Etherton Gallery

Since its founding in 1981, Etherton Gallery has been a premier destination for photography collectors and enthusiasts in the American Southwest. Located in the historic Barrio Viejo neighborhood of Tucson, Arizona, this revered gallery is known for its museum-quality exhibitions featuring the icons of photographic history alongside exciting contemporary artists who are pushing the medium in new directions.[2]

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A Champion of Photography and the Arts in Tucson

For over four decades, Etherton Gallery has played a vital role in Tucson’s vibrant arts scene. The gallery has been voted “Best Gallery” in Tucson for twelve consecutive years, cementing its status as one of the city’s most enduring and influential contemporary art spaces.[3]

Gallery owner and director Terry Etherton has been at the helm since the beginning, guiding the gallery’s growth and shaping its distinctive curatorial vision. Etherton’s deep knowledge and love of photography is evident in the gallery’s extensive inventory, which includes turn-of-the-century Western American ethnographic and landscape photographs, vintage works by 20th century masters, and cutting-edge contemporary pieces that blend classical and digital technologies.[3]

In addition to its focus on photography, Etherton Gallery exhibits top local and regional artists working in a variety of media including painting, sculpture, and mixed-media.[2] The gallery is committed to supporting the arts in Tucson and regularly presents free public programs that engage with issues of local and national significance.[2]

A Destination for Collectors and Newcomers Alike

Etherton Gallery’s welcoming atmosphere and knowledgeable staff make it an inviting destination for both seasoned collectors and those new to the world of fine art photography. As Terry Etherton explains, “We remain dedicated to making great works of photography accessible to novices and experienced collectors alike.”[2]

The gallery’s diverse inventory includes works at a range of price points, ensuring that there is something for every budget and level of collecting experience. From rare vintage prints to editioned works by emerging artists, Etherton Gallery offers a carefully curated selection that reflects the breadth and depth of the photographic medium.

Noteworthy Exhibitions and Events

Over the years, Etherton Gallery has presented a number of groundbreaking exhibitions that have garnered national attention. A few highlights include:

A major retrospective of the work of Joel-Peter Witkin, known for his provocative, macabre images that find beauty in the grotesque.[10] The gallery presented an exclusive interview with the artist in BLIND Magazine.[10]
“The Photography Show” presented by AIPAD (Association of International Photography Art Dealers), the leading annual fair dedicated to fine art photography.[1] Etherton Gallery is a longtime member of AIPAD and regularly participates in the fair.[2]
A showcase of women photographers including Graciela Iturbide, Zana Briski, and Kate Breakey, who explore issues of identity, femininity, and the natural world in their work.[1][5]
Exhibitions pairing contemporary artists like Andy Burgess and Matt Magee, who use photography as a jumping-off point for bold mixed-media works.[1]

In addition to its ambitious exhibition schedule, Etherton Gallery hosts regular artist talks, book signings, and other public events that offer opportunities for visitors to engage directly with artists and learn more about their creative processes.[6]

An Impressive Roster of Artists

Etherton Gallery represents an impressive stable of artists, from modern masters to innovative contemporaries. Some notable names include:

Ansel Adams, one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century, renowned for his iconic images of the American West.[5]
Danny Lyon, a leading figure in the American street photography movement of the 1960s and ’70s.[1]
Graciela Iturbide, the celebrated Mexican photographer known for her poetic, deeply humanist images of indigenous cultures.[1][5]
Joel-Peter Witkin, the provocative artist who creates staged, often unsettling photographs that challenge conventional notions of beauty and morality.[5][10]
Alanna Airitam, a contemporary photographer who explores issues of representation, identity, and the African diaspora in her powerful portraits.[1][5]

Other notable artists represented by the gallery include Diane Arbus, Lee Friedlander, Mark Klett, Danny Lyon, Richard Misrach, Eadweard Muybridge, Aaron Siskind, Frederick Sommer, W. Eugene Smith, Edward Weston, and many more.[5]

A New Chapter in a Historic Neighborhood

In 2021, after 33 years in its original downtown Tucson location, Etherton Gallery moved to a new space in the city’s historic Barrio Viejo neighborhood.[10][14] The new gallery, located at 340 S Convent Avenue, offers expanded exhibition space and a more inviting visitor experience.

The Barrio Viejo, one of Tucson’s oldest neighborhoods, is known for its colorful adobe buildings and rich cultural heritage. Etherton Gallery’s new home, a beautifully renovated historic building, fits seamlessly into the neighborhood’s distinctive architectural landscape.[11]

For Terry Etherton, the move represents an exciting new chapter in the gallery’s history. “We’re thrilled to be part of the vibrant Barrio Viejo community,” he says. “The new space allows us to showcase even more of the incredible work being created by photographers and artists today.”[14]

A Must-Visit Destination

Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a photography enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates great art, Etherton Gallery is a must-visit destination in Tucson. With its welcoming atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, and consistently excellent exhibitions, the gallery offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience the best of contemporary and vintage photography in the Southwest.

As one visitor puts it, “Etherton Gallery is a beautiful space filled with great art and photography. Don’t miss it! A highlight of our trip to Tucson.”[11] Another raves, “Well known for their photography collection, Etherton also hosts a variety of artist and events. There is something for everyone here.”[11]

So next time you find yourself in Tucson, be sure to pay a visit to Etherton Gallery. You’ll be glad you did.

Etherton Gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11am to 5pm. For more information about current and upcoming exhibitions, visit the gallery’s website at ethertongallery.com.[2]

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