downtown re:VISION

Burrito Files Receives Tucson Pima Arts Council Grant!

2008-08-22T16:57:00.001-07:00

Burrito Cart Sketch

The Burrito Files was awarded an artist mini-grant by the Tucson Pima Arts Council! The funds will support the construction of a mock burrito cart that will promote the project in downtown Tucson. I worked with artist Titus Castanza on purchasing the supplies and building the cart on August 20th and 21st. We agreed on the specs and he did the work - I assisted where I could! Here are some pictures from the process.

Materials Loaded Onto Titus's Truck

Cutting the Wood

In Progress

Almost Done!

Downtown Geographical Expedition #2 - Reports from the field - Part Two

2008-06-10T17:09:00.000-07:00

Our final exercise was a guerrilla installation at the Ronstadt Transit Center. We posted signs with the themes of "Lost," "Found," and "Wanted" - what is missing from downtown and what resources we already have here. We had a great, unanticipated response from people hanging out at the bus station, especially young people. Many approached us, curious to find out what we were doing and how they could participate.

I went back the next day (Sunday)and most of the signs were still posted (over 24 hours later). There were even a few comments written on the signs! There were even a few up on Monday morning. Here are some photos from Sunday. Pictures of the installation itself will be coming soon.

Downtown Geographical Expedition #2 - Reports from the field - Part One

2008-06-10T14:00:00.001-07:00

The second Downtown Geographical Expedition on May 31st bore much creative fruit. Here are some of the memory maps created by the participants. Click on each map for a larger view.

Debra's map

Amy's map

Brad's map

We did a great photography exercise using historic photos of downtown Tucson. We each picked a photo and wrote a response using prompts. We then had to go to that location and take 3 pictures:
1) the same shot as the historic shot
2) a detail that reflects the historic shot
3) an image that reflects our vision for downtown

Here is one of the examples:

6th and Congress - facing north - 1941

1) The same intersection on May 31st

2)Detail

3)Vision

We then did a piece of writing about that spot.

Downtown JUNE Happenings!

2008-06-05T10:08:00.000-07:00

There are lots of downtown events happening in June. Check them out!

SUMMER ARTS CRUISE - Saturday, June 7th

A self-guided tour of 10 Downtown galleries, with receptions between 6 and 10 p.m. at the following:
Conrad Wilde Gallery, Davis Dominguez Gallery, Dinnerware Artspace, Philabaum Glass Studio and Gallery, Platform Gallery, Raices Taller 222 Gallery, The Drawing Studio Gallery, The Gallery at 6th & 6th and Central Arts Gallery.

designcoop-open-studio- thursday, june-12/">design*coop open studio @ MOCA - June 12th

Arts Space & Community Design - a conversation with Greg Esser - Thursday, June 12th

Tucson Digital Arts Community meetup at Dinnerware - Thursday, June 19th

the BURRITO files - DAVID

2008-06-02T12:01:00.000-07:00

Are you a Tucson native? No. I'm from San Antonio.
What are you doing downtown today? Waiting for the trolley.
Describe downtown in 3 words or less? deep, colorful, magic
If downtown Tucson was a burrito what would be in it? The most delicious colorful burrito would be inside the burrito and inside the inside burrito would be a delicious tasty burrito and inside that burrito would be the most delicious burrito you can imagine and inside that burrito...
Have any significant events in your life happened in downtown? I grew up there.

the BURRITO files - ANNA

2008-06-02T11:57:00.000-07:00

Are you a Tucson native? No, from Nogales, Sonora, Mexico.
What are you doing downtown today? I'm on a job interview.
Describe downtown in 3 words or less? dead, dully, really-badly-designed
If downtown Tucson was a burrito what would be in it? my ideal downtown Tucson burrito would have guacamole, tomatoes, wider sidewalks, really big trees and rainbows.
Have any significant events in your life happened in downtown? Yes, I got my first volunteer experience at Dinnerware Artspace.

the BURRITO files - ROCKY

2008-06-02T11:27:00.000-07:00

Are you a Tucson native? Yes
What are you doing downtown today? I'm a graffiti artist. I own a shop/gallery on Congress called Art Terrain.
Describe downtown in 3 words or less? under construction
If downtown Tucson was a burrito what would be in it? mix burrito
Have any significant events in your life happened in downtown? My shop is now on Congress and I've gotten a lot more business. I started the Rialto project (mural on 5th Ave. between Congress and Broadway). I met Chris Rush downtown. I got a TPAC grant which I never thought I would get. Literally it's a family down here.

the BURRITO files - PENELOPE

2008-05-30T18:08:00.000-07:00

Are you a Tucson native? If not, where did you move from? New York.

