The four design teams selected as finalists to create a permanent memorial commemorating the Jan. 8, 2011, shooting victims, families and the community's response to the tragedy are in town today, and they want to hear from you.

They're not here to present their design ideas, but to talk to us and get inspired. That constant community involvement has been at the forefront of the entire collaborative process between the January 8 Memorial Foundation and the Tucson Pima Arts Council.

"This tragedy affected every single person who lives in this city, everyone remembers exactly the place where they were at the time of the shooting," said Michelle Crow, the foundation's manager. "We feel it's very important that this be very open, for people to share their ideas, express their concerns, feelings. Ultimately, all those things help inform artists and designers."

The teams will be at the Arizona History Museum, 949 E. Second St., to chat with the public from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

This is the second stage of the design competition that started after summer last year. In the spring, designers are expected to present their ideas to Tucson, and then the selection panel will choose the final design team after a 30-day open public comment period.

The final team will also be heading the remodeling of El Presdio Park, where the memorial will live.

The four finalists:

Chee Salette Architecture Office, Los Angeles, Bonn, Germany and Tucson (www.csaoarchitects.com)

HOK, Chicago (www.hok.com/about/locations/chicago)

Ibarra Rosano Design Architects, Tucson (www.ibarrarosano.com)

 Logan Simpson Design, Tempe (www.logansimpson.com)