Q+A: Artist Tracy Ann Holmes

The Tucson J is thrilled to open our 2026-2027 Fine Art Gallery season with Meditation & Metaphor: Ceramic Sculpture & Watercolors by Tracy Ann Holmes.  

 

Running Thursday, August 20 through Sunday, September 27, the show demonstrates “a balance between control and serendipity that happens when water, pigment, and paper combine.” 

 

Keep reading to learn more about Tracy, the show, and what viewers can expect. 

ABOUT TRACY ANN HOLMES

Tracy Ann Holmes, grew up in Napa, California. She earned a BFA with an emphasis in Ceramics and an Art Ed Certificate from BYU. In school, Tracy discovered her two favorite media: ceramic and watercolor. Tracy taught art full-time for five years in Utah and North Carolina before moving to Arizona.  

Over the last 20+ years in Arizona, Tracy continues to teach select art classes while being a full-time studio artist. Her watercolor series, “Sonoran Desert Life”, contains over 100 images of the animals and plants of the Southwest. Tracy’s ceramic sculptures are metaphorical in nature and primarily centered around the female figure with themes of endurance, faith, and struggle. Her sculptures are one-of-a-kind, built by hand, using slab and coil building techniques. 

Can you share your creative process, both in the studio and in shaping the overall vision for the show?
Meditation is the act of being mindfully aware and reaching a calming state. That zen state of observation comes while I am painting watercolors. It is a balance between control and serendipity that happens when water, pigment, and paper combine. I take in my surroundings and share my love of color and the life of the Sonoran Desert. These observations lead to deeper questions and to my personal studies. I often find a quote or a tenet of faith and wonder, “how could I portray this concept visually?” A visual metaphor is created when an image or object represents a concept, emotion, or idea beyond its literal appearance. I make sketches, gather references, and then sculpt artwork in clay. My use of meditation and metaphors brings balance and understanding to my life, and I hope that my work helps others find the same. 

  

What themes are you exploring in this show, and why are they important to you?
The themes I am exploring in “Meditation & Metaphor” are the tenets I try to live by. First, as seen in my watercolors, we are surrounded by the beauty and tenacity of life in the Sonoran Desert, and that is to be celebrated. Secondly, my sculptural work examines the indomitable spirit of humankind through hardships. We are all a bit broken, vulnerable, and struggling through life–but with divine help, self-love/forgiveness we can still live beautiful lives. We can find peace in the storm. 

  

Is there a particular piece in the show that holds a meaningful story or memory for you?
The Japanese technique of kintsugi is a repair technique that uses lacquer and gold leaf to repair valued and treasured pottery. These repaired pieces are not considered less for being broken but even more beautiful with their golden fractures mended. My piece “And Yet She Persisted” is an homage to the technique and the message that we are often broken but can still be beautiful. She is still holding one of the pieces and is actively putting herself back together again. 

  

How do you hope viewers feel after experiencing the show?
Our culture often encourages us to say, “I’m fine” and hide our feelings. I hope viewers will connect with my work and see that it is ok to be “not fine” and give yourself the grace/time to grieve and heal. This life is hard and we can make it through with the support of God, good people, and finding love for self. I also hope they feel the joy and wonder in the beauty of the animals and flowers that surround us here in the Sonoran Desert. 

  

The Tucson J is all about collaboration and community. Are there any artists you draw inspiration from?
My favorite ceramic artist is Adrian Arleo. Her figurative ceramic sculpture is evocative and beautiful. I am also grateful to the Southern Arizona Arts Guild (SAAG) and the many artists there who have helped me make connections and grow my art career. It was through SAAG that I learned about the Tucson J and participated in my first show here. 

  

Why are you excited to share your work at the Tucson J?
What an honor to be able to present my work at the Tucson J! There are so many wonderful patrons of the art within this community and I’m grateful to share my work with them. I have been in several shows with the Tucson J and it is always an amazing experience. Thank you for sharing your beautiful gallery space with me. I have been working hard over the last 18 months to fill it! 

