Meet Patti Ortiz of ‘Tis Art Center & Gallery

Today we’d like to introduce you to Patti Ortiz.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Patti. So, let’s start at the beginning, and we can move on from there.
‘Tis is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency devoted to providing art education opportunities for children and adults and promoting Prescott area artists who work in fine art styles and mediums.

We are responsible for saving and beautifully restoring the historic 1893 Knights of Pythias building in downtown Prescott. The building is now the home of ‘Tis Art Center & Gallery. Within two gallery areas, visitors will find affordable fine art paintings, photography, sculpture and wearable art. The exhibits in both galleries change each month, and receptions for participating artists take place every month during Prescott’s 4th Friday Art Walk.

The Art Center also offers a Third Floor Banquet Hall that is ideal for weddings, receptions, parties, educational meetings, and fundraisers. It features a full kitchen, restrooms, a covered outdoor patio and an ambiance that reflects the elegance and charm of the late 19th century. The rental rates are surprisingly affordable, and proceeds go to ‘Tis for the wonderful community services we provide.

In 2013, we opened a second site for art education programs. The ‘Tis Annex Art Education Building is located at 235 N Marina Street in Prescott. It is home to our free of charge STEPS Art Education Program for Children. Classroom space is also available to artists for the purpose of teaching art classes or conducting workshops and to and for children and adults.

Has it been a smooth road?
We have come a long way, since opening the doors of the main building on Cortez in 2009 with our ever-evolving community services:

‘Tis STEPS Art Education Program for Children provides free art education classes for children ages 5 to 15 +. Our art educators incorporate STEAM (Science,Technology,Engineering, Art, Math) elements into class projects.

Gallery Exhibits give local artists the chance to present and promote their art and explore new ideas and media. The exhibits change monthly.

Classroom Space for Artists Workshops allows the community to interact creatively with artists and create individual works of art.

Annual “Journeys in Spirit” Traditional and Contemporary Native Art Exhibit in May, allows the public to interact, explore and develop an appreciation of American Indian culture and its contribution to Prescott’s history and cultural identity.

Third Floor Banquet Hall provides elegant and affordable space ideal for seminars, weddings, receptions, and parties.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with ‘Tis Art Center & Gallery – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Our projects and programs are producing positive results. We started the STEPS Art Education Program for Children in 2011 and our approach to art education practices keep evolving with the times. Our gallery exhibitions get better by the day. We are one of the few galleries in Prescott that features abstract and/or conceptual Fine Art and we offer it with affordable pricing. Our low commission allow the artists to offer work that is up to 30% less than in conventional galleries. And our Journeys in Spirit: Traditional and Contemporary Native Art exhibit has grown into an inter tribal exhibition with art, music and dance. It “wows” me to see how far we have come in less than ten years.

What role has luck had in your life and business?
I wouldn’t exactly call it luck. It’s more about awareness. “It can be your best friend,” a good friend once told me. Without it, the knock of opportunity remains silent.

Contact Info:

• Address: 105 S. Cortez Street Prescott, AZ 86303 (‘TIS ART CENTER & GALLERY)
  235 N. Marina St. Prescott, AZ 86301 (‘TIS ANNEX ART EDUCATION BUILDING)
• Website: www.TisArtGallery.com
• Phone: 928-775-0223; 928-776-1087
• Email: tisart1@cableone.net; tisartmarketing@gmail.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TisArtGallery/

Image Credit:
Judy Kaufman, Mary Kaye O’neill, Virgel Nez, Patti Ortiz, Feliz Manzanedo, Michael McDermott, Tony Duncan and Family, Annie Alexander

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