Ted DeGrazia is widely known for capturing the deep history, culture, and spirit of the American Southwest — but a new exhibit at DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun reveals a lighter, more personal side of the artist. On this episode of Big Blend Radio's Tales of Southwest Artist Ted DeGrazia Podcast, Executive Director Lance Laber shares the story behind "Ted DeGrazia's Painted Ponies," on display through January 27, 2027.
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Known for tapping into pure emotion, DeGrazia had a lifelong connection with childhood imagination and a deep love for children. The Painted Ponies exhibit highlights his playful fascination with horses, merry-go-rounds, and carousel themes, drawing from a diverse mix of media pulled from the gallery vault — oil paintings, watercolors, drawings, cast metal sculptures, and custom merry-go-round pieces. While some of DeGrazia's earliest carousel works carried a mysterious, moody tone, the pieces featured in Painted Ponies are bright, cheerful, and full of life.
"It's just a good example of all the work he did... They're very light, cheerful, and really beautiful." — Lance Laber, Executive Director
Lance notes that DeGrazia remained a child at heart throughout his career, using vivid color and movement to keep that sense of wonder alive.
The conversation also revisits the 50th anniversary of DeGrazia's famous 1975 tax protest, when he carried over $1.5 million worth of his own paintings into Arizona's Superstition Mountains and burned them rather than leave his heirs facing steep federal inheritance taxes — a moment the gallery recently commemorated with a ceremonial re-enactment. Lance also shares how the gallery celebrated DeGrazia's Flag Day birthday (June 14th) with free admission, ice cream, and cake for visitors.
Nestled in the foothills of Tucson's Santa Catalina Mountains, the 10-acre National Historic Landmark includes the main gallery, chapel, and historic home. Built by DeGrazia and his friends, the interior was designed to feel like entering an "art mine," complete with iconic floors made from regional cholla cactus. With 15,000–20,000 original works in the vault — including ceramics, stained glass, and prints — new treasures are continuously rotated into display.
DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun is a 10-acre National Historic Landmark featuring over 15,000 original works of art, including paintings, ceramics, sculptures, and more. Learn more: DeGrazia.org
🎙️ New Tales of Ted DeGrazia episodes air every 4th Sunday. Follow the podcast: Tales of Southwest Artist Ted DeGrazia