Popped into Arte de la Vida and was not disappointed. Kevin and James are natural collectors and the intention of their store shines through! So many cool Southwestern pieces to look through, a place you can keep coming back to. The environment of the shop is so welcoming and I was able to talk to Kevin and James on a personal level - such kind souls! read more

Arte de la Vida - Antiques Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

See all

I can't come to Tucson and not visit this absolute gem! Kevin and James are the best and have expertly curated their shop with the most magical finds. Thank you for years of amazing conversation and treasures. See you next trip! read more

Arte de la Vida - Antiques Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

I fell in love with this store! It's packed full of amazing art and crafts. I wanted to buy so many things and did buy a few treasures. One of the owners, James, was working and he's seriously one of the kindest people I've met. Support this business!! It's a gem! read more

What a cool place to find unusual gifts and trinkets. The staff is so nice and helpful and they allow you to browse uninterrupted. The prices are good and many items are affordable. A friend purchased interesting masks to hang on her wall. I've passed this store many times but didn't stop in. Stop by and browse, you'll find something. read more

See all

Everything about this place is 10 stars. It's the best little shop I've stumbled into in Tucson with the most authentic pieces. The selection is always incredible and is my go-to for for one of a kind gifts. The owners are so knowledgeable, and helpful. The prices are great for the pieces you are getting. I can't say enough good things. If you look down 4th ave you will pay at least 3x for smaller less intricate statues and masks. Just amazing. read more

Arte de la Vida is just magical. I was recently in Tucson for the first time in 20 years. I collect folk art from Mexico and through online searches found this store. It is a wonderful store full of thoughtfully curated art, gifts, jewelry, and fun funky stuff that I love. Kevin and James are delightful guys and I look forward to my next trip to Tucson just to go to this store. read more

the best antique/vintage store in tucson! the people who work here are always SO kind and inviting and collect the most beautiful decor. i will be coming back! read more

Arte de la Vida - beautiful vase! - Antiques Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

See all

This little store/gallery is such a gem in an otherwise dusty strip of box stores along Broadway. I read a newspaper article about the wonders of this store so I decided to check it out. The owner was a sweet gentleman who gave me lots of information about the different items I picked up. I like that there was a mix of old and new in the shopfront. The sombreros on the wall in the back looked like they each had a story to tell and the beaded jewelry at the front of the store was made by talented women in Guatemala. The owner showed me photos of the women in Nogales who hand embroidered wedding gowns and other dresses for the shop and really seemed to have a connection with these people in faraway places. I loved that there was a sense of oneness in the store - that art connects us and helps remind us we are more alike than we are different, no matter where in the world we are. read more

Arte de la Vida ~ This has got to be my favorite store of all time!!! Good, central location. Delightful owners who manage their own shop. An UNBELIEVABLE selection of Mexican antiques and folk art. And, Arte and Jack, the adorable rat terrier shop doggies. This is a truly unique and all around OUTSTANDING shopping experience. My husband and I have collected Mexican pottery and antiques for a decade. This shop is like rolling all the best antique stores into one location. We have made many purchases here, and will continue to do so.. We LOVE Arte de la Vida!!! read more

I originally corresponded with owner on Facebook re a mid century group post. He was so knowledgeable, I liked his page and from time to time would see new items the store would bring in. This Christmas, I saw some of the nativity sets they had for sale and had him take some photos and give me some prices thru fb. I bought three nativity sets sight unseen through a very easy transaction. My family loved their nativity sets. Love this store and hope to visit if in Tucson one of these days. Thank you! read more

Arte de la Vida is a delightful shop featuring Mexican folk art. Owned by two charming men, Kevin Pawlak and James Goodreau and two adorable dogs, Jack and Artie, it has something for everyone. Kevin and James are always on the hunt for both vintage and contemporary Mexican pieces, and new things are constantly being added. When I visited, I saw fabulous trees of life and very collectible pieces by well known Mexican masters, such as Candelario Medrano, Josefina Aguilar, Alfonso Castillo Teodora Blanco, Jorge Wilmot, and Heron Martinez. They also have a large collection of Mexican glass, as well as pottery from Tonala, Tlaquepaque and Tzintzuntzan. In addition, there are devils from Ocumicho and pieces to enhance collectors' Dia de los Muertos displays. Everything is beautifully displayed against walls which are painted in bright Mexican colors, and prices are good. In fact, I found it very hard to choose among so many temptations. Both Kevin and James are very knowledgeable, and they genuinely want to please. You can also do consignments through them. If a trip to Tucson is not on your agenda, they also have a new appealing website: www.artedelavidatucson.com. I know from experience that they are excellent packers, and purchases arrive in perfect condition. This is truly a wonderful addition to the world of Mexican folk art at a time when it is becoming difficult to find stores specializing in it. read more

My husband and I are aficionados of Mexican art whether it be fine or folk, contemporary and vintage. Knowing this a friend recommended this singular destination and we were rewarded with one of the most varied and beautiful displays that we've seen in Arizona. An added plus was the charm and knowledge of the owners Kevin and James who made our visit to their gallery a memorable one. Arte de la Vida is a must-see for all collectors of Mexican art. read more

Tucson is very lucky to have Kevin and James and their treasure trove known as Arte de La Vida. This store is filled with magical folk art from Mexico, some of the finest examples from every region, many of the pieces museum quality. They are knowledgeable about their wares and the artisans that created them. They specialize in the older, vintage and one of a kind, but mix in some contemporary pieces as well. They rotate their featured items every couple of months which makes for new surprises, I especially loved the Sermel and Tree of Life shows, both had superb examples! This store is a must see for anyone who collects the art of Mexico. For gift giving, there is something for everyone, this store is a gem! read more

This shop has what I love in small retail, a sense of the owners being curators, choosing items that are typical, yet one or more notches above the ordinary, and some of the pieces are extraordinary. Everything is genuine, the prices are excellent. I've collected quite a bit of Mexican over the years and saw lots of stuff I wanted. Since I'm travelling, I could only buy things to tuck in a suitcase, but there was a small mask I'm sort of biting my lip over with regrets. Definitely a treasure. Definitely coming back. read more

A wonderful little store with so much beauty and so many treasures to offer. Prices range so there's something for everyone. I highly recommend a pillow or table runner made by a women's collective in Nogales that the store owners sponsor. The store provides this collective with beautiful fabric free of charge and the women sew and create their pieces with all proceeds going directly back to these women. A great social justice enterprise. Bravo! read more

Excellent shop with all types of Mexican art and artifact, both new and vintage. Very impressive furniture and 3D objects. Smart staff that doesn't hover, and very competent 4 legged security to protect all from rogue winds, etc. read more

A MUST GO TO DESTINATION while in Tucson!!! This place should be on the "must place to see" just for the education itself. Owners are the staff, and their beloved 2 four-legged canines are by their side. Expansion is on its way.....and can't wait to see the completion. I understand that while the famous Antique Road Show was in town at the Tucson Convention Center on May 30, 2015, two of their appraisers visited this shop and was blown away. Do not delay...it's just FABULOUS! read more