There’s something electric about seeing an artwork come to life while you’re standing just a few feet away—watching the first bold marks land, seeing the palette evolve, and feeling the whole room hold its breath for that “oh wow” moment. Brushstrokes on Congress is exactly that kind of night, and this session features Victor Navarro, a proudly visible gay artist whose work speaks to identity, emotion, and the layered beauty of being seen.
On Friday, January 23, 2026, from 6:00–8:00 PM, The Tucson Gallery turns into a live studio as Victor creates a brand-new canvas in real time. You can step inside to catch the details up close—or even watch from the sidewalk through the gallery’s big windows on Congress Street, where the process becomes part of the downtown rhythm. It’s free, drop-in friendly, and designed for the curious: whether you’re a dedicated art lover, a date-night wanderer, or someone who just wants a reason to be out in the city with community.
Why This Matters: Queer Visibility in Public Art Spaces
From a gay lens, this event hits deeper than “a cool thing to do.” Visibility matters—especially in spaces that aren’t explicitly queer on the surface. Victor showing up as a prominent gay artist in the heart of downtown Tucson is a reminder that our stories belong everywhere: on the walls, in the windows, in the conversations that spark when someone pauses mid-walk and says, “What are they painting?” When queer artists are celebrated publicly, it creates a kind of permission slip for the rest of us—to take up space, to be curious, to be ourselves out loud.
What makes an open-studio session special is that it demystifies art. You’ll see Victor move through the real decisions behind the finished work: composition, color choices, layering, texture, and the final flourish. If you’ve ever wondered why a painting feels like it’s glowing, or how a single brushstroke can change the mood of an entire piece, this is your chance to watch it happen in real time. Victor will also be available for quick Q&A throughout the session (when it doesn’t interrupt the flow), so bring your curiosity—especially if you’re an artist yourself, a student, or someone who’s always wanted to learn what’s happening “behind the scenes.”
Inside the gallery, you’ll also get a preview of Victor’s latest works on display, which adds a beautiful context: you can watch the new canvas being born while also seeing how his recent pieces carry themes of identity, culture, and emotion across his broader body of work. Victor is Tucson-born, has exhibited internationally, and has been recognized in Arizona for his contributions to the arts—so this isn’t just a casual demo. It’s a rare chance to catch a working artist in motion, right here at home.
Good to know before you go:
- Cost: Free to attend (no tickets, no RSVP)
- Vibe: Come as you are—drop in anytime between 6–8 PM
- Photos: Welcome without flash (let the paint—and the artist—have the spotlight)
- Seating: Casual seating is limited
- Accessibility: Ground-level entry; staff can assist
- Getting there: Street parking and nearby garages around Congress/Scott; close to the Sun Link streetcar
If you’re part of Tucson’s LGBTQ+ community, consider this a warm invitation: come be visible with us. Bring a friend, bring a date, bring your visiting family, or come solo and let downtown carry you. There’s something powerful about gathering around a creative act—especially one led by a gay artist who’s helping shape Tucson’s cultural heartbeat in public, in real time.
Brushstrokes on Congress: Open Studio Session with Victor Navarro
When: Friday, January 23, 2026 • 6:00–8:00 PM
Where: The Tucson Gallery, 245 E Congress St, Suite 101, Tucson, AZ 85701
Questions: (520) 606-5440
Learn More on the GayTucson Event Calendar!
jamesportis
Latest posts by jamesportis (see all)
- Arizona LGBTQ+ Bills 2026: What’s Being Proposed, What It Means, and How to Take Action (Tucson Guide) – January 15, 2026
- Brushstrokes on Congress: Live Painting with Victor Navarro at The Tucson Gallery (Downtown Tucson) – January 15, 2026
- Tucson Gallery Welcomes the LGBTQ+ Community — Come Create With Us – November 4, 2025
