About Morley Arts District

The vibrant Morley Arts District is more than just a geographical location. Downtown Nogales is a cultural phenomenon that knits together local art and culture, offering a unique tapestry of experiences that transcend borders.

Nestled at the bustling crossroads of two nations, the Morley Arts District is a beacon of unity and creativity along the U.S.-Mexico border. The district serves as a hub for artists, visionaries, and culture enthusiasts from both sides of the border. These creatives are fostering an environment where collaboration sparks innovation.

When you step into this cultural treasure trove, you’ll see in detail the rich cultural offerings that define the Morley Arts District. After your visit, you’ll immerse yourself in its vibrant atmosphere. You will also become part of a community that cherishes and elevates the arts as a cornerstone of its identity. We encourage you to discover the stories told through murals that adorn historic buildings. Engage with thought-provoking exhibitions. Celebrate the diverse voices that resonate throughout this unique creative enclave. Most importantly, be sure to schedule a visit to the new Wittner Museum. which includes over 80 paintings by artist Paula Wittner.

Peoples playiing music in front of audience at Morley Arts District

Historic Buildings, Art Events and Programs in Morley Arts District

The historic buildings in the arts district have unique charm and character. These structures serve as more than just physical entities. In essence, they imbue the district with a sense of continuity and connection to its remarkable past. From hosting art exhibits to providing spaces for artists to work, the historic buildings in downtown Nogales play a pivotal role in shaping the Morley Arts District’s identity.

Art events and programs have been instrumental in fostering community growth within the Morley Arts District. Initiatives provide platforms for local artists to showcase their talents while encouraging community engagement and interaction.

La Cinderella building with an amazing wall art that expresses about Morley Arts District
Butterfly Mural Painting in Downtown Nogales AZ

* Art Exhibits hosted within the district offer opportunities for artists to display their work, in order to foster creativity and inspire others.

* Art Classes cater to all skill levels, explicitly inviting everyone from novices to seasoned artists to learn and grow.

* Regular performances within the district serve as cultural touch points, to bring together diverse audiences and performers.

The Morley Arts District is more than just a geographical location. It’s a testament to the transformative power of creativity and community collaboration. This district stands as an emblem of what can be achieved when art, culture, and history come together. In short, we’re turning downtown Nogales into a vibrant cultural hub.

Journey through Morley Avenue. As you explore the arts district, immerse yourself in a rich tapestry woven from years of history, dedication, and artistic passion. Enjoy!

Discover Business Opportunities

Pink Flowers painted on a building is telling about Morley Arts District's beauty

Join the many people and organizations. Who are actively creating and promoting a vibrant downtown in Nogales!

Explore the District

An artist is painting a big cat art on a building to define the Morley Arts District

While you’re at the border, be sure to take the time to get a taste of the unique art and culture that’s part of Nogales, Arizona!

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Girl dancers wore traditional dress and dancing in Downtown Nogales

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Featured Artists of the Morley Arts District

The many diverse artists who are creating the vibrant scene of art and culture in Nogales AZ come from many different disciplines and backgrounds. From painters, to sculptors to performing artists, the Morley Arts District is alive with color, energy, ideas and activism. Learn more about some of the Morley Arts District pioneers!

Evan Kory standing beside his keyboard at Morley Arts District city of Nogales Arizona

Evan Kory

Dr. Kory has performed throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral keyboardist in venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center Alice Tully Hall, Leipzig Bach Archive, the Kosciuszko Foundation, Lyceum of Arts Recital Hall in St. Petersburg Russia, and the Beijing International Music Festival.

Paula Wittner is surrounded by historical paintings of art and culture in Nogales AZ.

Paula Wittner

Paula Wittner’s paintings range from the real to the fantastical. She draws on her own family and life to portray the intensely personal in a manner that is universal by documenting her journey in ways that we recognize as our own. She reminds us of our experience of human emotions in the noble, the quotidian, and at times the less admirable, aspects of our existence.

Carlos Ibarra sitting and painting the wall of Morley Arts District city of Nogales Arizona.

Carlos Ibarra

Carlos Ibarra’s current paintings focus on attempts to reconcile polarities in numerous subject matter. He is interested in pictorial representations that find union among seemingly opposite themes or subjects. That interest stems from his childhood experience to find a clear identity between his American citizenship and Mexican upbringing.

Karla Osete

Carlos Ibarra’s current paintings focus on attempts to reconcile polarities in numerous subject matter. He is interested in pictorial representations that find union among seemingly opposite themes or subjects. That interest stems from his childhood experience to find a clear identity between his American citizenship and Mexican upbringing.

Priscilla Nefftys

Carlos Ibarra’s current paintings focus on attempts to reconcile polarities in numerous subject matter. He is interested in pictorial representations that find union among seemingly opposite themes or subjects. That interest stems from his childhood experience to find a clear identity between his American citizenship and Mexican upbringing.

This Morley Arts District Artist Spotlight project was initiated by Mat Bevel Company through the support of the Santa Cruz County ARPA forgivable loan and the Arizona Commission on the Arts. Mat bevel Company hired Desert Spotlight to shoot and edit the videos along with creative director Veronica Weatherbie. The goal of these videos is to let our local artist heroes portray the true creative and vibrant nature of the culture found in Nogales and Santa Cruz County, Arizona. For more information, please contact Mat Bevel Company’s Multimedia Program Director Paula Schaper at pschaper@matbevelcompany.org.

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