TMC, El Tour inspire New Cycling Mural to promote Health & Wellness

Where else but in Tucson can you find a jackrabbit, a tortoise, a roadrunner, a javalinas and more riding bicycles?

With the strong and continued support of Tucson Medical Center you can find them riding in Tucson’s downtown in an El Tour de Tucson cycling-inspired mural.

The mural is located at the Transamerica Building Parking Structure (177 N. Church Ave). The mural colors were selected from the dome of the beautiful City Courthouse building.

The mural promotes one of Tucson’s staples while promoting health and wellness.

“Tucson Medical Center believes there is a great value in bringing people together to celebrate our community and encouraging activities that improve individual’s health,” said Julia Strange, TMC’s Vice President, Community Development. “TMC is proud to support El Tour’s effort to bring our community together over the past 38 years. This mural – and all the murals across the region – is an innovative way to continue to foster community, activity and health. We are looking forward to when we are able to ride together as a community once again.”

The mural is through the eyes, vision and magic of artist Joe Pagac and his talented co-muralists Katherine Joyce, Arielle Alelunas and Brady Fellows as they celebrate one of Tucson’s passions – cycling, while highlighting the iconic El Tour.

“How exciting to see this colorful new mural in downtown Tucson to promote cycling and El Tour de Tucson!” said El Tour Executive Director TJ Juskiewicz. “A huge thanks to Tucson Medical Center and artist Joe Pagac for making this happen.”

Because of TMC’s support – and the medical officials who have worked diligently to get us through the pandemic – and Presidio Tucson for providing the long, horizontal backdrop, Pagac & Co., the mural was made possible.

“I can’t do it on my own without everyone doing their part,” Pagac said.

The artist’s rendering depicts desert-dwelling creatures/animals taking a healthy and fun magical, mystical bike ride through downtown Tucson and the historic El Presidio Neighborhood.

“The mural looks awesome,” said Crystal Moore, of Presidio Tucson. “The mural has created a new dynamic for El Presidio by connecting the neighborhood to the Southern Arizona Heritage & Visitor Center, downtown’s core and the rest of the city! We are so honored to participate in the enthusiasm to showcase public art in our neighborhoods as a way to celebrate who we are and what can be found in our community!”

Without TMC’s support – and the medical officials who have worked diligently to get us through the pandemic – and Presidio Tucson for providing the long, horizontal backdrop, Pagac & Co., would not have been able to work their magic.

“I can’t do it on my own without everyone doing their part,” Pagac said.

Pagac and his muralists allowed for the desert-dwelling creature/animals to take a healthy and fun magical, mystical bike ride through downtown Tucson.

 Pagac has been a creative staple and the go-to for all things El Tour when it comes to designs and out-of-the-box thinking. He’s created more than five El Tour posters in the last decade.

“I grew up in Tucson and there’s something magical about getting thousands of people out and going in one direction together (through cycling),” said Pagac, who has done 100s of murals throughout the world and dozens around Tucson for the public to enjoy.

Pagac has brought cool to the desert.

“Joe and his team were amazing again!” said Charlene Grabowski, an El Tour board member. “This mural brings a new life and energy to the El Presidio neighborhood. Thanks to TMC Healthcare for their support. We are proud El Tour continues to contribute to the Tucson community!”