The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures

The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures in Tucson, Arizona will open a new temporary exhibit; Shaping Arizona Statehood: The George Stuart Historical Figures of the Movement West on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 to coincide with the celebration of Arizona’s Centennial. The exhibit will be open through Sunday, April 15, 2012.

George S. Stuart creates one-quarter-life-size historic figures of individuals who were the driving force that shaped history throughout the world. This exhibit brings together fourteen figures from his Movement West group that represent more than 400 years of New World discovery and exploration, carving the path to Arizona Statehood in 1912.

Among the figures on display are 15th century Spanish monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella, Christopher Columbus, Pope Alexander VI, Hérnan Cortés, Malinche, Montezuma, an Aztec Leopard Warrior, and Father Eusebio Kino, defining the European conquest of the New World from Mexico into present day Arizona. Jedediah Smith, Kit Carson, Territorial Governor John Fremont, his wife Jesse Fremont, and Abraham Lincoln take us through the 18th century and the development of Arizona as a Territory, which it was for nearly 49 years before becoming the 48th and last of the contiguous states to enter the Union in 1912.

“It is one of very few Centennial exhibitions statewide to encompass the complete arc of the historic record of the Arizona territory,” says the museum’s Executive Director, Nina Daldrup. It will also be the first time these Historical Figures have been exhibited in Arizona.

Mr. Stuart’s life work grew from a desire to meet the artistic challenge of creating life-like sculptures of individual personalities. Since the 1950s he has rendered more than 400 historical portraits in mixed media and continues to create figures to this day.

In honor of Arizona’s Centennial, Mr. Stuart has designed a monologue especially for the selection of figures on view at The Mini Time Machine Museum. This monologue will be a limited seating engagement as part of The Mini Time Machine Museum’s first annual gala, Vegrandis, to be held on Friday, January 27, 2012.

520-881-0606, www.theminitimemachine.org

87th Annual La Fiesta de los Vaqueros®, Feb. 18-26

In February 1925, Leighton Kramer, the president of the Arizona Polo Association, paraded area cowboys, visiting trick riders, folk dancers and marching bands through downtown Tucson en route to a midtown polo field. There a long-planned, community-sponsored rodeo and Wild West show debuted to a full house.

Celebrating the heritage and contributions of the cowboy and Mexican vaquero is as popular today as it was almost nine decades ago. As one of the top 25 rodeos on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) calendar, the Tucson Rodeo attracts the sport’s current and former world champions, all vying for a share of over $420,000 in prize money.

Rodeo evolved from a friendly competition among ranch cowboys to a popular and unique American sport. Come enjoy the six performances: Feb. 18 and 19, and Feb. 23-26. Festivities begin at 12:30 pm. each day. Tickets are $12-$26, and available in advance online or by calling 800-964-5662. Don’t miss the little buckaroos competing in Dodge Mutton Bustin’ and the Justin Junior Rodeo.

A treasured tradition of rodeo week, the Tucson Rodeo Parade is billed as the largest non-motorized parade in the world boasting over 150 western-themed floats and buggies, Mexican folk dancers and musicians. The parade is Feb. 23 at 9 am; grandstand seating is $7 for adults and $5 for children under 13.

If you miss the parade, the Tucson Rodeo Parade Museum opens Jan. 3 – April 7 at 4823 S. 6th Ave. in the Tucson Rodeo Grounds. This world-class museum was featured on Antiques Roadshow! View more than 150 vehicles including the recently restored Maximilian & Carlotta Inauguration carriage made under Napoleon’s order in 1863, and surreys featured in the film ‘OKLAHOMA’. The museum also offers many displays of historic southwest Arizona. See ad this page for hours. 520-294-1280

Rodeo: 520-741-2233, 800-964-5662, www.tucsonrodeo.com
Rodeo Parade: www.tucsonrodeoparade.com

Dance, Socialize at the Sonoran Ballroom Academy

Are you a snowbird looking for some fun in Tucson? Or a local wishing to try something new? Do you prefer the ballroom standards or hot Latin dances like salsa, cha cha and samba? Would you like to explore Country Western or West Coast Swing?

Head to Sonoran Ballroom Academy on Grant & Craycroft and you’ll find it all…new friends, group and private lessons, a chance to perform if you wish, and lots more. Come along to our dance every Friday night – you will be most welcome! Try our Introductory Special: two 1/2- hour private lessons and two group class or party entries for only $15!

520-290-2990