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Ann Empie Groves -
A Local's Spin on Places to Visit
Native Arizonian Ann Empie Groves has worn many hats, from her days as a stewardess for American Airlines to managing a retail department store and a showroom at the World Trade Center in Dallas. Her love of family brought her to Tubac, where she and her husband of 44 years, Peter, have owned and operated the Hal Empie Gallery and the Artists Daughter general store since 1986.
Her ancestors settled in the Gila Valley in 1886, and she grew up in Duncan, a city not far from the New Mexico border.
Looking for higher ground after the Gila River had taken their drug store one too many times, her parents moved to Tubac.
“My Dad was an artist and had art students in Tubac,” she said. “He felt the energy of the light here, so they made it their home. Peter and I moved because of them. Not only have we run the gallery for 40 years, we had an old-time general store for 38 years called The Artist’s Daughter.”
The gallery showcases the works of Ann's father, Hal Empie, a self-taught Western artist, the
Hal Empie in his studio
Warm Day, Hal Empie
youngest licensed pharmacist in Arizona's history, and the creator of the famous Empie Kartoon Kards. With three careers at once, he was so busy his easel was in his pharmacy department.
Little Muddy, Hal Empie
Warm Day Hal Empie
Hal Empie in his studio
Interior of the Hal Empie Gallery
She is also a publisher. Her first book, WAY OUT WEST, features her father’s renowned postcards. Her next project, HOW TO PAINT THE DESERT BY HAL EMPIE, is coming out soon. Her past and present experiences make her the perfect guide for visitors looking to experience the town's unique charm and hidden treasures. When asked what she enjoys most about her work, Ann’s answer is simple: the people.
“I really enjoy being around people and making new friends,” she said. “I love to entertain; I've invited guests for dinner I had just met in the gallery and didn't even know their names!”
Ann's Tour of Tubac
She says Tubac itself is a hidden gem unlike any other in the Southwest. With over 100 shops, art galleries, and restaurants, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, and she encourages you to take in the town’s rich history and vibrant arts scene.
One of her top recommendations, which she calls a hidden gem within the hidden gem, is the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park and Museum.
“You have to see this place to believe it—it’s not just your ol' museum, but one with life-size displays and scenes that capture your interest and make you step back in time,” she said. “Tubac Presidio State Park is Arizona's oldest and first state park. They even have underground exhibits of the presidio’s foundations.”
Ann also suggests exploring the town's many unique shops and galleries, including the Tubac Center of the Arts, which houses art from across the country. She has practical advice, too.
“I tell every visitor to wear comfortable shoes. Tubac is spread out with three main streets, so there’s a lot of walking,” she said. “And there is no need to bring food or snacks. Tubac has many cafes and restaurants offering a variety of options.”
Of course, you can’t miss stopping in Hal Empie Gallery to see her Dad’s work. A self-taught artist whose vivid works capture the spirit of the Southwest, he crafted all of his work from memory without using photographs. The gallery offers a rotating selection of his original oils, watercolors, sketches, and prints so you can experience the fascinating stories behind the art and its 130 years of Arizona history.
From Mines to Masterpieces HERE