Catalyst Creative Collective

Last Saturdays at Catalyst is happening on Saturday June 27 from 11am–4pm with a free, all-ages, all-abilities community day built around creativity, connection, and showing up for each other.Drop in for hands-on art activations, community performances, refreshments, and an open house vibe where you can explore the space and meet the Catalyst creatives. Stay awhile or pop in - there’s no wrong way to be here.

Featured events for June include:

7sound & Co Media Group ‘Hope is Calling’ Music Video Premier featuring Esperanza Dance Project at 1pm

Ren Buchness Artist-in-Residence closing exhibition event at 2:30pm

Debby Urken Arts - Creative ‘Microdose’

Arizona Creative Resonance MachineArt State Arizona crafting station

Bravissimo Art Center - Art Activities

Tucson Toolbox - Community Tool Library

Come make something, share something, or just hang out

Saturday June 13th 1:30-3pm at Tucson Catalyst in the Tucson Mall LET’S ROCK The Tucson Rock Camp Creative Showcase!
Suggested donations at the door benefit camp scholarships 💰

At Tucson Rock Camp, we celebrate the diverse world of music and its transformative impact on individuals. Our camp offers a nurturing environment where youth are encouraged to explore their creativity, confidence, and empowerment. Participants receive comprehensive instruction on their instruments, work together to form a band, write an original song, and showcase their hard work in a final performance. By composing a song with their peers, youth not only enhance their musical abilities but also develop essential skills like critical thinking, communication, and teamwork.

Tucson Rock Camp Catalyst Creative Collective Tucson Mall Art State Arizona

Reflection becomes transformation when late-identified autistic adults gather for “Discovering Myself,” an expressive arts workshop led by Debby Urken, LCSW.

“Discovering Myself” invites late-identified autistic adults to explore identity through expressive arts, guided by Debby Urken’s expertise in somatic and creative practice. Every mark, gesture, and story becomes a bridge to self-understanding and belonging. Experience creativity in motion and join us in making the arts essential to YOUR everyday life,

Discovering Myself, June 12, 5–6pm, at Catalyst in Tucson Mall.

At Catalyst Creative Collective, art is more than self-expression—it’s a tool for understanding, healing, and connection. By integrating visual art, writing, and movement, this workshop honors neurodivergent experiences and demonstrates how creativity fuels well-being and community.

Ren Buchness (they/them) is a q***r, trans, nonbinary artist based in Tucson, Arizona. Their interdisciplinary practice focuses on watercolor painting and collage, exploring the lived experience of being a fat, q***r, trans person navigating the world. Ren teaches a range of 2D art courses at local colleges and exhibits their work both locally and internationally, sharing perspectives rooted in identity and community.

Follow along and drop in Friday & Saturdays for open studios and collaborations all June

Wednesday, and the first Wednesday of every month, join AARP Arizona for a fun, free and interactive drum circle led by a trained HealthRythms facilitator.

HealthRhythms has been proven to reduce stress levels, boost the immune system, and promote joy and a sense of well-being.

No musical experience required, if you have a heartbeat- you can drum!

Please bring your own drum if you have one, and limited drums will be provided. Located at Art State Arizona’s CATALYST Creative Collection at the Tucson Mall.

AARP Arizona empowers individuals to shape their own aging experience. Serving over 900,000 members statewide, the organization works locally and nationally to strengthen communities, protect earned benefits, and expand access to vital resources. Through workshops, volunteer opportunities, advocacy, and events, AARP Arizona supports people 50+ and their families in thriving. With a focus on equity, connection, and resilience, AARP Arizona celebrates aging as a period of growth and meaningful impact.

Join us every Monday, 5–7pm, at CATALYST in Tucson Mall.

Collaboration builds confidence at Tucson Toolbox, where neighbors gather to share skills, swap stories, and spark new ideas. As a free community tool library inside CATALYST Creative Collective, Tucson Toolbox empowers everyone to repair, build, and create—making practical knowledge accessible to all.

By connecting people with resources and each other, this partnership strengthens Arizona’s creative economy and community fabric.

Discover how creativity becomes connection MONDAYS at Tucson Toolbox.

Follow Tucson Toolbox

Last Saturdays at Catalyst are back with another free community open house, and this month we’re excited to welcome Tucson author Howard J. Eng for a book reading and signing at 1pm. Howard is the author of “Pursuing the American Dream: Tucson Chinese-Owned Grocery Stores,” a fascinating look at local history, community, and entrepreneurship. Gale Quackenbush will also be holding a series of facilitated drum circles throughout the day.

Spend the day exploring hands-on art activations, refreshments, and creative experiences throughout the space. Stay awhile or just pop in, there’s no wrong way to experience Last Saturdays.

Featured events include:

1:00pm-2:00pm | Howard Eng book reading & signing

11:00am–11:30am | Morning Meditation Drumming
11:45am–12:45pm | Open House Group Happy Drum
1:00 – 2:00 pm | Inclusive You sensory drumming

Plus ongoing activities from:
Tucson Toolbox Community Tool Library
7sound & Co Media Group
Bravissimo Art Center

Free and open to all ages!

We are excited to welcome Debby Urken to the Catalyst Creative Collective community!

Debby Urken is a licensed clinical social worker and somatic therapist who offers improvisational dance classes, process painting workshops, and writing workshops, as well as individual psychotherapy services. She began her work as a helping professional in 2011, supporting children and adults with disabilities. Debby brings a lifetime of experience with dance to her work as a therapist and facilitator. She creates spaces where people can find understanding, peace, and joy through the creative process. In her clinical work, she specializes in working with autistic, gifted, and ADHDer children and adults.

This June, Debby will be offering several opportunities to connect through expressive arts and movement at Catalyst:

Body Stories Workshop
Tuesdays in June 2026
6pm–7pm

Dance Improvisation (Drop-In Classes)
Wednesdays in June 2026
6:30pm–7:30pm

Discovering Myself – An Expressive Arts Workshop for Late-Identified Autistic Adults
Friday, June 12
5pm–6pm

All programs take place at Catalyst Creative Collective.

For more information or to sign up, please contact Debby directly.
https://www.debbyarts.com/