What are you doing downtown today?
Working at the Central Arts Gallery

Describe downtown Tucson in 3 words or less noisy, hot, happenin'

If downtown Tucson was a burrito, what would be in it? homeless youth, mango salsa, and steel bumpers

Have any significant events in your life happened in downtown Tucson?
I've been running Odyssey Storytelling for four years downtown.

the BURRITO files - EVA

2008-05-30T13:56:00.000-07:00

Are you a Tucson native? If not, where did you move from?
I moved to Tucson from Rogers Park, Chicago in 2005.

Describe downtown Tucson in 3 words or less
Misfit Haven Present/Past (Okay, I cheated.)

If downtown Tucson was a burrito, what would be in it?
Simply refried beans, cheese and a little hot sauce.

Have any significant events in your life happened in downtown Tucson?
Yes. When my husband was my boyfriend, we celebrated our first anniversary of living together at a New Year's Eve party at Hotel Congress. Also, when we got married we spent our wedding night there. Awwww!

Eva writes the local blog Tucson Querido. Check it out! You can also read an interview with her at the IdeaRodeo blog.

"You can't fake a downtown"

2008-05-29T22:34:00.000-07:00

This article (read the full article here) was published yesterday in Inside Tucson Business. It compares Tucson with Tempe and cites Main Gate Square as a successful urban redevelopment project. It also lists the elements to make a successful downtown Tucson:

"So what lessons can be learned from downtown Tempe and the Marshall Foundation that might make downtown Tucson work as an "urban activity center"?

Here’s their advice:

• A clear long-term vision with one goal that isn’t upset by changes in elected or other city officials.
• Leadership
• Courage
• Transparency and consistency with stakeholders with no hidden agendas
• Timely decision making
• Development, decisions and implementation being performed by those with true development experience
• Commitment from the community, full support from the neighborhood; find and establish links with your stakeholders
• A public-private partnership
• A commitment to history and authenticity, particularly downtown. You can’t fake a downtown
• Build to the highest level of design

• Complete mixed-use development. Downtown can’t be a one-trick pony. It needs commercial, residential, business, recreational, entertainment and historical development. And it needs both public and private investment in an environment that is stable and encourages investment.

• Lots of reasons for people to come and be downtown. In Tempe, in addition to many residential developments and businesses, dining and arts destinations, city officials said the city also "throws a lot of parties." Buses even bring in senior citizens, who once loved their downtown, then shunned it, and now have come back to enjoy it.

• Full support from city staff, the mayor and council (In the case of the Main Gate Square project, the mayor and council voted unanimously in support of the project eight times during the development process).

• A streamlined approval process. In Tempe, a "super commission" — a one-stop shop — was set up to make regulatory hurdles less burdensome."

Good stuff here. I'm interested in Leadership and Courage. Who are the courageous leaders out there??

the BURRITO files - PAMELA

2008-05-28T23:06:00.000-07:00

Are you a Tucson native?I've been in Tucson for 27 years. I moved here from Columbus, Ohio.

Describe downtown in 3 words or less. Eclectic, historic, resilient

If downtown Tucson was a burrito, what would be in it? Heirloom beans, tofu, homemade salsa

Have any significant events in your life happened downtown?
In July 1981, my honey and I stood downtown by the old courthouse, watched a magnificent, multicolored sunset punctuated by looming monsoon storm clouds, and decided to move to Tucson.

Interview by Julie Ray
Photo by Pamela
Check out Pamela's blog.

What Are Your Thoughts About Downtown Tucson?

2008-05-26T21:57:00.001-07:00

Since my goal is to energize the discussion about downtown Tucson's future, I want to hear your thoughts, your ideas, your opinions!

What's in your downtown Tucson burrito?

Why is downtown Tucson an adolescent instead of a fully-functioning adult? And is anything wrong with that?

What is your vision for downtown?

please respond by leaving a comment below. to read all of the burrito files click on April in the blog archive.

