Jill Detter moved into her 1950s tract home 22 years ago to be closer to her son's school. A few years later, she discovered Mexican art.
Countless figurines, santos, trees of life, and pieces by local artists including Emily Long, Janet deBerg Lange, and Linda Ingrahm decorate the librarian and avid art collector's home, which will be on display for the Friends of Mexican Art Hacienda and Mercado tour this weekend.
Detter says the biggest challenges in keeping a collection are making sure the lighting is good and, of course, the dust -- she's just cleaned the display case in her living room and apologizes for the microscopic spots that are barely visible in her bedroom. All of that, Detter says, will be spotless by this weekend.
Her collections come from a number of sources, though she's a regular at the Spanish Market at the Heard Museum and a big fan of the Purple Lizard and Southwest Gardner in Phoenix. "I used to be able to find the neatest treasures on eBay," she says. "But when Mexican art became popular, everything got so expensive."
She shares her home and collection space with her husband -- who she says is very patient and has learned not to ask about the treasures she often brings home -- as well as her two dogs and six cats.
See a full slideshow of Detter's House here.
For more information about Friends of Mexican Art, visit the official website. The Hacienda and Mercado tour is this Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m..
Tickets can be purchased for $35 online or by calling 602.334.6585.