, New York City, Seattle, and Washington D.C.; and international trips including Havana, Venice/Verona, Berlin, London, and Mexico City.
JOIN CAS
$30
Student
Includes one student under thirty years of age, enrolled in academic college courses (UA or PCC). No guests.
$50
Individual
Includes one adult. No guests.
$100
Dual
Includes 2 adults.
$100
Venue Gallery
Includes one listing as a Venue Gallery and 2 adults.
$250
Patron
Includes 2 adults and an invitation to the annual Benefactor/Patron’s party.
$500
Benefactor
Includes 2 adults and an invitation to the annual Benefactor/Patron’s party.