Hear the remarkable story behind Mac Schweitzer and the art hidden from view for six decades.

Join author, and retired University of Arizona Professor, Ann Lane Hedlund, as she reflects on the legacy left by the artist Mac Schweitzer. Mac Schweitzer was born Mary Alice Cox near Cleveland, Ohio and was enamored by horses, cowboy culture, and art from an early age. Following her marriage to fellow Cleveland School of Art student John Schweitzer, she adopted her maiden name’s initials (M.A.C.) as her artistic moniker. Mac, her husband, and son moved to Tucson in 1946 where she became a free-wheeling Arizona artist traveling the state across the Sonoran Desert, Colorado Plateau, Navajo and Hopi reservations and outlying areas. She created a compelling body of work in the American Southwest with subjects ranging from naturalistic studies of desert animals, birds, and plants to expressive Native American family scenes, to stylized works and moody abstractions, and moving landscapes.

The exhibit of Mac Schweitzer’s art showcases some of the almost 500 items, including paintings, sketches, and prints that were donated by Ann Hedlund to the museum in memory of her late husband and Mac’s son, Kit Schweitzer. 

With Mac Schweitzer: A Southwest Maverick Rediscovered closing September 27, this is a timely opportunity to hear the story behind the exhibition and see the works for yourself before they leave view.

Don’t miss this final program celebrating Mac Schweitzer and her legacy.

Ann Lane Hedlund’s book Mac Schweitzer: A Southwest Maverick and Her Art will be available for purchase with a book signing following the program.

Program Info:

Friday, September 18, 2026
3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
FREE for Museum Members (Members, log-in first to reserve tickets)
FREE with Museum Admission
$10 for just the program