Thank you, Tracy! We are looking forward to the show! 
 

Alongside the gallery show, Tracy will host two free events at the J: 

Artist talk and kid-friendly art activity | Thursday, August 27, 5-6pm 

Opening reception | Thursday, September 24, 6-8pm 

Learn more about the Show and Reception!

Rosh Hashanah Resources, Recipes, and Crafts from PJ Library of Southern Arizona

Three elderly adults and one child paint ceramic flowers

Shanah Tovah (good year) from PJ Library of Southern Arizona! Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, invites us all to reflect on the past year and look ahead to the new year. Plus, it’s an especially meaningful and fun holiday to celebrate with kids.  

 

To celebrate PJ Library’s upcoming event, Sweet Beginnings: A Rosh Hashanah Family Experience on Sunday, August 23, we are sharing some at-home crafts, recipes, and easy resources to keep the holiday fun going. With minimal supplies, bring the holiday to life with the whole family! 

FROM PJ LIBRARY

Make your own Shofar 

Make apple print cards 

Free printable Rosh Hashanah cards 

Learn how to braid a round challah 

Rosh Hashanah cheat sheet for families 

MORE TO EXPLORE

Explore PJ Library books celebrating the holiday 

Seasonal Rosh Hashanah Crafts 

Amazing Apple Crafts 

Rosh Hashanah Recipes for Kids

Rosh Hashanah Recipes from around the worldFor your holiday table 

How are you celebrating Rosh Hashanah with your family? Drop us a message at @pjlibrarysaz on Instagram and Facebook!  

Collage and Culture: Bringing Jewish Artist Alex Woz to Tucson 

From the desk of Chloe Loos, Director of Arts + Culture

Chloe Loos

This August, we’re thrilled to welcome Alex Woz to Tucson for a special residency built around three opportunities to engage with his work and ideas. 

 

An Argentinian Jewish artist based in Los Angeles, Woz has quickly emerged as one of the most exciting young voices in contemporary Jewish art. Blending collage, photography, painting, archival imagery, and graphic design, his work draws inspiration from Jewish communities around the world, vintage Israeli design, and the visual language of 1970s album covers to create something entirely his own. The result is art that feels both rooted in Jewish history and vibrantly focused on the future. 

 

What excites me most about Alex’s work is that it asks big questions. His art explores identity, memory, belonging, resilience, and Jewish pride through images that invite curiosity and conversation. At a time when many Jewish communities are grappling with questions of visibility, representation, and connection, Alex’s work feels especially relevant. 

 

The residency begins with Planting Seeds, a pop-up exhibition in the Tucson J Fine Art Gallery featuring a selection of Alex’s prints. Drawing from archival materials, contemporary imagery, and Jewish visual culture from around the world, the exhibition offers visitors a chance to experience his distinctive artistic language up close. The exhibition will run from Monday, August 10 through Thursday, August 13, and will be open to the public during the J’s normal hours of operation. 

 

The centerpiece of the residency is a free community conversation on Wednesday, August 12th, facilitated by local Jewish artist, Amy Pozez. Together, Amy and Alex will discuss contemporary Jewish identity, artistic practice, and the role of art in shaping memory and cultural narrative. We’ll explore what it means to create art today, if that art is Jewish or just by Jewish artists, and why visual storytelling is such a powerful tool for building pride and connection. The conversation will be followed by a casual reception in the J’s fine art gallery, giving attendees an opportunity to continue the discussion while viewing the exhibition and meeting the artist. 

 

The residency culminates in a hands-on collage workshop on Thursday, August 13th, inspired by Alex’s own creative practice. Participants will be invited to create original artwork rooted in personal and family stories, using photographs, archival materials, and mixed-media techniques. Whether you come with a shoebox full of family photographs or simply a curiosity about your own story, the workshop offers a chance to reflect on memory, identity, and belonging while creating something uniquely your own. 

