Oro Valley revives and refreshes Public Art Tours
Published on January 20, 2025
ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (Jan. 21, 2025) — The Town of Oro Valley is pleased to announce the return of the in-person Public Art Tour Program, beginning Feb. 2, 2025.
In 2020, the Town suspended the original program in response to the COVID-19 pandemic; however, due to continued requests from the public, Oro Valley Town Council allocated $50,000 in funding in the FY24/25 budget to resume the popular tours.
For the return season — February to April 2025 — the Town is launching this initial effort as a pilot program while we further evaluate and refine the program. As such, tours will be offered free of charge this season. Guides will offer post-tour surveys to gather your input on the tour experience and future tour pricing.
What to expect on the tour
Tours are two hours long, and begin and end at the Oro Valley Marketplace, at Charred Pie on Wednesdays and Hoppy Vine on Sundays. Participants will be accompanied by a trained tour guide and will visit more than 20 locations around Oro Valley to see dozens of pieces of public art. The tour includes a restroom break and a 20-minute stop at the Oro Valley Hospital to explore impressive collections of art, both indoors and outdoors. The Town of Oro Valley has engaged the services of Arizona Winery Tours to serve as the tour operators.
Registration
Tours will generally be conducted in Arizona Winery’s 14-passenger busses.
Tours can be booked online at: Oro Valley Art Tour | AZ Winery Tours
Arrangements have been made to accommodate guests of all abilities, upon request. Please call our Community and Economic Development staff at 520-229-4800 to book your tour, and to let us know what ADA accommodations you may require.
“We want Oro Valley to be a prime destination for art lovers everywhere,” said Paul Melcher, Community and Economic Development Director for the Town of Oro Valley. “We also want our residents to have a fun and easy way to enjoy the iconic works of art that contribute to their community’s unique character. Our long-term goal is to create a sustainable, in-person art tour program that engages and delights both residents and visitors.”
For more information on things to do in Oro Valley, download the Explore OV app today on the Apple App Store or Google Play, and start planning your Oro Valley adventure!
The History of Public Art in Oro Valley
Did you know the Town of Oro Valley has more than 220 pieces of public art? Oro Valley’s Public Art collection is expansive, and the Public Art Tours offer just a snapshot. That expansive collection is a result of the Town’s 1% for Public Arts Program, which was established in 1997. The program requires that commercial developers set aside one percent of a project’s total budget for the creation of public art. By passing the public art mandate, Oro Valley signaled an ongoing commitment to create beautiful surroundings that enhance the quality of life for all who live, work, and play in the town. Developers and businesses are key to the 1% Public Art program, and this collection continues to grow over the years.
“Welcome to Oro Valley Mural” at the Oro Valley Marketplace (photo credit: David Seeber)
“Family Ride” at Steam Pump Village
“Covey of Quail” at the southern entrance to Naranja Park (Youth Art Project)
“The Learning Tree” at the Oro Valley Public Library
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