More Downtown Geographical Expeditions

2008-05-25T18:55:00.001-07:00

Here are more images from the last Downtown Geographic Expedition. We created memory maps of how we each see downtown Tucson. You can click on the maps to see larger versions.
Josh's memory map

Julie's memory map

Jill's memory map

Kimi's memory map

Exploring and Re-Imagining Downtown

2008-05-15T07:35:00.000-07:00

The first Downtown Geographical Expedition, led by Kimi Eisele and Josh Schachter, was an exploration of downtown using a variety of mediums and concepts - memory maps, photography using polaroid film and digital cameras, radical geography, post-it art, and walking. Here are few highlights. I'll post the memory maps and the polaroids shortly. All of the photos (except the one below) were taken by Josh Schachter.

50 Steps
We did a photo exercise in which we started at the library and took a photo at every 50 steps. The exercise challenged us to see downtown in new ways. Here are 2 of the images I shot. To see all of my 50 steps pics, click here.

Pennington Street Garage
We ventured to the top of the Pennington Street Garage and commented on what we saw below. We envisioned the abundance of rooftop space being used for performances, gatherings, gardens. The bus station - already filled with mature mesquite trees and other vegetation - could be turned into a multi-use space - a garden of local foods, a cafe serving food made from the garden's harvest, and a gathering space or community center. So many possibilities...

Post-It Notes: re:visioning the Thrifty Lot
The Thrifty Lot - sold by the city to a developer for $100 - has been empty for four years. We covered the fence with post-its imagining what this space could be used for. Among the ideas were a playground, ice cream parlor, locally-owned businesses, and a rainwater harvesting demonstration site.

Scattering of Seed Balls - Re-Greening Downtown
As we walked around downtown, we scattered balls of clay and dirt containing seeds of native plants and even some watermelon! Jill created the balls using seeds from Native Plants.

We checked out the chess event at Hotel Congress
Another Downtown Geographical Expedition will be held on Saturday, May 31st. See the previous post for sign-up information.

Downtown Geographical Expeditions!

2008-05-08T17:30:00.000-07:00

I am excited to announce re:VISION project #2, presented by VOICES, Inc:

the living stories project

“Downtown Geographical Expeditions”
Saturday, May 10, 10 am – 4 pm and/or Saturday, May 31, 10 am – 4pm
(Sign up for one or both!)

Been downtown lately? What do you see? Dust? Renovation? Construction? Vacancy? Change? What do you envision for Downtown Tucson’s future? What are your downtown stories, memories, experiences and hopes? How might you help contribute to Downtown’s re-emergence?

Join veteran VOICES artists Kimi Eisele and Josh Schachter on two, day-long journeys to explore, document, discuss, re-map, and re-imagine Downtown Tucson through writing, photography, and movement (yes, dance! but don't fret, we define "dance" broadly--it's easy!). Expeditions will offer participants the opportunity to experience, see, critique, and celebrate the city center in new ways. Activities will include walking tours, mapping, photography, writing, movement, emphasizing participants’ personal stories, memories and experiences of the city, past, present, and future. Stories and experiences will be gathered and shared through “re:VISION,” an artist-led initiative aiming to re-invigorate the dialogue about Downtown Tucson’s future using art practice, intervention, performance, and other creative means.

Workshops are suitable for people of all ages and abilities. No prior experience necessary. Writers, photographers, dancers, visual artists, thinkers, performers, planners and anyone interested in sharing stories, discussing, and creatively re-imagining Downtown Tucson are encouraged to join us!

Guest artists Kimi and Josh are the VOICES’ founding writing and photography directors ran the 110 Degrees After School Magazine Project, for five years. Both have gone on to conduct artist residencies in schools and cultural institutions in Tucson and across the country. Kimi has taught workshops and directed performances combining writing, the spoken word, and dance. Josh has taught photography and digital storytelling to youth and adults.

LIVING STORIES OVERVIEW AND REGISTRATION:
WHAT: An all day workshop exploring and documenting Downtown Tucson through writing, photography, and movement.

WHEN: Saturday, May 10, 10 am to 4 pm
and/or Saturday, May 31, 10 am to 4 pm

WHO: All (14 years and up).
No experience required.

WHERE: VOICES headquarters, 48 E. Pennington and various downtown locations. Wear comfortable shoes, clothes and bring a hat and water. Bring a bag lunch.

SUGGESTED DONATION: $25 (please consider sponsoring a low-income youth to participate).

