Sacred Machine...

Tucked inside a shiny, new glass and concrete structure along Congress Street in Tucson, Arizona is a little bit of desert magic. The onlooking eye insignia, red velvet curtains and dangling ornaments hung in the modern storefront only suggest at the wonders that lay within. Sacred Machine is a museum and curiosity shop. Like its name suggests, it's a hybrid creature of cool modernity and ancient mysteries. Artist Daniel Martin Diaz and his wife and fellow co-founder of their "art music" band Blind Divine, Paula Catherine Valencia, created this rare find on Congress. These artistic conspirators and collaborators have created a truly unique space filled with art, modern relics, antique oddities, and handpicked books and music.

When I entered Sacred Machine, I was warmly greeted by Paula and the soundtrack of The Fountain. The elegantly brooding soundtrack was the perfect backdrop to delve deeper and explore the space. The main gallery was devoted primarily to the new works of co-founder Daniel Martin Diaz. I was reminded of the works of Mark Ryden, Alex Grey, Frida Kalho, alchemical illustrations and meticulous Russian Ikons. Richly symbolic, these jewel-like works examined darker themes and religious mythos.

The back gallery housed the show, Milagros: Small Works Invitational. The exhibit includes works from over a dozen artists working across the globe. All of the small-sized pieces portray aspects of life and death, many featuring the bright colors and patterns associated with Dia de los Muertos. The curated assortment included some heavy hitters like Mark Ryden and the resident artist, Daniel Matin Diaz.

What impresses me the most is that despite a lagging economy, the duo behind Sacred Machine is making it work. They've embraced their niche audience and are thriving; they are adding to and enriching the artistic landscape of Tucson. I definitely recommend stopping in, taking a look and supporting this curious enterprise.