Santa Theresa Tile Works: A Hidden Gem in Downtown Tucson
Walking through downtown Tucson, you’ll notice bursts of color built into the sidewalks, walls, and buildings. Many of these handmade ceramic tiles trace back to one place – Santa Theresa Tile Works, a working tile studio and gallery located in the heart of downtown Tucson, Arizona. Artist Susan Gamble started the studio in 1986 and has since grown it into a space where local artists design, create, and teach. It’s known for its handcrafted ceramic tiles that reflect the Southwest’s colors, patterns, and culture. In 2026, Santa Theresa Tile Works will be celebrating its 40th anniversary!

Today, it’s a favorite stop for visitors interested in public art, local craftsmanship, and unique home decor. The storefront features colorful tile murals, mosaic benches, and custom tile pieces, many of which are made on-site. Whether you’re walking through downtown or looking for a one-of-a-kind gift, Santa Theresa Tile Works offers a glimpse into Tucson’s art scene and community spirit.
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The History Behind the Tiles

Santa Theresa Tile Works was named after St. Teresa of Ávila, the patron saint of potters. Susan Gamble wanted a tile studio where the art could reflect the Sonoran Desert’s light, landscape, and layered history. The city of Tucson has deep tile traditions absorbed from the Spanish, Mexican, and Native American influences that shaped this region’s early decorative arts. The use of ceramic tile in homes and public spaces dates back to the 1700s during the Spanish colonial period. Santa Theresa Tile Works built on that legacy, but added a modern touch – tiles inspired by desert flora, wildlife, and the city’s neighborhoods.



Why Santa Theresa Tile Works Matters Today

What sets Santa Theresa Tile Works apart is its connection to the community. It’s not just a gallery; it’s a working studio where locals and visitors can get involved and create. Eight years ago, it also became a self-sustaining nonprofit.
The studio offers tile-making workshops for all skill levels. Participants carve, glaze, and finish their own pieces in a few hours. Some make decorative house numbers, others join the popular mosaic tile benches, and community murals. These are permanent installations in public spaces around Tucson, often featuring designs from local schools or nonprofits. If you’ve seen the colorful “Ben’s Bells” project or the Milagro Co-Housing Community tile work, you’ve seen Santa Theresa’s imprint on the community.
The handmade tile work is easily recognizable with its bold outlines, vibrant glazes, desert icons like saguaro cactus, javelinas, roadrunners, and sun motifs. Everything is made on-site, so no two pieces are the same. But it is easy to figure out that something came from Santa Theresa Tile Works. I recently noticed the colorful tiles on benches at Tucson Botanical Gardens. Yep, after looking closely, I told my friend that these were designed and created at Santa Theresa Tile Works.
Visiting the Studio and Gallery

Santa Theresa Tile Works is located at 440 N. Sixth Avenue, just north of downtown Tucson, a couple of blocks from the Fourth Avenue rail stop. The space is open to the public and functions as a storefront and active studio. Inside the showroom, shelves display colorful ceramic tiles, wall art, and mosaics. You’ll also find functional art: coasters, trivets, magnets, and handmade house numbers that can be customized. Prices are fair (ranging in size from $48 to $1300) for metal and wood frames to benches; everything is locally made.

The vibe inside the local studio is relaxed and welcoming. You might see artists glazing tiles, shaping clay, or creating a new public commission. There’s an interesting mix of professionals, students, and volunteers. Gallery hours vary seasonally, but the studio is usually open Tuesday through Saturday. Check their official website for updates, class schedules, and event listings. But, they will say, “Walk in and make a Mosaic” anytime they are open!
Commissioned Work and Public Art Projects

Santa Theresa has created tile installations for public spaces across Arizona. Some of their most well-known pieces include:
- Tucson International Airport: Ceramic panels and murals in high-traffic terminals.
- Downtown Tucson sidewalks: Look for embedded tiles at intersections and historic buildings.
- Rillito Park Racetrack: Decorative walls and archways made with desert-themed tiles.
- Public schools and libraries: Collaborative murals featuring student-designed tiles.