QUESTIONS: Rachel Villarreal, VOICES Projects Director, rachel@voicesinc.org or 622-7458 x209 or Donnamarie Miranda, VOICES Administrative Assistant, donnamarie@voicesinc.org or 622-7458 x204

You may register for the workshop by mail, email, or phone. Please direct registration to Rachel Villarreal, VOICES, 48 E. Pennington St., Tucson, AZ 85701,
or rachel@voicesinc.org, or 622-7458 x209. Please include the following information:

Name
Mailing address and contact information
Briefly tell us why you are taking this workshop
Check made out to VOICES for $25 (please reference “Living Stories”)

the BURRITO files - "SAVE FUN" BAKE SALE

2008-05-04T15:55:00.000-07:00

May 4, 2008
These interviews took place at a bake sale in the Barrio Viejo.

JEN/COREY/JOSEPHINA
1. What is your name? Jen/Corey/Josephina
2. What are you doing downtown: Having a bake sale to save fun.
3. Do you live in Tucson? Yes, native/Yes, native/Yes, from Pinetop
4. Describe downtown in 3 words or less: progressive, enlightened, charismatic/ slow, small/ hopeful, nervous, money
5. If downtown was a burrito, what would be in it? roasted vegetables (asparagus, zucchini, onions, garlic), black beans, parmesan cheese, grilled flour tortilla/ black beans, rice, lettuce, avocado/ California burrito - avocado, pico de gallo, pinto beans, flour tortilla, french fries, carne asada
6. Have any significant events in your life occurred in downtown Tucson? I fell in love/ One time I got really high and rode from Sabino Canyon to downtown/ I work, drink, and eat downtown

SAM
What is your name? Sam (on the left)
2. What are you doing downtown: I live downtown and I'm coming to the bake sale.
3. Do you live in Tucson? Yes, native.
4. Describe downtown in 3 words or less: bike, small, community.
5. If downtown was a burrito, what would be in it? definitely beans - black and pinto, tomatoes, jalapeños, and cheddar cheese.
6. Have any significant events in your life occurred in downtown Tucson? all the time.

KATHLEEN
1. What is your name? Kathleen
2. What are you doing downtown: I live here
3. Do you live in Tucson? Yes. From Prescott.
4. Describe downtown in 3 words or less: community, art, fun.
5. If downtown was a burrito, what would be in it? bikes, adobe, tequila, friends.
6. Have any significant events in your life occurred in downtown Tucson? Not yet.

ANDREW
1. What is your name? Andrew
2. What are you doing downtown: I live here.
3. Do you live in Tucson? Yes. From Philadelphia.
4. Describe downtown in 3 words or less: old, pretty, adobe.
5. If downtown was a burrito, what would be in it? tepary beans and Cafe Poca Cosa.
6. Have any significant events in your life occurred in downtown Tucson? Yes, I decided to live in Arizona because of living downtown.

TIM
1. What is your name? Tim
2. What are you doing downtown: shooting video for a documentary about the neighborhood - past and present, and I came for the bake sale.
3. Do you live in Tucson? Yes, lived here 13-14 years and in Barrio Viejo for 7-8 years. From Waukegan, Illinois.
4. Describe downtown in 3 words or less: close to everything.
5. If downtown was a burrito, what would be in it? Instead of a tortilla it would be wrapped in corrugated steel. Instead of beef it would have railroad ties and the strange bamboo that seems to be growing everywhere. Guitar picks. Instead of cheese, paint - red, green, blue.
6. Have any significant events in your life occurred in downtown Tucson? I've met some really fantastic people/ I did a documentary with a friend who lived in Armory Park (met him while working at Access Tucson).

the BURRITO files - BURRITO STAND

2008-04-29T10:44:00.001-07:00

To date, over 50 people have participated in the BURRITO files. Thank you for your creative and thoughtful responses.

I have decided to fabricate the answers to the burrito question and display them in a "burrito stand." I will use fabric, paper, and other materials to create tortillas and the ingredients, which range from tattoos and busses to wild rice, anchovies, beef jerky and carne asada. The stand will be set up in several locations and passer-bys will be invited to create their own downtown burritos out of the ingredients.

