VIL feb 09 GRID.indd - Tubac Villager

6
opening
by Maggie Milinovitch
When approaching Tubac’s new bookstore,
T.J.’s Tortuga Books and Coff ee Beans,
you fi rst meet “T.J.” (Tubac Jack), a large
jackrabbit sculpture by Nicholas Wilson.
T.J. is posed for munching on the potted
plants. Th e store’s location is the same as
the previous Tortuga Books – but has a
new concept and design, which is both
charming and welcoming.
Debbe Wilson and her sister Tedde
Scharf have been working for many
months to bring their project together.
When they fi rst decided to buy the
bookstore, they thought they would
be taking over a running business and
slowly learn the many facets of the book
business as they arose. Th at wasn’t to
be. As it worked out, they had to start
from scratch – new inventory, complete
redecoration – painting, lighting, carpet,
ordering and assembly of new bookshelves,
new anthology pos/computer system
– everything had to be reworked before
opening the doors. But they will open in
February.
However, with those demands came
the opportunity to do it their way – to
create a new atmosphere. And, it is very
diff erent. Th e new shelving allows for
many thousands of titles and yet helps
create a more spacious feeling. Th ere is
a comfortable reading area with leather
furniture where customers can sit and
read. Another change is the espresso bar.
Custom-made for the shop, they will
serve lattes and such, hot chocolate,
Italian sodas and tea along with specialty
chocolate items. Soon there will be
Bistro tables on the porch for people to
sit and enjoy their coff ee.
Debbe and Tedde have also selected
a wonderful variety of greeting cards
from talented artists, small gifts, gift
bags and wrap. Th ey will off er Nicholas
Wilson prints and
cards, with Nick’s
original works
shown close-by
at Karin Newby
Gallery.
Nick will be
involved parttime
as bookseller,
greeter and
“designated
handyman.” He
designed their
tortoise and hare
logo. Debbe and
Tedde’s mother,
Ethel Kast, has
pitched in to help
unpack and shelve
dozens upon dozen of boxes of books.
Friends, neighbors and members of the
Church of Tubac, have all helped with
projects like putting together bookshelves
and unpacking boxes.
Besides
off ering
“core” books,
including
Southwest
regional
books, they
plan on
hosting book
signings,
readings.
informal
fi reside chats
on topics of
local interest, music and poetry evenings,
perhaps a book club and a monthly
children’s evening to promote reading.
Debbe said that people can sign-up to
receive the New York Times Sunday edition
Festival of Arts
Tubac, Arizona
For more
information
please contact:
BIG HORN
GALLERIES
37 Tubac Rd.
Tubac, Arizona 85646
Phone (520) 398-9209
bighorngalleries.com
Darcie Peet
P lease join us during
Tubac’s Annual Festival
of Arts (February 4-8)
for a showing of new
works by Tucson Plein Air
Artist Darcie Peet and
CA sculptor Fritz White.
Darcie will be demonstrating
Friday and Saturday.
February 4 – 8, 2009
Darcie Peet “January Desert Moon” Oil 30”h x 40”w
Fritz White
and they will facilitate that. For rare book
collectors, T.J’s has a section devoted to
the John Houghton Allen library’s fi nelybound,
rare and antique books, which are
curated by local archivist Shaw Kinsley.
Both Debbe and Tedde are thoroughly
enjoying the challenges and creative
aspects of the bookstore. Both are very
grateful for all the help they have received
from the book community, vendors and
their volunteers.
TJ’s Tortuga Books & Coff ee Beans is
located at 19 Tubac Rd. in the Mercado de
Baca.
Th e bookstore will be open
MON-SAT 10-5, SUN 1-5 and will be
open later in February. 520-398-8109
or visit www.tjstortugabooks.com.
Fritz White, CA “Grandmother’s Joy”
Bronze Ed. of 16 35”h x 10 ½ ”w x 19”d