This is a show for anyone creating visual protest; no jury, no fees, no commissions.

ProArt (the Protest Artists Group) invites you to be part of a grassroots, community-powered art exhibition at
The Historic Y in Tucson Oct 19 - Nov 24.

Overview

Inspired by the Roots of Resistance exhibit at Raices Taller, a group of us began organizing around the idea of art as protest. The result is ProArt, an informal coalition of artists using exhibits, workshops, and street actions—like clown activism—to respond to the current moment. We’re launching with a show at The Historic Y in Tucson Oct 19 - Nov 24, with a 4th Ave parade at the opening. The exhibit is free to enter, and open to all who want to express dissent. Art must be wall-hung, max 20 in wide, and delivered on Oct 17. Work may be for sale, but there will be no gallery staffing or insurance—just a shared space for expression in two public hallways. An artist’s committee will hang the work and make final selection of works for the exhibit, in case we cannot include all.We’re asking artists to create smallish, protest-focused work and to invite others to do the same. We expect to hang around 70 pieces. Participants will need to sign a waiver for lost or damaged work. Please help spread the word—see the Call to Artists and Workshop info below, and reach out if you need it in another format.

Call to Artists

Exhibit Details

  • Exhibit Dates: Oct 19 – Nov 24, 2025

  • Opening Event: October 19

  • Event Location: The Historic Y, 300 E. University Ave, Tucson AZ

  • Art Drop-off: The Historic Y, Oct 17, 10am–6pm (lobby, 5th Ave entrance)

  • Hanging Day: Oct 18

  • Possible Parade: 4th Ave on Opening Day 🎉

Artwork Guidelines

  • Up to 2 pieces per artist

  • Max size: 20” wide x 30” high x 6” deep

  • Must hang on the wall (no pedestals)

  • Must have wire on back—no sawtooth hangers

  • Max weight: 15 lbs

  • No insurance provided. All artists must sign a waiver.

  • Sales are allowed (no commission), but artists must handle their own sales directly.

Submissions

  • Print and fill out entry form

  • Bring it with your art to The Historic Y 300 E. University Ave, Tucson AZ Oct 17 10am–6pm

  • Questions? Text 520-977-2154

Get Involved: Workshops & Action

UPCOMING:

Sept. 2025
Clown Activism Workshop

Clown activism events coming soon!
For information text 520-977-2154

PAST:

Creating Art From Chaos

Held Aug 15th @Raices Taller Gallery. Explore the historical context behind the power of political art with Gary Bachman. Find how art has led to social movements and cultural change.  Using a creative process of both images and words, exercises and discussions, find breakthroughs of expression, leading to the flow of ideas for maximum impact. • Download materials list HERE

About Us

Protest Artists Group is a loose-knit, unaffiliated group of artists using exhibitions, workshops, and creative protest to grow a movement for change.

Come make work.
Come take up space.
Come be heard.
Come be seen.

Organizer Betty Harris is a retired educator and metal artist. She taught metalwork and sculpture for over 30 years at Pima County Community College and exhibited her work in many galleries across the west including the Tucson Art Museum.

Ready to join?

Text Betty Harris: 520-977-2154