The Madison Center for the Arts welcomes Southwest contemporary artist Julie Tarsha in a new exhibition titled “Hidden Colors of the Arizona Desert.”

The exhibit will run from Saturday, Dec. 31, through June 12 at The Gallery at The Madison, at 5601 N. 16th St., Phoenix.

As an art exhibition space, The Gallery at The Madison has featured pieces by local and national artists, including works from Holly Anderson, Elena Pierce and most recently Bryson Bost.

Tarsha was raised in southern California but discovered her love for the desert in her grandparents’ Tucson backyard. After retiring from nursing in 2014, she returned to her love of art full-time and practices daily in her home studio. Her work can be seen in exhibitions across the Valley, as well as in corporate and private collections throughout the country.

She’s continually inspired by the bold, rich beauty of the Sonoran Desert.

“We are very excited to welcome Julie Tarsha’s ‘Hidden Colors of the Arizona Desert’ art exhibition that pays tribute to our Arizona desert and highlights the beauty it entails,” Ari Levin, The Madison Center for The Arts executive director, shared in a statement. “The Gallery at The Madison was designed to showcase talented artists, like Julie, to help expand the arts within our community in more ways than performing arts.”

Tarsha also teaches a masterclass series to the students at The Madison School District, and works closely with Madison art teachers to bring an art intensive experience for students of all grades, including a selection of classes and a group project that every participating student will help create.

A student art show will take place April 19 that will showcase select student works to be shown alongside Tarsha’s pieces.

Ring in the New Year with Tarsha from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31 for a meet and greet as she kicks off the opening night of her exhibition.

The Gallery is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays through Friday or by appointment and is free to the public.

Visit themadison.org.