Desert Dweller, guest-curated by Paula Taylor and organized by the Tucson Museum of Art, examines historical and contemporary Southern Arizona retailers and designers as the curators and innovators of style. The exhibition explores the intersection between a fierce regional identity and modern fashion trends from the 1940s to today. It encapsulates the independent spirit and fashion nuances that accompany a strong sense of place, integrating elements of street style, high fashion, and cowboy, Native American, and Mexican cultures into global fashion trends.

Desert Dweller includes garments and ephemera from:

• Berta Wright Designs
• Cele Peterson
• Daphne Dangerlove
• Dark Star Leather
• Desert Vintage
• Dolores Gonzales
• Esteban
• Goldwater’s
• Henny Garfunkel
• Jacome’s
• Jeff Weber
• Levy’s
• Lloyd Kiva New
• Patania
• Pour Moi
• Puspa Lohmeyer
• Rochelle K
• Shelley Welander
• Steinfeld’s
• Steven Meckler
• Steven Trubitt
• Ted DeGrazia
• Worst Western

Desert Dweller at the Tucson Museum of Art is presented by Casino del Sol, with additional support from Camerone Elise Parker, Elizabeth Cherry Art Editions, and Barbara Chadwick.

The exhibition is accompanied by a limited-edition exhibition catalog available for purchase in the museum store.

The Tucson Museum of Art’s 2017/2018 Exhibition Season is made possible by the Connie Hillman Family Foundation, James J. and Louise R. Glasser, Anne Y. Snodgrass, and BMO Private Bank.