 

At its heart, this residency is not just about art, but about storytelling and identity. It’s about seeing ourselves reflected in Jewish culture in new ways, and about creating space for conversations that connect past, present, and future. 

 

I can’t wait to introduce Tucson to Alex and his work, and I hope you’ll join us for one, or all three, of these special events. 

Celebrating Pride Month at the Tucson J

The Tucson J is proud to be a place where people of all identities gather to learn, connect, exercise, and relax, promising a space where everyone feels comfortable being their true selves. Our JPride initiative is one example of our commitment to inclusion. Throughout the year, JPride offers programs specifically designed for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies, giving folks opportunities to connect and build community. 

 

To celebrate Pride Month, the Tucson J and JPride will host a screening of the classic film, Yentl, on Sunday, June 21 at 2pm. Starring and directed by Barbra Streisand, this beloved film is a powerful and tender exploration of identity centered around a young Jewish woman who defies convention by disguising herself as a man in order to pursue sacred learning, raising timeless questions about gender, access, and belonging. 

 

In the spirit of the film, gender-expansive dress is warmly encouraged, and after the film, community members will discuss the film and its themes of identity and gender.  

 

Read on to check out some LGBTQ+ resources!

Learn more + purchase tickets for Yentl!

People 

Michael Twitty  

Rabbi Sandra Lawson  

Rabbi Koach Baruch Frazier  

  

Organizations 

Keshet: Keshet works for the full equality of LGBTQ Jews and our families in Jewish life. 

University of Arizona Hillel 

  

Learning 

SVARA: A Traditionally Radical Yeshiva 

  

Practice 

Shabbat and Havdalah Guide for BIMPOC and BIMPOC LGBTQIA+ Jews 

  

Sports

Let Them Play: A Collection of articles about trans kids and youth sports 

  

Healthy Aging 

Tucson J Healthy Aging Resources 

Q+A: Robert Feldman, Artist

The 2025-2026 Tucson J Fine Art Gallery Season will end with a sparkling finale! From Thursday, April 9 to Sunday, May 17, Shards and Sparks: Fires of Creation will display a variety of juried glasswork along with artist Robert Feldman’s fire paintings.


ABOUT THE SHOW

Shards and Sparks: Fires of Creation is an exploration of transformation, fragmentation, and renewal through the elemental force of fire. Inspired by Lurianic Kabbalah’s mystical vision of shattered vessels and the cosmic sparks within, as well as the creation story of Parshat Bereshit, this exhibit brings together two dynamic art forms. Featuring the mesmerizing fire paintings of Robert Feldman alongside a juried selection of glassworks, Shards and Sparks captures the tension between destruction and creation—where what is broken can be remade, and where light emerges from the fractures.

ABOUT ROBERT FELDMAN

Robert Feldman’s work as a poet, musician, and painter originated while in his late teens in his hometown of Paterson, NJ. Later, he began experimenting with applying fire to augment and enrich his paintings during his years living in Bisbee and Tucson; it was during this period that he acquired skills as a stonecutter and silversmith as well. Subsequently, upon returning to NYC, Robert transitioned into designing sculptural jewelry for women, where his metalwork appeared in several prominent stores throughout the country, including Saks 5th Ave and Bergdorf Goodman, as well as being featured in Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue. Mr. Feldman holds an MA in English, Linguistics, and Languages from the University of Arizona.

Keep reading to learn more about Robert and his work, and join us for the show to explore a variety of artists and glasswork!

Can you share your creative process, both in the studio and in shaping the overall vision for the show?
When I paint (or write poetry), expressing color and cadence are primary. I love exploring “unchartered” techniques in applying paint, as well as other mediums, with the understanding that making art, like life, is a process: “there are no mistakes.” And as a former jewelry designer, I developed the ability to integrate fire, using a torch, to burn the various pigments and other applications used to embellish unique textures and color transitions that are possible only by applying a direct flame. Thus, it is with these notions and convictions that I look forward to sharing my perspectives and exhibiting and my “fire paintings” at the Tucson J.

