Join us for the first Spring Showcase at the Co-op—where guests can explore exceptional fossils, minerals, and natural history treasures at a relaxed pace, enhanced by local artists.

The Co-op Guarantee

Thirty years ago, a group of passionate, dedicated vendors and friends decided to start their own show. The Mineral and Fossil Co-op, affectionately known as “The Co-op”, became Tucson’s first permanent show in what is now the heart of Tucson’s mineral and fossil district (on N. Oracle Rd between Drachman St. and Grant Rd.). Members are voted in and own a unique gallery space. Ralph Thompson, of founding member Russell-Zuhl, looks for “dealers that have a life-long commitment to showing the finest specimens in their class.” The vetting process guarantees the quality, variety, and selection of minerals and fossils curated by members. Co-op members offer specimens from around the world, each bringing their own specialty and expertise. The Co-op remains Tucson’s only show of vetted owner members.

FEATURED MEMBERS

FEATURED ARTISTS

Makoto Takigawa

Born and raised in Japan, Makoto Takigawa pursued his higher education in the United States. Receiving a BFA from San Francisco Art Institute.

His cultural background, where appreciation of nature is integrated in everyday life, combined with years of paleontological work further developed his sense of closeness with and ideas about nature.

His inspirations arise from observations made while in natural surroundings.

He explores time’s progression and endless movements of nature through his brush strokes and colors while focusing on the visceral aspect of the imagery.

He hopes to create images where the viewers experience their personal connection to nature through his paintings.

takigawastudio.com

Jamelle Texeria Jr

Jamelle Texeria Jr is a local Tucson visual artist who is well versed in both digital and traditional forms of art. He started working professionally as an artist in 2023 and exhibited his work in events like &gallery Destroy all Monsters exhibition, Art in the Gardens 2025/ 2026. He has also shown and exhibited my work at the Juneteenth Drawing Studio show, Black Rodeo USA, Buffalo Soldier convention, and the Tucson Rodeo 2025/2026. Currently he works at Fine Art by Robert Jackson and Artistic Connections, LLC as a mentor and lead artist. Alongside that, Jamelle also works at ArtworksUA as a contributing artist and has been a part of multiple shows at the University of Arizona.

Jamelle mainly specializes in the field of Paleoart making dynamic and intriguing artistic reconstructions of prehistoric life mainly focusing on animals from the Mesozoic and Cenozoic time periods. Since the age of 3, Jamelle’s passion for Paleontology has been a major inspiration for his craft and he plans on continuing working on Paleoart for the foreseeable future.

Torvosaurus Tanneri : A large Megalosaurid theropod dinosaur which lived in The Morrison formation in what is now the Western United States, 150 Million years ago.

Kathy Butterfield

Originally from beautiful Southern California, Kathy moved to the San Francisco Bay Area, before settling in Tucson, Arizona in 1990. She raised her four children here.

In Kathy's words, "This land is amazing! Our Sonoran desert is special, unique, rugged, untamed and I’m here to share my love of this magnificent place through my art." - Watercolors by Kathy Butterfield.

Public & Wholesale

The Co-op is open to the public and wholesale buyers. No prior registration required. All members are independently owned and operated; wholesale requirements may vary. Wholesale buyers must provide an EIN, business license, and TPT.