THE BISBEE ART WALK

Poe Dismuke and Sam Woolcott, husband and wife and owners of the Sam Poe Gallery located at 33 Subway Street, Bisbee, Arizona, moved to Bisbee in 2008.  Both Poe and Sam are internationally recognized artists.  Poe is known among other things for his sculptures of the flies which adorn the Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum. which highlight the efforts of the Bisbee Commercial Club in 1912 to end the scourge of typhoid fever. Both Oie and Sam created the gameboard at the Bisbee City Park.

The Sam Poe Gallery is at 33 Subway Street and is open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

To learn more about Poe Dismuke and Sam Woolcott and their works of art, click on the above photograph. 

Judy Perry began her journey as an artist in 1971 while she was working as a recreation leader in Columbus, Ohio and took up painting as a hobby. In 1976, just when Bisbee was beginning to recover from the termination of all mining activities, by its major employer, Phelps Dodge Corporation, Judy arrived in Bisbee and devoted her herself to painting full time. 

Judy got her start as a muralist in 2004 when her first garden mural was featured in the TV show, Garden Smart.  The program featured the Bisbee Bloomer Garden Tour in Warren. Edie Dortch, whose garden was on the tour, owned some of Judy’s paintings and greatly admired her work. She wanted Judy to paint her garden walls with designs that reminded her of Yucatan artwork with desert like influences.  Later, to hone her skills as a muralist, Judy attended a workshop presented by Rose Johnson, another prominent muralist described in this site. Judy was commissioned by Cynthia Conroy, owner of the Bisbee Bogue to paint all nine of the murals for the Bisbee 1000 Stair Climb, The Bisbee 1000 Stair Climb is a local race which takes place on the 3rd Saturday of every October.  Cynthia Conroy came up with the idea of portraying people running through the ‘Pearly Gates’ on stairway 7 which goes up Perley Ave.

Most of the Judy's murals are paintings of plants that echo Bisbee’s landscape. Judy wants to perpetuate the rustic mishmash of Bisbee's walls and incorporates old-fashioned building materials in her murals.  In the course of the tour, you will be treated to a mural commissioned by the City of Bisbee portraying its rich history as a mining town and describing each of the plant' native to this area.

In the past fifty years, Judy has been commissioned by both the City of Bisbee and many private individuals. Her murals can be seen everywhere and will be pointed out in the course of this tour.  Judy is still active and has recently been observed restoring the Pepsi Cola mural Tombstone Canyon. 

In addition to her skills as a graphic artist, Judy was active in community theatre in the ‘early days’ of Bisbee as a sophisticated performer with a witty sense of humor.  Judy's love of music is evident outside of the Bisbee Women's Club in a mural in which she collaborated with other Bisbee artists.  This mural was designed by Al Sandler, the same artist who created the sculpture of Tamino gracing the garden by the museum.

To learn more about Judy Perry and her works of art, click on the above photograph. 

Pablo Pencil hales from the East Coast and tot his start as an artist early in life while hanging around the Glogovsky Opera Theater in Boston Massachusetts. As a result of his interest, Pablo was invited to help with set design and later forged a career as a set designer. Pablo later got a degree in art and set up his own art school. Unfortunately, Pablo's professional ambitions were temporarily brought to an end when he fell from a four-foot ladder and shattered his leg.  Pablo went through a prolonged period of therapy and had to close his school. In the course of his therapy, Pablo became acquainted with a psychic who suggested that he move to Bisbee, Arizona.  As a result, Pablo, at the age of 46 and nearly penniless, packed up his car and suitcase and drove out west.

 Pablo has lived in Bisbee since 1997 and has since his arrival developed a reputation as a painter, muralist, a contractor specializing in the refurbishing of old miner houses, mural restoration and much more. Pablo continuously creates, putting out new drawings and sketches every day which he posts on Facebook, shows in many of the Bisbee galleries and is a weekly host at local radio station, KBPR. Pablo recently participated in a project to bring art instruction to the children of Naco, Mexico, a community which is just south of the US / Mexico border.