What themes are you exploring in this show, and why are they important to you?
Confronting conventions, embracing experimentation, and celebrating abstract expressionism.

Who is your favorite artist or one you draw inspiration from? 
Yves Klein, Wassily Kandinsky, along with the “New York School”, and of course the post-impressionist painters.

Is there a particular piece in the show that holds a meaningful story or memory for you?
Many do, but I suppose “Ocean of Winter” (because it is accompanied by its namesake epic poem I began writing at the same time).

How do you hope viewers feel after experiencing the show?
Inspired, intrigued, and perhaps fancying to own one of my paintings.

Why are you excited to share your work at the Tucson J?
First and foremost, because I am a Jewish man who has been an active member of the J since rehoming to Tucson— this is a blessing. Moreover, the opportunity to share my work with the Tucson Jewish community as well as the greater Tucson populace is truly an honor. Finally, I am well aware that the J is committed to serve as a hub for art and the creative experience via the Fine Art Gallery and the Jill Rosenzweig Memorial Sculpture Garden, not to mention all the rich and motivational programs and presentations it hosts. Yes, I am appreciative and jazzed to be part of this effort!

On Thursday, April 16 from 6-7:30pm, everyone is invited to a free reception celebrating the show. Stop by and meet the artists, and enjoy light refreshments and conversation!
Learn more about the Show and Reception!

Q+A: Colored Pencil Society of America District Chapter 212

From Wednesday, February 25, to Sunday, April 5, the Tucson J is excited to welcome the Colored Pencil Society of America’s District Chapter 212 (Phoenix and Tucson) to our Fine Art Gallery for Fine Art Gallery for “Rhapsody in Hue.” 


The exhibit beautifully showcases the diverse artistic expression achieved through the medium of colored pencil by highlighting the unique experiences and styles of each artist. The meticulous layering process involved in colored pencil work not only takes time but also reflects the artist’s excitement, dedication, and love for their craft. The Colored Pencil Society of America plays a vital role in elevating the medium’s recognition and providing valuable resources for artists. 


Keep reading to learn more about the show and CPSA! 

ABOUT THE SHOW: 


This exhibit beautifully showcases the diverse artistic expression achieved through the medium of colored pencil by highlighting the unique experiences and styles of each artist. The meticulous layering process involved in colored pencil work not only takes time but also reflects the artist’s excitement, dedication, and love for their craft. The Colored Pencil Society of America plays a vital role in elevating the medium’s recognition and providing valuable resources for artists.

About CPSA District Chapter 212

With over 70 members in Arizona and beyond, artists utilize a range of art styles and experience, predominantly working in colored pencils. The group strives to elevate the medium, educate others about it, and encourage innovation with the use of colored pencils. We are part of the national non-profit organization, the Colored Pencil Society of America (CPSA). 

 

Can you share your creative process, both in the studio and in shaping the overall vision for the show? 

Most of our artists in the group use a reference photo for their creative foundation, but it is what they do with the image that is most fascinating. Whether the artwork is stylized, photo realistic, or abstract, our show will leave its audience inspired. 

What themes are you exploring in this show, and why are they important to you? 

Rhapsody in Hue is a show that celebrates color. Many emotions can be invoked by color, like love, joy, peace, and serenity. It is an element of art that people have strong feelings about. Most people have a favorite color, or a personal experience associated with a color, whether we are aware of it or not. Our chapter wants to share our excitement for the power of color and how it can be used beautifully in a work of art. 

How do you hope viewers feel after experiencing the show? 

We hope the viewers feel inspired by our exhibit and uplifted by our creations. I hope that they leave with a new appreciation for the medium and perhaps want to try it out for themselves. Most people have used colored pencils at some time in their lives, but after a few lessons on colored pencil techniques, the sky is the limit. We are an encouraging group of artists who welcome artists of all levels, whether they are beginners or professionals. 