If you would like to participate in the fabricating of the tortillas and ingredients, or if you would like to host the burrito stand, please contact me at juliegraphics@gmail.com.

the BURRITO files - Jim & Eloise

2008-04-29T07:53:00.001-07:00

April 26, 2008 1. What is your name? Jim & Eloise
2. What are you doing downtown: We came to the Chalk Festival and to buy a t-shirt from MOCA.
3. Do you live in Tucson? Yes.
4. Describe downtown in 3 words or less: affordable, centrally-located, arts and culture.
5. If downtown was a burrito, what would be in it? everything.
6. Have any significant events in your life occurred in downtown Tucson? We live in downtown. We chose to live here because it is affordable, multi-cultural, and mixed economically.

Photo/interview by Julie Ray

the BURRITO files - ROBYN

2008-04-28T14:43:00.000-07:00

April 23, 2008
1. What is your name? Robyn
2. What are you doing downtown? Working
3. Are you from Tucson? If not, where do you live? Live in Tucson, from Phoenix
4 Describe downtown in 3 words or less. Busy and alive
5. If downtown was a burrito, what would be in it? Everything, like a chipotle burrito: meat, beans, cheese, lettuce, tomato, guacamole, salsa…etc
6. Have any significant events in your life occurred in downtown Tucson? I got a job downtown, it pays the bills.

Photo/Interview by Alanna Randall

the BURRITO files - CITY HIGH

2008-04-18T20:55:00.000-07:00

April 18, 2008

City High teacher Amy Rude invited me into two of her classes to talk about the project and involve her students. The students split into pairs and interviewed each other. For the first class, I gave students the camera to take each other's picture. Since we didn't have enough time for every student to take a picture, I will go back to that class before posting their interviews. For the second class, Amy suggested that I take pictures of each pair outside of the school. That worked out great and here are the interviews and pictures from the second class. Thanks to Amy and all of the students!

ERICA & EVANGELINA
1. What is your name? Erica/Evangelina
2. What are you doing downtown: attending school/livin' life .
3. Do you live in Tucson? Yes/Yes
4. Describe downtown in 3 words or less: what's downtown?/live, random, loud.
5. If downtown was a burrito, what would be in it? carne asada, guacamole, lemon, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, bell peppers, salsa, chile/carne, cerveza, salsa fresca, limon, chile verde, guacamole, topa sauce.
6. Have any significant events in your life occurred in downtown Tucson? I met Mason AKA Yo/Many.

ALLY & HENRY
1. What is your name? Ally!/Henry
2. What are you doing downtown: school, entertainment /school, "entertainment."
3. Do you live in Tucson? Yeah/Yes.
4. Describe downtown in 3 words or less: fun, fergelicious/fun, exciting, enjoyable.
5. If downtown was a burrito, what would be in it? cheese, coffee, beans, beef jerky, ranch, eggs/ tips, chiles, sour cream, frijols, carne asada, lettuce, guacamole.
6. Have any significant events in your life occurred in downtown Tucson? When I was a niña my father was pulled over and I tried to bribe him with money/ I lost my child (mp3) Its name is mi-amor and if found contact Henry!.

JESSIE & VAUGHN
1. What is your name? Jessie/ Vaughn
2. What are you doing downtown: school
3. Do you live in Tucson? Yes
4. Describe downtown in 3 words or less: artistic, unique, industrial/ scary, crazy & interesting.
5. If downtown was a burrito, what would be in it? tattoos, suits, elevators, Chicago/ everything.
6. Have any significant events in your life occurred in downtown Tucson? I've met some really fantastic people/ Yes. My first school was in downtown Tucson.

KYLER & AMY
1. What is your name? Kyler/ Amy
2. What are you doing downtown: going to school/ teaching
3. Do you live in Tucson? Yes.I'm from lots of places actually/ From Oregon, lives in Tucson.
4. Describe downtown in 3 words or less: streets, buildings, um/ nifty, weird, businesses.
5. If downtown was a burrito, what would be in it? salsa, guacamole and beef/ hot, hot, hot habañero salsa, a little brown rice, pigeon meat.
6. Have any significant events in your life occurred in downtown Tucson? Nope!/ I got a job, I fell in love once, I got hit by a car.

ZASHA & NATHAN
1. What is your name? Zasha/Nathan
2. What are you doing downtown: going to school and riding elevators
3. Do you live in Tucson? Yes
4. Describe downtown in 3 words or less: elevators, busy/ buildings, buildings, buildings.
5. If downtown was a burrito, what would be in it? ice cream and ring pops/ buildings and cheese and elevators and homeless people and spaghetti o's.
6. Have any significant events in your life occurred in downtown Tucson? I stepped on gum more than once/ Not that I know of.