One of Pablo's more inspired ideas was a cartoon strip of a bilingual talking pencil. This eventually led to the creation of “Pablo Pencil,” the pseudonym he is known by here in Bisbee.

The above mural 41 Subway Street was inspired from an old photograph Pablo saw in the Copper Queen Hotel. The photo featured a gathering of Pythian Knights in what is now Grassy Park in downtown Bisbee, taken in the early 20th century. The photograph still exists and is at the entrance to the Men's Restroom near the bar.

These knights can also be seen in the Mandala Pizza behind the Convention Center

To learn more about Pablo Pencil and his works of art, click on the above photograph. 

Originally from Utah, Carolyn Toronto came to Bisbee in 2004.  After having already seen the world as an airline stewardess, Carolyn was enchanted by the ambience of Bisbee and decided to pursue her passion for art full time.

Sone o Carollyn's initial work was in the "guerilla tradition" (without permission) but it wasn't long before she attracted notice and got commissioned for paid work.

 In 2013, Carolyn, iin collaboration with 5 other artists, Gretchen Baer, Megan Connelly, Heather Green, Amber Wakeman and Rob Moondragon., created the six-panel mural which adorns the area behind the WWCA, , "Angels and Guardians" Carolyn's portion is set forth above.  Tour participants will be treated to many other works created by Carolyn in the course of the Bisbee Art Walk.

To learn more about Carolyn Toronto and her works of art, click on the above photograph. 

Jules Muck has probably become the most prolific muralist in Bisbee. Everywhere you go you will find her artwork.  In fact, if you go to the Muck Map on her website, you will see that her art encircles the entire globe. Nevertheless, it is hard to condense her life story into just a few paragraphs. We, therefore, submit the following description set forth on the Artemesia Foundation website:

"Born 1978 – United Kingdom

Jules Muck had no intention of becoming an artist. Born in Stoke-On-Trent, England, in 1978, she started writing graffiti as a preteen throughout England and Greece. Muck came to New York City in the early 1990’s and began tagging her name on anything and everything. She became familiar among the boys of graffiti, bombing highways and rooftops with Spek and Since of the BTC crew.

Muck apprenticed under established graffiti artist and muralist Lady Pink who found her painting on a rooftop. With the influence of Pink, Muck’s opportunities for exposure accelerated dramatically. She was connected to Smith who introduced her to the NYC subway tunnels and freight yards. In 1999, her first interview with Zephyr was published in While You Were Sleeping magazine.

Today Muck thrives as a female artist in the predominantly male street-art world. She was one of the first among women to paint and organize a female wall at the 106th and Park Hall Of Fame in NYC. Her work has been featured in various books, including, Graffiti Women (Nicholas Ganz) and Burning New York (James and Karla Murray).

Muck has painted many large-scale murals such as Miami’s Art Basel, and has worked on collaborative installations including one for the Bronx Museum Of Art. Her financial success has been achieved through private commissions with businesses and high-profile art collectors. The heart of her craft, however, is a public experience not restricted to the elite.

Muck can best be described as a pop-artist that spits back visual documentation of the status quo. Her murals push boundaries with subjects ranging from famous personalities, social issues, and media hype, to mischievous commentary on the absurdity of life. She is inspired by conversations with random strangers in the streets and on her travels as she paints. The majority of Muck’s work is available on building walls, vehicles, and even garbage. It is shared with diverse communities all around the USA .

As a humanitarian, Muck has given a voice to public grief. Her Kobe memorial portrait and BLM portraits in LA have touched those affected by loss and social injustice. Her mural painted at a Syrian refugee camp in Lesvos, Greece, is a tribute to the displaced and was featured by National Geographic.
In between commissions, Muck continues to paint free art around the USA. She tags her work “MuckRock” as a loyalty to graffiti’s hip-hop roots and to music itself. Aside from painting tattoos on people in her murals, Muck is giving people the real deal as a novice tattoo artist. She also serves the recovery community with her non-profit “muckrecovery” platform.