Why are you excited to share your work at the Tucson J? 

We are excited to exhibit at the Tucson J because our group would like to reach a broad audience and exhibit our work in a beautiful venue. Our mission is to elevate our medium to fine art standards and to share the experience and collaboration of our community of artists. 

 

Everyone is invited to an opening reception on Sunday, March 15, from 2-3:30pm, featuring light refreshments and artist talks.


In connection with the show, the Tucson J is offering fine art colored pencil classes, taught by artists from CPSA!

Learn more about the Show and Reception!

Q+A: Artist Russell Kahn

We are excited to host artist and instructor Russell Kahn in our Fine Art Gallery for his upcoming show, Sense of Place. 

 

Opening January 14 and running through February 22, enjoy pastels, drawings, prints, and ceramics of the natural world through Russell’s eyes. “It’s an exploration of where one is and lives in this moment and time.” 

 

A reception featuring light refreshments and community engagement will be held on Thursday, January 22 from 6-7:30pm with a special presentation by Russell at 6:30pm. 

 

Keep reading to learn more about Russell and what you can expect in January!

Can you share your creative process, both in the studio and in shaping the overall vision for the show? 

I’ll share the creative process for my plein aire work. I find a spot to capture what I am seeing and complete a quick Sharpie drawing to get the essence of the composition, line, and possibly some of the shading. Finally, I’ll use a black or other dark paper color to create in oil pastels. My printmaking and clay work are directly related to my Sharpie sketches from observation or imagination. 

  

What themes are you exploring in this show, and why are they important to you? 

“Sense of Place” is the theme I’m exploring. It’s important to me because where I am, I need to remember to be 100 percent present, and if it’s with people, nature, or in a barrio, I need to feel it and hope my art reflects it. Plein aire painting has a way of capturing that sense of place; my prints and clay work are an extension of that feeling. 

  

Who is your favorite artist or one you draw inspiration from?  

I draw inspiration from many different artists. 


Old school: Tiepolo, Carravagio, Rembranndt, Monet, Van Gogh, Bonnard, Morandi, Giacometti, O’keefe, Janet Fish, Wolf Kahn, Mary Azarian, John Muafangejo, and many more. 

  

Is there a particular piece in the show that holds a meaningful story or memory for you? 

The piece that holds a lot of memory for me is a recent piece that I did while visiting Maine and working there this past summer. “Breakwater Lighthouse” is located in Rockland, Maine, and it was a place I would go to for solace and begin my plein aire Sharpie drawings (and then oil pastels) when the pandemic first hit in Spring of 2020.  


These initial sketches take me back to the place where I was at the precipice of changing my life forever. In just a few months, I took a job in Kayenta, Arizona, teaching art on the Navajo Rez (20 miles from Monument Valley), and did a sketch and oil pastel a day for almost 2 years. Then, I ended up in Tucson, Arizona, and fell in love with the arts community here and was able to reconnect with family and see my dad and step-mom more often before my dad’s passing in October 2024.  


It’s been a whirlwind, but with art as with life, it’s always best to make the next move from the heart or the gut feeling— it’s usually the right move.  

  

How do you hope viewers feel after experiencing the show? 

I hope that any of my viewers will be excited about the sense of place I’ve captured and be inspired to go outside and see the beauty for themselves, and ultimately pick up a brush, pastel, or piece of clay and try it for themselves. 

  

Why are you excited to share your work at the Tucson J? 

I am excited to share my work so the viewers can feel and see the “SENSE OF PLACE” theme I have created and walk away wanting to explore places for themselves. 

About Russell Kahn 

 

I have traveled full circle creating and teaching art for the past 35 years in the Southwest and New England. I enjoy being part of my local community as well as globally. My roots growing up were in New York City and Cincinnati, Ohio. My parents all emigrated to America from other countries. My mom was from Tel-Aviv, Israel, my Dad from Capetown, South Africa ,and my Step Mom from Innsbruck, Austria. All of these places and cultures helped shape who I am today and how I see the world.  