They also take private commissions. If you’re designing a new home, renovating a kitchen, or want a custom address plaque, they work directly with clients to create one-of-a-kind pieces. Many customers come in with a design idea or sketch and leave with a personalized tile that fits their space.

I saw this ceramic art piece at the Sierra Vista Public Library. I think it might be from Santa Theresa Tile Works. Do you agree?

Workshops and Community Engagement

One of Santa Theresa’s biggest draws is its hands-on tile workshops. These are open to the public and fill up quickly, especially during winter when Tucson attracts snowbirds and tourists.
Workshop options include:
- Intensive Tile Making: A week-long class where you will learn how to make your own tile from clay to finished tile.
- Abreviated Tile Making: a shortened version of the Intensive Tile Making Class
- Mosaic Table workshop: Complete a mosaic table (compose, heat set, and grout) to take home
- 3D Flower Making: A three-day event where you learn hand-building, glazes, and detailing.
- Group projects: Often designed around themes or causes, like community healing, nature, or migration stories.

These classes aren’t just about learning techniques. They also connect people to place. Many participants are surprised by how grounding the work feels; slowing down, shaping clay with your hands, and watching the glaze transform in the kiln.
Santa Theresa also partners with local schools, nonprofits, and neighborhood groups. One recent example is a sidewalk mural about environmental stewardship made by middle school students. The mural now spans a city block.
A Sustainable Model for Local Art

Santa Theresa Tile Works’s mission is to keep art accessible, rooted in place, and connected to the community. Unlike many commercial galleries that rely on high-end collectors, this studio thrives on participation and public art. They source materials locally whenever possible and reuse clay scraps to minimize waste. Many of the glazes and finishes are formulated in-house. It’s not a mass production operation. Every tile is touched by hand and fired on-site in their kilns. Because of that, their work has a tactile quality that sets it apart from machine-made tile. You can feel the difference in texture, weight, and finish. It’s built to last. Many public installations are now decades old and still in great shape.
Plan Your Visit
📍 Address: 440 N. Sixth Avenue, Tucson, AZ
🕒 Hours: Typically Tuesday–Saturday, check website for current hours
🌐 Website: santatheresatileworks.com
📷 Instagram: @santatheresatileworks
Summary

Santa Theresa Tile Works is more than an art studio. It’s part of Tucson’s cultural infrastructure – an anchor point for local art, community storytelling, and everyday beauty. Whether you’re a visitor looking for something real to take home, a local wanting to contribute to a public mural, or someone interested in learning a new skill, this studio is worth your time. Plus, how fantastic to come home with a souvenir that had you putting together the tiles in a way that spoke to you. Priceless!
Ready to make something that lasts?
Sign up for a tile workshop or visit the gallery to see the ceramic art in person. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime Tucsonan, Santa Theresa Tile Works offers a chance to connect with art, history, and the Arizona desert.
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Further Reading
If you are exploring Arizona, check out these posts for extra travel inspiration:
- Welcome to the Apache Trail Historic Road – Top 8 Must-See Sites
- Tlaquepaque – The Creative Art and Soul of Sedona
- Montezuma Castle – “It’s not a castle, and Montezuma was never here.”
- Tour Monument Valley: Photo Essay of Sandstone Buttes and Mesas
- Finding a Peaceful Sanctuary at the Our Lady of the Sierras Shrine
- Coronado National Memorial: Exploring a Lesser-Known Arizona Gem
- Arizona Border Town: What is it like to live by and visit Naco, Mexico?
- Experience the Sandhill Cranes at Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area
- Top 12 Things to Do in Tombstone – Experience the Wild West
- Eco-Adventure Awaits: Top Tips for Your Biosphere 2 Visit
- Walking Through Tumacácori National Historical Park
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