VICKY & KARLENE
1. What is your name? Vicky/Karlene
2. What are you doing downtown: I go to school downtown/ school
3. Do you live in Tucson? Yep, I'm from Tucson./ Yes. From Washington.
4. Describe downtown in 3 words or less: crazy, amazing, chaos.
5. If downtown was a burrito, what would be in it? steak, rice, beans, guacamole/ beans and lots of cheese.
6. Have any significant events in your life occurred in downtown Tucson? meeting new people.

KASSIE & A
cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AHr9ggWxleU/SApTjFxesaI/AAAAAAAAAWg/RRSnavz8jTs/s320/burrito_CassieA.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191053382808154530" />1. What is your name? Kassie/A
2. What are you doing downtown: going to school/ going to school, curing cancer
3. Do you live in Tucson? Yes! Yes!!!!/ Yes, born in Oregon.
4. Describe downtown in 3 words or less: small, messy, business-y/ sticky, dusty, neat-o.
5. If downtown was a burrito, what would be in it? carne asada/ multi-colored cheerios.
6. Have any significant events in your life occurred in downtown Tucson? Found neat friends, met Chicago, yeps/ Found awesome friends, money, peace march, concerts.

the BURRITO files - Surgeon/Mike

2008-04-17T19:02:00.000-07:00

April 7, 2008
1. What is your name? Surgeon/Mike
2. What are you doing downtown: Participating in an art event/going to an art event.
3. Do you live in Tucson? Yes, from Chicago. Yes, from Colorado
4. Describe downtown in 3 words or less: gritty, cute, accessible/ fun and dark.
5. If downtown was a burrito, what would be in it? carne asada, slightly rancid cilantro, too much sour cream, really fabulous salsa/ ice cream.
6. Have any significant events in your life occurred in downtown Tucson? I fell in love with Tucson when I was visiting downtown/I was found responsible for committing 2 traffic violations.

Photo/Interview by Julie Ray

the BURRITO files - Elliott/Trouble

2008-04-14T16:39:00.000-07:00

April 7, 2008
1. What is your name? Elliott/Trouble
2. What are you doing downtown: Performing at 7 UP/Attending 7 UP.
3. Do you live in Tucson? Yes, from Philadelphia/ Yes, from Boston.
4. Describe downtown in 3 words or less: small, social industrial/ non-threatening, slimy, unexpected.
5. If downtown was a burrito, what would be in it? chicken, sour cream and french fries (a Mexican restaurant on St. Mary's makes this burrito)/ *** guacamole.
6. Have any significant events in your life occurred in downtown Tucson? I became prom queen, I almost got arrested/I had a nervous breakdown during a poetry reading, I've had artistic epiphanies at Shot in the Dark Cafe.

***The editor reserved her right to censor this word.

Photo/Interview by Julie Ray

the BURRITO files - JOSE

2008-04-14T16:36:00.001-07:00

April 7, 2008
1. What is your name? Jose
2. What are you doing downtown: Coming to perform at 7 UP.
3. Do you live in Tucson? Yes, in downtown. From Puerto Rico.
4. Describe downtown in 3 words or less: beautiful, laid-back, personable
5. If downtown was a burrito, what would be in it? whatever every corner has to provide. an endless burrito.
6. Have any significant events in your life occurred in downtown Tucson? Every second is a significant event.

Photo/Interview by Julie Ray

the BURRITO files - Michelle/Shelly

2008-04-14T16:29:00.001-07:00

April 7, 2008
1. What is your name? Michelle/Shelly
2. What are you doing downtown: I live downtown/Went to YMCA to check it out..
3. Do you live in Tucson? Yes/Yes. Both native Tucsonans.
4. Describe downtown in 3 words or less: busy, convenient, fun.
5. If downtown was a burrito, what would be in it? a variety of people, live entertainment, easily accessible.
6. Have any significant events in your life occurred in downtown Tucson? I live here/ I got married downtown, worked downtown for years, come for the Chili Fest.

Photo/Interview by Julie Ray

the BURRITO files - DELIA

2008-04-14T16:24:00.000-07:00

April 7, 2008
1. What is your name? Delia
2. What are you doing downtown: Helping videotape a performance.
3. Do you live in Tucson? Yes. From Grand Rapids, Michigan.
4. Describe downtown in 3 words or less: small, quirky, charming
5. If downtown was a burrito, what would be in it? onions, tomatoes and pickles.
6. Have any significant events in your life occurred in downtown Tucson? Not yet. Only been here one month.

