If you didn’t have a chance to take part in the very first, sold-out Oro Valley Public Art Tour, now’s your chance to experience it all over again. Larger-than-life art lovers, rejoice, because this Saturday, Sept. 19, the second installment of the Oro Valley Public Art Tour will take place, presented by the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance.
The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance—previously called the Greater Oro Valley Arts Council (GOVAC)—was established more then ten years ago to help create artistic and cultural opportunities for residents living in northwest Tucson by enlisting the help of businesses, government, artists and individuals. The town of Oro Valley began commissioning public art works in 1997, when a 1 percent for public art ordinance was passed, meaning that 1 percent of all the money for public projects and commercial projects would go toward the development of public art. Over the years, this ordinance has paved the way for some 40-plus works of art that are dispersed all over town, including such art forms as stained glass, paintings, sculptures, murals, ceramics, steel, iron, photography and textiles.
Oro Valley is awash with large works of art, making some of the most regular and mundane spaces—like gas stations, pizza parlors and libraries—visually intriguing. While driving around town, you may have noticed a few of these art works, but the surefire way to see them in their true form—and even learn a thing or two—is to take part in the Oro Valley Public Art Tour. One of Oro Valley’s most recognizable public art works is the large tree sculpture, by Joe A. Tyler, perched in front of the Oro Valley Library and with a gorgeous background of the Catalina Mountains. In addition, a variety of other pieces—both small and large—have been constructed around town, like Dan Elder’s “The duality of time” fountain, Bruce LaFontain’s “The Spirit Within” statue and the Santa Theresa Tile Works.
First held back in April, the Oro Valley Public Art Tour was so popular that the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance decided to keep it going throughout the year. If you don’t have a chance to attend the tour this weekend, mark your calendars for Jan. 23, 2010, which has been scheduled as the third tour date.
Starting at 9 a.m. at the Oro Valley Marketplace in front of the Marketplace water towers, the Public Art Tour will be narrated and guided by local artist and designer of the first-ever Oro Valley Public Art Book, Gail Munden. Groups of up to 55 guests will follow Munden on a customized tour through Oro valley streets, neighborhoods and commercial sites, while learning about the public art, the artists and the history of the works along the way.
The tour is three hours long and $25 per person. Space is limited and reservations are strongly encouraged. Call 520.797.3959 to reserve your spot on the tour, or visit www.saaca.org/events-publicart.html for more information.
