OV Town Talk: Public Art Tours are Back in Oro Valley!

Published on February 05, 2025

By Crystal Franke, Destination Marketing Manager, Town of Oro Valley

Have you ever wondered why a family of giant quail sculptures calls Naranja Park home? Have you heard the story behind the Joe A. Tyler’s beloved Learning Tree sculpture at the Oro Valley Public Library? These and other captivating tales will soon be revealed as the much-anticipated Oro Valley Public Art Tours make their return this February.

But before diving into the details, please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Crystal Franke, and I have spent over a decade working with Destination Marketing Organizations all over the country. I now proudly serve as Oro Valley’s Destination Marketing Manager, and since stepping into this role, my focus has been on elevating our Town’s tourism experience. This includes launching the Explore OV app, a new tool designed to connect residents and visitors to all the unique and inspiring experiences Oro Valley has to offer. If you haven’t downloaded the app yet, I can’t think of a better time than right now! Explore OV has everything from live music hot spots to day-trip itineraries to discover the hidden gems in Oro Valley and beyond. These experiences align with our vision to celebrate the rich culture and artistic heritage of our community. Our newest addition to these experiences is the re-launch of the Town’s Public Art Tours.

The Public Art Tour Program was established so that residents and guests alike could experience the Town’s vast public art collection, which is a result of the 1% for Public Art mandate. Established in 1997, the mandate requires that commercial developers set aside one percent of a project’s total budget for the creation of public art. That is why our community is filled with more than 220 sculptures, paintings, murals and more!

Many residents may recall the previous Public Art Tour program hosted by the Town, which had to be suspended in 2020 due to the pandemic. Thanks to strong community interest and support from Oro Valley Town Council, we are thrilled to announce the return of the tours, and they are better than ever!

Participants will be treated to a guided, two-hour journey throughout Oro Valley to see some of the most iconic public art pieces, including the newly unveiled Arizona Heroes Memorial at Naranja Park. The tours will feature insights from our passionate guides, who will bring the stories of these artworks to life. The tours will be operated by Arizona Winery Tours, whose knowledgeable and passionate drivers have been trained by OV Arts Ambassadors and staff to guide you through an engaging experience, bringing the stories of these art pieces to life.

Tours will operate on select Wednesdays and Sundays, from February 5 through July 2, starting and ending at the Oro Valley Marketplace, with transportation provided via 14-passenger buses.

Best of all, this season’s tours are free, as we work to gather feedback to shape the program’s future. Tours can be booked online at:Oro Valley Art Tour | AZ Winery Tours

I hope you’ll join us for a tour. Public art is a cornerstone of Oro Valley’s charm, fostering a sense of community pride while drawing guests eager to explore our cultural offerings.

Reintroducing the Public Art Tours is just one of many steps we’re taking to position Oro Valley as a premier destination. I look forward to sharing more exciting updates with you in the months ahead as we continue to discover and create opportunities for both visitors and residents to Explore OV.