Photo/Interview by Julie Ray

the BURRITO files - DLYN

2008-04-14T16:16:00.000-07:00

April 7, 2008
1. What is your name? Dlyn
2. What are you doing downtown: Participating in performance art at 7 UP.
3. Do you live in Tucson? Yes, a native.
4. Describe downtown in 3 words or less: eclectic, crumbling, thriving
5. If downtown was a burrito, what would be in it? pinto beans, cheese, wild rice, anchovies.
6. Have any significant events in your life occurred in downtown Tucson? Dia de los Muertos parade, hanging out at the Grill and the Cup Cafe, lots of love experiences.

Photo/Interview by Julie Ray

the BURRITO files - GARY

2008-04-09T17:23:00.000-07:00

April 7, 2008
1. What is your name? Gary
2. What are you doing downtown: Performing in an art gallery.
3. Do you live in Tucson? Yes. From Illinois originally.
4. Describe downtown in 3 words or less: perplexing
5. If downtown was a burrito, what would be in it? chiles, cacao beans and spring greens.
6. Have any significant events in your life occurred in downtown Tucson? No.

Photo/Interview by Julie Ray

the BURRITO files - JUSTIN

2008-04-05T09:07:00.001-07:00

April 3, 2008
1. What is your name? Justin
2. What are you doing downtown: Hosting an open house for One North Fifth
3. Do you live in Tucson? Yes. Originally from Buffalo, NY.
4. Describe downtown in 3 words or less: historic, funky, re-nascent
5. If downtown was a burrito, what would be in it? chipotle, nopales, guacamole, beans, lettuce and cheese.
6. Have any significant events in your life occurred in downtown Tucson? It's part of my re-birth.

Photo/Interview by Julie Ray

the BURRITO files - Kenny/DD/Alice

2008-04-05T09:04:00.000-07:00

April 3, 2008
1. What is your name? Kenny/DD/Alice
2. What are you doing downtown: Just walking around.
3. Do you live in Tucson? Yes. Kenny/Alice are native Tucsonans, DD is from Delaware.
4. Describe downtown in 3 words or less: small/big/ just here
5. If downtown was a burrito, what would be in it? beans, a little bit of meat, cheese, and a bus.
6. Have any significant events in your life occurred in downtown Tucson? a concert/saw a fight/parents got married downtown.

Photo/Interview by Julie Ray

the BURRITO files - Jack/Bill

2008-04-05T09:01:00.000-07:00

April 3, 2008
1. What is your name? Jack/Bill
2. What are you doing downtown: working
3. Do you live in Tucson? Yes. Both moved from California.
4. Describe downtown in 3 words or less: congested/dead after six
5. If downtown was a burrito, what would be in it? a lot of flakes
6. Have any significant events in your life occurred in downtown Tucson? Just kicking out bums.

Photo/Interview by Julie Ray

the BURRITO files - Maxx/Laura

2008-04-05T08:48:00.000-07:00

April 3, 2008
1. What is your name? Maxx/Laura
2. What are you doing downtown: Just got off work/taking a break
3. Do you live in Tucson? Yes, native/Yes, from New Jersey
4. Describe downtown in 3 words or less: I love it/It needs more
5. If downtown was a burrito, what would be in it? no guacamole/lots of people going green and reading books, lots of friendly faces
6. Have any significant events in your life occurred in downtown Tucson? I got married once downtown/I got married once downtown (they didn't know this about each other).

Photo/Interview by Julie Ray

the BURRITO files - MOLLY

2008-04-05T08:45:00.000-07:00

April 3, 2008
1. What is your name? Molly
2. What are you doing downtown: Everything
3. Do you live in Tucson? Yes, forever and ever.
4. Describe downtown in 3 words or less: lazy, dusty, awesome
5. If downtown was a burrito, what would be in it? pepperjack cheese and dirty bike hippies in a flour tortilla
6. Have any significant events in your life occurred in downtown Tucson? Lots of good dancing.

Photo/Interview by Julie Ray

the BURRITO files - MARIANNE

2008-04-05T08:43:00.001-07:00

March 29, 2008
1. What is your name? Marianne
2. What are you doing downtown: Selling art at Tucson Museum of Art spring artisans fair
3. Do you live in Tucson? Yes. Originally from Midwest.
4. Describe downtown in 3 words or less: disappointing, changing, chaotic
5. If downtown was a burrito, what would be in it? bland, not enough flavor
6. Have any significant events in your life occurred in downtown Tucson? No.

