Explore Oro Valley’s Public Art: A Guide to the Town’s Artistic Gems
Looking for a unique cultural experience in Southern Arizona? Oro Valley is more than just scenic desert views—it’s a haven for public art enthusiasts. With vibrant murals, striking sculptures, and thoughtfully designed installations, Oro Valley’s public art scene is a must-see for both residents and visitors.
In this guide, we’ll explore the highlights of Oro Valley’s public art, how to plan your visit, and why this town is a top destination for art lovers.
Photo Credit: David Seeber
What Makes Oro Valley's Public Art Unique?
In 1997, Oro Valley introduced its 1% Public Art Program, requiring commercial developers to allocate one percent of their project budgets to the creation of public art. This initiative reflects the town's commitment to enhancing its surroundings and enriching the quality of life for everyone who lives, works, and visits here. Developers and businesses play a vital role in bringing this vision to life.
Oro Valley’s commitment to enhancing its community through art is evident in every corner of the town. From life-sized sculptures in parks to murals that tell the story of the Southwest, the public art here is a celebration of creativity, culture, and history.
Key features that set Oro Valley’s public art apart:
- Integration with Nature: Many installations complement the surrounding desert landscape, blending art with nature.
- Local Influence: Several pieces are created by Arizona-based artists, showcasing the state’s rich artistic heritage.
- Accessibility: Public art in Oro Valley is free and open to everyone, making it easy to enjoy at your own pace.
Top Public Art Spots in Oro Valley
Here are some must-visit public art locations in Oro Valley:
1. Leaves Unfolding Sculpture
From Artist Joe A. Tyler: The leaves of a tree and the leaves of a book are integrally entwined in deeply profound ways. Without trees, how would we produce books? Without books, we would lose much needed information from the past. Mankind's entire future might be jeopardized without either one of these entities.
2. Freedom's Angel of Steadfast Love Sculpture
The sculpture in the form of an angel is titled "Freedom's Steadfast Angel of Love" created by Lei Hennessy-Owen. It stands 9 feet 11 inches tall and is a replica of the statues located at Ground Zero in New York, the pentagon and the Flight 93 Crash site and is the first angel to be made of wreckage from all three sites. It is dedicated to the youngest victim from the January 8th shootings, 9-year-old Christina Taylor Green. She was an aspiring baseball player and the only girl on her little league team. She used to play baseball at James D. Kriegh Park with the Canyon Del Oro Little League. Green was born on September 11, 2001, and was featured in a book called "Faces of Hope", which chronicled a baby from each state born on 9/11.
3.The Quail Trail
The Quail Trail, located at the entrance of Naranja Park was built as part of our summer youth projects. In 1995 The Pima Association of Governments created a program to incorporate public art into transportation projects by providing summer employment for youth. Every Fall a call for projects under the Transportation Art by Youth Program goes out to the association's member jurisdictions.
4.The Spirit Within
One of Oro Valley’s more hidden public art pieces, but equally impressive, is a work from Bruce LaFountain titled The Spirit Within. Raised on the Turtle Mountain Reservation in North Dakota, LaFountain’s unique ancestry is Chippewa, French and Cree and is a major point of reflection as he draws from his Native American heritage to bring life experiences to completion. “Simplicity and beauty combine fluidity” as he “redefines the concept of typical Native American Sculpture...” Bruce’s work can be found in museums, galleries and private collections throughout the country, including the Smithsonian.
Plan Your Visit with the Explore OV App
Discover all these incredible works of art and more with the Explore OV app! Use the app to design your own personalized art tour or choose from three expertly curated tours, each featuring detailed descriptions and easy-to-follow directions. Available on iOS and Google Play, the app is your go-to guide for planning an unforgettable art-filled adventure in Oro Valley.
Why Visit Oro Valley for Public Art?
Oro Valley’s public art scene isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about connection. Each piece reflects the town’s dedication to community, culture, and the natural beauty of Southern Arizona. Whether you’re a local looking for something new or a visitor eager to experience the town’s creative side, Oro Valley’s art will leave you inspired.
Public Art Tours
The Town of Oro Valley is excited to announce that in person art tour's are available February to April 2025. Tours will be offered free of charge and guides will offer post-tour surveys to gather information about the tour experience and future tour pricing.
For those interested in joining the in-person art tours, register here.