  

I received my 120 credit studio diploma from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and my K-12 teaching certificate through Tufts University in Medford, Mass.  While teaching art in Chinle, AZ, on the Navajo reservation I received my Master in Arts degree from Adams State College in Alamosa, Colorado.  I then moved to Tucson, Arizona and taught art in Sells, AZ at Baboquivari High School on the Tohono O’odham reservation. After that, I switched gears and taught elementary art in Vail School district at Desert Willow Elementary School. In 2003, it was time to go from the frying pan to the ice box and my family and I moved to mid-coast Maine. I taught art at 4-6 different schools in and around Belfast, Maine followed by the next 13 years at Camden High School.  I returned to the Southwest in 2020 in part due to the pandemic to teach at Monument Valley High School in Kayenta,AZ for 2 years.   

 

I now live in Tucson, Arizona and teach part time at Desert Sage High School, the Clay Co-op, and The Drawing Studio.  I enjoy exploring the arts in many different media but absolutely love printmaking, drawing with my sharpie, creating soft and oil pastel paintings and working with ceramics,  both wheel throwing and hand building.  My philosophy of art education is that everybody can express themselves through the arts, no matter what age or background. I enjoy facilitating my students through the processes of the creative arts and help them realize that their voice and risk taking is the most important thing about the arts.   

Learn more about the Show and Reception!

Celebrating 35 Years of Jewish Storytelling: Tucson J International Film Festival Opens January 8

Beginning in 1991, the Tucson J International Film Festival is one of the longest-running Jewish film festivals in the country. Celebrating Jewish history, culture, storytelling, and humor, the festival continues to delight audiences every year.  

 

The 2026 festival, opening on Thursday, January 8, will feature incredible dramas, documentaries, comedies, and shorts from around the world. Keep reading to learn more about how this year’s films were chosen.  

Behind the Scenes of the 2026 Film Festival 


Chloe Loos, the director of arts and culture at the Tucson J, explained that the 2026 Film Festival Committee structure has evolved. “Instead of a one-year commitment where the committee works on everything, we’ve shifted to a wheel and spoke model where the one-year steering committee members are the head of a smaller subcommittee. This was done in the hopes of including more folks in the festival committee/planning process, since we know that one year is a huge commitment. We are incredibly grateful to those who have served on the committee and continue to serve and are excited to add new voices to the committee who are helping to shape the festival experience.”

 

There are four subcommittees: screening, programming, outreach, and volunteer engagement, but it’s the screening committee, naturally, that requires the biggest time commitment. “The committee watched over 70 films—features and shorts—and connected weekly to talk about the options and view them through the lens of strong filmmaking. These factors included story, cinematography, and acting, as well as Jewish content,” said Loos.  

 

“The goal of the festival is to present a diverse tapestry of Jewish life and ensure the many ways of being and experiencing Jewishness can be represented.” While watching the films, each reviewer rated the film on a scale of 1-5, and screening committee chair, Audrey Brooks, took notes and compiled the scores to determine the films.  

 

After discussion and ratings, the films were narrowed down to 17 feature length films and seven shorts. Features include Welcome to Yiddishland, Haute Couture, The Blond Boy from the Casbah, and Ada – My Mother the Architect. Shorts include Miriam, The Cave Synagogue, and Fiddler on the Moon.   

 

“After nearly a year of planning, I’m incredibly proud of the festival we’ve put together,” said Loos. “The new committee structure really worked, giving everyone a chance to contribute their creativity and ideas, and that collaboration shows in this year’s lineup.” 

Experience the Festival 


This year’s festival will kick off on January 8 with a glamorous, Hollywood-inspired screening of The Property, a dramedy following a grandmother and granddaughter to reclaim family property seized during World War II.  