Photo/Interview by Julie Ray

the BURRITO files - CARLY

2008-04-05T08:40:00.001-07:00

March 29, 2008
1. What is your name? Carly
2. What are you doing downtown: Gallery sitting
3. Do you live in Tucson? Yes. Native Tucsonan.
4. Describe downtown in 3 words or less: dirty, little, bums
5. If downtown was a burrito, what would be in it? California burrito - meat, pico de gallo and guacamole
6. Have any significant events in your life occurred in downtown Tucson? I almost got shot at when a fight broke out in a parking lot.

Photo/Interview by Julie Ray

the BURRITO files - ALANNA

2008-04-04T08:41:00.000-07:00

March 29, 2008
1. What is your name? Alanna
2. What are you doing downtown: Participating in a sketch crawl
3. Do you live in Tucson? Yes.
4. Describe downtown in 3 words or less: diverse, under-construction, artsy
5. If downtown was a burrito, what would be in it? carne asada, green chiles, fresh salsa
6. Have any significant events in your life occurred in downtown Tucson? I maintained a long-distance relationship through late nigh chats at a [now defunct] internet cafe.

Photo/Interview by Julie Ray

the BURRITO files - EDDIE

2008-04-03T08:32:00.000-07:00

April 2, 2008
1. What is your name? Eddie, AKA Crazy Eddie the Coherent Lunatic
2. What are you doing downtown: Rehearsing at Chicago Music Store
3. Do you live in Tucson? Yes. Originally from Texas
4. Describe downtown in 3 words or less: sunshine, beauty, central
5. If downtown was a burrito, what would be in it? beans, beans and more beans
6. Have any significant events in your life occurred in downtown Tucson? the first day of the rest of my life began here

Photo/Interview by Julie Ray

the BURRITO files - BOB

2008-04-03T08:24:00.000-07:00

April 2, 2008
1. What is your name? Bob
2. What are you doing downtown: We're moving a bunch of old music gear out of Chicago Music Store
3. Are you from Tucson? No, Montana
4. Describe downtown in 3 words or less: dynamic, diverse, functional
5. If downtown was a burrito, what would be in it? leaves
6. Have any significant events in your life occurred in downtown Tucson? I met lots of cool people here.

Photo/Interview by Julie Ray

re:VISION PROJECT #1 - the BURRITO files

2008-04-01T21:27:00.000-07:00

the BURRITO files
Lead Artist: Julie Ray

You are invited to participate in downtown re:VISION's first project - the BURRITO files. Here's how it works:

1) Find a person(s) in downtown Tucson to interview.

2) Approach person(s) and ask if you can ask a few questions about his/her thoughts about downtown Tucson.

3) A photo MUST accompany the interview. If the person does not want a picture of his/her face, take a picture of his/her foot, hand, etc.

4) Ask these questions (and/or others you choose):
1. What is your name?
2. What are you doing downtown?
3. Are you from Tucson? If not, where do you live?
4. Describe downtown in 3 words or less.
5. If downtown was a burrito, what would be in it?
6. Have any significant events in your life occurred in downtown Tucson?

5) Give the person the website address so he/she can view her/his profile and/or be an interviewer.

6) Email the picture and answers to dinnerwarearts@gmail.com. Photos and answers will be posted at www.downtownrevision.blogspot.com.

Click here for printable handouts of the description, questions and website address.

What is re:VISION??

2008-04-01T21:23:00.000-07:00

re:VISION uses art to re-invigorate the dialogue about downtown tucson's future.

Have you seen a presentation by a developer or architect and wondered how an artist might approach developing an urban landscape? What possibilities are not being discussed by developers and elected officials, yet are of high value to artists and other community members? If there were no budgetary or practical considerations, what could downtown’s streetscapes, buildings, public and empty spaces look like? How can artists create participation, build a more innovative community, and broaden inspiration within downtown.

re:VISION is a laboratory for artists representing a variety of mediums. They will create innovative project concepts that will engage a wide spectrum of the Tucson community. The projects will be exhibited downtown and promoted online.

re:VISION intends to ignite a lively dialogue about the future of downtown.

Projects exist around the world that use art to engage citizens about important issues facing their communities. re:VISION brings such a project to Tucson.