Muck currently has a home and studio in San Pedro, California. As a painter that doesn’t know how to paint, an alcoholic that doesn’t drink, a junkie that doesn’t abuse drugs, she attributes the profligacy and eclecticism of her craft to God."   Jules Muck

We, also, recommend the following 2016 interview of Jules Muck:  Jules Muck — Bird 

To learn more about Jules Muck and her works of art, click on the above photograph. 

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To learn more about Ben Dale and his works of art, click on the above photograph. 

 Born in South Jersey, Corie Mattie aka “LA Hope Dealer”, has forged her artistic path through a journey of remarkable self-discovery and creative exploration.  Although Corie operates primarily out of LA, she has several murals i Bisbee. She describes herself as:

" a multi-hyphenated creative: a visual artist, activist, environmental advocate, and street artist whose work transcends traditional boundaries, both in medium and subject matter, to explore the intersection of art, social issues, and human connection. Art has always been a conduit for change, and for Mattie, the path was forged with bold colors and daring wordplay, “a powerful tool that pierces through the chaos and ignites conversations on pressing social issues.” 

Corre's professional accolades are extensive as indicated in the following quote from the Artemesia Foundation:

" Over the past decade, Mattie has been the subject of significant media attention and institutional recognition, including features in major publications such as The New York Times, The Guardian, and The LA Times. In 2021, Los Angeles honored her with the District 26 Woman of the Year Award for the positive impact her art had on society during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2024, she was the featured artist at the GLAAD Awards, further solidifying her influence and dedication to advocacy within the LGBTQIA+ community. Currently, she has started an initiative to collect letters of support for queer youth across the nation, fostering a sense of community and encouragement. Mattie has achieved critical admiration for her multidisciplinary approach to making art and her unique ability to collaborate with notable organizations and brands, including the National Wildlife Federation, Hyundai, and Mercedes-Benz, among others.

Mattie’s work continues to captivate audiences in multiple venues. This year marks her second solo show at the Artemizia Foundation, with another one person show set for October in Orlando at the College Park Gallery. Her public murals and installations have drawn crowds and sparked conversations, cementing her status as a leading voice in contemporary street art."

The Artemizia Foundation is located at 818 tombstone Canyon, Bisbee, Arizona.

Corie was a featured artist at the Artemizia Foundation in July through September 2024. 

Like many of the artists plying her trade in Bisbee and throughout the world, Corie Mattie is intent on using her art to make a difference.

To learn more about Corrie Mattie and her works of art, click on the above photograph. 

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To learn more about Ted Breault and his works of art, click on the above photograph. 

Immerse yourself in the local culture and traditions with our cultural experiences. From traditional music and dance to handicrafts and festivals, we offer a unique insight i

Like many of the artists who choose the walls of Bisbee as their canvass for expression, not much information is available about Marecla Lubian's educational / experiential background. AI provides the following summary:

Marcela Lubian is heavily influenced by the natural world she observes around her. Her art reflects a deep appreciation for nature's intricacies and beauty. According to her statements, she feels “mesmerized by the hummingbirds,” which she describes as carriers of song and magic. This thematic choice demonstrates her commitment to capturing the ephemeral beauty of life through her creations.

Lubian's work is characterized by vibrant colors and organic forms that resonate with her connection to nature. She often uses various mediums, including painting and mixed media, to express her artistic vision. Her creations celebrate not only the visual beauty but also the serene energy that nature provides. 

Not much else is publicly available.  As far as I know, Marcela Lubian has done only one publicly viewable mural in Bisbee. 

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To learn more aboutBill Mead and his works of art, click on the above photograph. 

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To learn more about Shirley Mac and her works of art, click on the above photograph. 

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To learn more about Larry J. Milam and his works of art, click on the above photograph. 

Alvin Sandler and Katherine Hagstrum are another husband wife art team that set up their studio in Bisbee in 1980.   Their marriage of life and art began when they met in New
York City in 1975. Katherine was busy as a textile designer. Alvin was preparing an exhibition of his paintings
from Mexico. Alvin invited Katherine to see his etchings, and this led to her turning her
talents to fine art, to etching and especially to the exploration of the monotype. Fine art freed Katherine from
the NY based textile connection, so they chose the Southwest in which to make a new life together. Alvin is known in Bisbee, among other things for his sculpture of Tamino, a flute player in Mozart's opera, The Magic Flute.  This sculpture can be found in the garden outside of the Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum.

