The Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona (Tucson, AZ) serves artists and their communities through programming, funding, and collaboration. Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona has participated in the A.R.T. Library Program since 2023.

A.R.T. Library Program Questionnaire gathers insights from librarians and publishers within the Program's distribution network to reconsider and reflect on what it means to make art books public today.

• How would you define the main role the library plays in your community?

The library serves as a vital cultural hub within the CATALYST Maker Space in Southern Arizona. Having relocated from New York, I’ve had the privilege of being an artist-in-residence here, where we provide a diverse range of resources, including an accessible library. People from all walks of life come not only for books but also for music, art workshops, lectures, and cooking classes—along with art books that inspire creativity and learning. The library functions as a gathering place for both community members and students, offering materials that bridge the gap between practical skill-building and artistic expression. Some of our books also reach the open library at Pima Community College’s West and Northwest campus visual arts departments, where I teach art and design, further expanding our reach and impact.

• How would you define your responsibility as a librarian/teacher?

As a teacher and organizer, my primary responsibility is to ensure that the spaces I work in remain culturally vibrant and relevant to our community’s needs. I actively seek out fresh, diverse cultural influences to enrich both the maker space and the art department—an effort especially important in Southern Arizona, where mainstream media often lags in diversity and innovation. I make a point of curating and sharing recently published books and catalogs, expanding access to new ideas and perspectives. Whether introducing my students to emerging concepts or fostering a dynamic creative environment, my goal is to provide resources that spark curiosity, encourage artistic expression, and cultivate a well-rounded understanding of art and design.

• When was the first time you participated in the A.R.T. Library Program? Do you participate yearly?

I first participated in the A.R.T. Library Program in 2023, and it has been a rewarding experience. I make it a priority to engage with the program regularly, refreshing the library’s website and searching for relevant, exciting content that benefits both my students and visitors to the maker space. I see it as an ongoing opportunity to bring the most current and inspiring art resources to our community, ensuring that the library remains fresh and up-to-date with evolving cultural trends and artistic movements.

• What do art books provide that other books might not? Why is it important for your library to make art books available?

Art books offer a unique experience: a visual and intellectual engagement that goes beyond what traditional texts can provide. They provide deep insights not only through written content but also through imagery, design, and layout, creating a rich, multi-sensory experience for the reader. I particularly appreciate the first few articles in art books, as they often offer immediate, impactful perspectives, especially in primarily visual books. A well-curated art book also provides historical context, artistic commentary, and a visual narrative that can spark creativity and deepen understanding. Our library needs to make art books available because they broaden the scope of learning and creative exploration, serving as a critical resource for students, artists, and anyone interested in expanding their cultural and aesthetic horizons.