How a tiny Arizona town became home to a national queer arts exhibition

A small Arizona town of 1,500 residents, Tubac, is home to Bruce Baughman Studio & Gallery, an LGBTQ+-owned business run by life partners Bruce Baughman and Bill Davis. For three years (2021-2023), the gallery partnered with the Tubac Center of the Arts to host "Proud to Be Seen," a national juried exhibition of works by LGBTQ+ artists and allies. Despite backlash from some community members and the local Chamber of Commerce, the exhibition succeeded and became a local standout. Baughman, known for his reverse painting technique and bold acrylic works, has operated the gallery since 2001 after previously running a space in Saugatuck, Michigan.