 

The festival continues with screenings and special events through January 18, which will end with a fictional Moroccan-Jewish immigrant story, Flowers Gate. Yuval Malka, Senior Community Shlicha at the Weintraub Israel Center, will present a special program in connection to the film — sharing her family’s story and personal perspective, bringing the rich history to life. 

 

In addition to in-person screenings, you can watch many of this year’s films online from January 16 through January 26 here.  

 

The Film Festival Committee is always accepting new members of all ages and backgrounds, and if you would like to get involved in next year’s festival, please contact  Chloe Loos at  cloos@tucsonjcc.org.  

Get your tickets today!

Q+A: Renewal with PaperWorks

Get excited for our next gallery show, Renewal with PaperWorks, running from Thursday, October 23 through Sunday, November 30. 


PaperWorks, the Sonoran Collective for Paper and Book Artists, was founded in 2001. With over 100 members at the onset, the organization welcomes all artists and art aficionados. Its mission is to share knowledge and skills in a supportive and inclusive environment. 


PaperWorks’ members are able to engage in a wide variety of programs that include monthly meetings, workshops, creative meetups and challenges. These opportunities showcase the talented artists within the group’s membership and from around the country. PaperWorks shares its collective artwork with the Tucson community through juried shows and exhibits. 

ABOUT THE SHOW: 


Renewal is the process of beginning something again after having stopped for a period of time; to bring new life and energy to replace something old; or to seek improvement, advancement, or an improved outcome. The renewal process can be found in the arts and sciences, in technology, and in nature. 


Artists often experience the concept of renewal as they approach their work, seeking change, improvement, or enhancement. This exhibition challenges artists to first look backwards and then forwards. This circular perspective will provide artists with insights to change, enhance or re-energize their work. 

 

Can you share your creative process, both in the studio and in shaping the overall vision for the show? 

The exhibit will offer viewers an opportunity to observe a variety of media supported by many unique creative perspectives. One can expect to engage with paintings, drawings, printmaking, photography, book arts, fiber, and collage. 

  

Who is your favorite artist or one you draw inspiration from? 

PaperWorks members work in a variety of media. Because our membership is so diverse, members draw inspiration from any number of sources. The group offers members opportunities to engage in activities that provide education and inspiration. A few examples include workshops, creative meetups, and a variety of challenges throughout the year. 

   

How do you hope viewers feel after experiencing the show? 

We hope that visitors will feel the energy and excitement of the group through the engagement of the work exhibited. The professional quality of the work on display plus the variety of media presented offers viewers a glimpse into the breadth and depth of the organization. 

  

Why are you excited to share your work at the Tucson J? 

PaperWorks members are eager to share their work with the community through the Tucson J. The venue draws an eclectic group of people that represent a wide variety of interests. Like the J, PaperWorks is committed to community engagement and welcomes collaboration with other vital Tucson organizations. 

Thank you, PaperWorks! We look foward to seeing the show!
 
Everyone is invited to an opening reception on Sunday, November 2, from 2-3:30pm, featuring light refreshments and artist talks.
Learn more about the Show and Reception!

PJ Library Book Picks for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur

From the desk of Mary Ellen Loebl, PJ Library Coordinator

Mary Ellen Loebl

As Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, approach, PJ Library has you covered with wonderful books for children of all ages.


PJ Library stories are relatable because the characters feel just like members of our own families—siblings, friends, and even imaginative figures like the Big Bad Wolf or the Ziz. These characters sometimes make mistakes, feel remorse, and work to make things right—powerful lessons for kids as they learn about forgiveness, reflection, and new beginnings.


PJ Library Rosh Hashanah books share beautiful stories of family and friends celebrating the holiday together, while also introducing children to other New Year traditions around the world. The books highlight the special symbolic foods of the season—round challah representing the cycle of the year, apples dipped in honey for a sweet New Year, and pomegranates with their many seeds reminding us of our hope to do many mitzvot in the year ahead.