To learn more about Alvin Sandler and Katherine Hagstrum and their works of art, click on the above photograph. 

MURAL WALL BEHIND COFFEE SHOP

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To learn more about laurin j and her works of art, click on the above photograph. 

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To learn more about Richard Pennick and his works of art, click on the above photograph. 

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To learn more about Gretchen Baer and her works of art, click on the above photograph. 

Reva B. Myer Shemanski, born in 1957, but now deceased, pursued art throughout her entire life. Her mother was especially encouraging of her artistic endeavors, and Reva received her first set of oil paints at the age of 8. Later, Reva received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Cincinnati with a degree in Art Education and a minor in Fine Arts.  Although Reva was and is known for her murals, Reva was also skilled in making small, intricate pieces of jewelry. More precisely, small sculptures out of jet, a black gemstone, antler, horn, and fossilized ivory. They are largely of the natural world: flowers, stylized nudes, feathers, small animals and birds, often set with small gems. No two are the same, each is a piece of art.  Reva sold much of this jewelry and small sculptures at the Renaissance Fairs.  

Reva is survived by her husband Rafiki Shemanski who continues to live in Bisbee and who commissioned a mural memorializing Reva by artist Jules Muck. This mural can be seen along Tombstone Canyon. and will be pointed out in the course of the Bisbee Art Walk.  This mural exemplifies Reva's love for nature and plants.  We will also point out one of the first murals created by Reva adorning the entrance to the former residence of Reva and Rafiki. 

Reva, like many of the artists featured on this site, was not confined to physically tangible works of art. bit. also participated in local plays.  Reva, also, created custom articles of apparel which were featured at the Paterra Gallery.

To learn more about Reva B. Myer Shemanski and her works of art, click on the above photograph. 

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To learn more aboutMac Schneider and his works of art, click on the above photograph. 

Fred Albert, an accomplished multi-media visual artist, was born in 1933 in The Bronx, N.Y., and spent much of his life in Miami, Fla. He received his BA in Art from the University of Miami and his MA at the Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan.

While stationed in the Army in Verona, Italy, he began filling sketchbooks, capturing his surroundings. This led to three extensive drawing trips across Europe in the early ’60s, and more trips later along the East Coast of the U.S. and in Mexico. Many of these drawings were published in GQ magazine, Mademoiselle and Horizon, to name a few. Mr. Albert has four lithographs in the collection of the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C.

In Florida, he received commissions for public art, commercial work and murals,

including a 24-foot-high fabric wall hanging for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.

Shows, prizes and exhibitions continued, culminating with a 40-year retrospective at the Bass Museum in Miami in 1996.

Fred’s move to Bisbee in 1995 turned his “retirement” into hands-on projects, turning his residence into a piece of art. He added a second-floor studio to his 100-year-old house using recycled wood, windows, tin and more. He just finished a whimsical 50-foot wall that combines tiles, figurines and yard sale finds. This can be seen up the Subway steps in Bisbee. Fred was, indeed, a unique and multi-talented individual and will be missed by countless friends all over the world.

Due to fred's death on October 11, 2011, he was unable to complete his home mosaic project.    His friends, Marcia Gibbons and JoAnn Brown, both ceramic artists, finished approximately the last quarter of the wall.

The bulk of the objects came from Freddie’s stash, but Marcia added some of her own work, such as a couple of tiles with Freddie’s image and some tiles dedicated to Freddie and his creative, dynamic life.

To learn more aboutMac Schneider and his works of art, click on the above photograph. 

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Wells Fargo House at end of 826 Tombstone Canyon

To learn more aboutMac Schneider and his works of art, click on the above photograph. 

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To learn more aboutMac Schneider and his works of art, click on the above photograph.