$56K Raised For Tucson Youth After 30 Murals Hit Auction Block

A downtown Tucson mural auction raised $55,957.84 for four local organizations that serve children and families. The money will be divided among City High School, Children’s Museum Tucson, Tucson School for the Blind and Imago Dei Middle School.

The fundraiser was held at The Grand Tucson and drew about 100 to 125 people, based on ticket, complimentary ticket and volunteer numbers. All 30 mural panels created for the project were sold, with “Puppy Love” bringing the highest bid at $3,200.

The project began after Gibson’s Market closed and graffiti appeared on plywood around the construction site. Artist Ignacio Garcia proposed painting the panels and later auctioning them to support local nonprofits.

Garcia painted the murals over several months with funding from the Rio Nuevo-backed Storefront Vinyl Program. The project was supported by the Downtown Tucson Partnership, Gibson Food Hall & Market, HighWire and other community partners.