And we can’t forget the board books for our youngest readers! From fun stories with Uncle Max celebrating the holiday, to playful introductions to Rosh Hashanah symbols and traditions, these books make learning joyful. Little ones can count along while chopping apples or listen for the blasts of the shofar—engaging ways to celebrate while building early learning skills.

 

Continue reading to explore some of PJ Library of Southern Arizona’s favorite books for the upcoming holidays. 

PJ Library Favorites for Rosh Hashanah

Two New Years

By Richard Ho

Illustrated by Lynn Scurfield


Lanterns, round challah, sweeping up, listening to the shofar — all are ways to welcome a new year! In this vibrantly illustrated book, a Chinese-Jewish family celebrates the joyful traditions of Rosh Hashanah and Lunar New Year.

Apple Days

By Allison Soffer

Illustrated by bob McMahon


Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year, is a great time to pick apples and make applesauce. Katy can’t wait. But this year the arrival of a new baby gets in the way. How will Katy celebrate the new year now?

Finding Forgiveness

By Rebecca Gardyn Levington

Illustrated by Diana Mayo


Celebrating Rosh Hashanah isn’t as fun when you’ve just had a fight with your sister. The tradition of Tashlich, throwing bread or pebbles representing regrets into the water, helps two sisters learn how to move on from their mistakes.

Something New for Rosh Hashanah

By Jane Yolen

Illustrated by Christine Battuz


It’s Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year! It’s customary to taste a new food in honor of the holiday – but Becca, like many small children, is a picky eater. This sweet book, written by the beloved author Jane Yolen, follows Becca on her path to trying out something new. Rosh Hashanah is a great time to grow and learn – and that’s what trying new things is all about

PJ Library Favorites for Yom Kippur

The Hardest Word – A Yom Kippur Story

By Jacqueline Jules

Illustrated by Katherine Janus Kahn


The Ziz, a clumsy and big-hearted bird, asks God for advice after accidentally destroying a vegetable garden. From this, Ziz learns the importance of an apology.

I’m Sorry You Got Mad

By Kyle Lukoff

Illustrated by Julie Kwon


Ms. Rice is making Jack write an apology to his friend Zoe, but none of his notes are good enough. With text entirely made up of Jack’s letters (and the responses he gets), this creative story explores what it really means to say sorry.

Big Bad Wolf’s Yom Kippur

By David Sherrin

Illustrated by Martin Moron


The Big Bad Wolf is all ready for another day of being mean. But today is Yom Kippur! New forest friends teach the Big Bad Wolf about Yom Kippur and the meaning of “teshuvah,” or turning toward righteousness.

 

How to Apologize

By Davi Larochelle

Illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka


Whether you’re a sock-stealing giraffe, a balloon-popping hedgehog, or a self-absorbed chicken, saying sorry can be hard to do. Silly situations give way to earnest advice in this guide to making amends.

Board Books for Babies

Rosh Hashanah with Uncle Max

By Varda Livney

Illustrated by Varda Livney


Here comes Uncle Max! He’s arriving because today is a special day. It’s Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and the whole family is coming together to celebrate! Share in their celebration in this sweet book.

 

Rosh Hashanah is Coming!

By Tracy Newman

Illustrated by Viviana Garofoli


How do we know Rosh Hashanah is coming? There are so many hints! In this story children point to all the signals that the Jewish New Year is approaching.

One, Two, Three, Rosh Hashanah!

By Naomi Shulman

Illustrated by Nora Hilb


Braiding challah, slicing apples, listening to the shofar . . . as the little girl in this book discovers, celebrating the world’s birthday is as easy as “one, two, three!”

Find additional holiday resources, activities, and book information at pjlibrary.org.
 
Interested in getting involved with PJ Library? Learn more about how children aged birth to twelve can get free, award-winning books that celebrate Jewish values and culture here. Connect with Mary Ellen with questions, concerns, and recommendations.

*all book synopses from pjlibrary.org