Beginning in 2019, SAACA has partnered with the Town of Sahuarita Parks and Recreation Department to produce a series of public art projects each year. The projects seek to enhance the cultural environment, visual landscape and the quality of life for residents and visitors to public parks in Sahuarita. The projects, completed by a diverse pool of Arizona muralists, celebrate themes of the people, places, and culture of Sahuarita and can be found on utility cabinets, seating walls, and storage doors throughout the town and parks.
We encourage you to visit each unique piece of art in person, and tag @SAACA @ArtsAZ @SahuaritaParksAndRecreation and #SahuaritaArts in your posts.
We encourage you to visit each unique piece of art in person, and tag @SAACA @ArtsAZ @SahuaritaParksAndRecreation and #SahuaritaArts in your posts.
2020 Public Art Projects
"Woven Bonds We've Grown Upon" - Jessica Gonzales
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"Woven Bonds We've Grown Upon"
Artist: Jessica Gonzales Completed January, 2021 Theme: Interactive Puzzle Mural exploring land, agriculture, indigenous peoples, and our connection to history. Artist Statement: "Woven Bonds We've Grown Upon" is a representation of the relationships between land, agriculture, and indigenous peoples, and how these relationships connect historic Sahuarita to modern times. This idea is presented visually by references to each of these elements, and conceptually by creating an interactive puzzle mural that merges together and links each piece to one another, creating a cohesive image that represents the land, history, and culture of this region. The piece features the Santa Rita mountains, water pattern to reference the Santa Cruz river, corn, agave, sahuaros, a pecan branch, and native bird feathers. The subject of the mural, Lydia Jennings, who is enrolled Yaqui and Huichol, is an outdoor advocate and a soil microbiologist studying ways to reclaim or heal the Sonoran Desert, while learning about Indigenous food systems. Location: Parque Los Arroyos – North Side of the Park 18225 S. Avenida Arroyo Seco Sahuarita, AZ 85614 Measurements: 230 square feet –23' length x 10' height painted on recycled metal street signs |
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About the Artist
Jessica Gonzales is a Tucson based painter, muralist, designer and Artistic Director whose vision and personal voice can be seen and heard clearly through both her works on canvas and on the walls she paints as a muralist. Raised in Germany within a military base community, her work is distinctively her own. Much of her imagery is filled with lyrical portraits of women, often local, as well as rich color, bold pattern, and contrast, both visual and conceptual. Learn more about this artist at https://www.facebook.com/JessicaGonzalesArt/ |
“Chiricahua Leopard Frog Life Cycle in the Sonoran Wetlands” - Alexandra Jimenez
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“Chiricahua Leopard Frog Life Cycle in the Sonoran Wetlands”
Artist: Alexandra Jimenez Completed December, 2020 Theme: 360 degree wraparound mural depicting the life cycle of the endangered Chiricahua Leopard Frog Artist Statement: This mural features a water scene detailing the life cycle of an endangered amphibian, the Chiricahua Leopard Frog. The frog has a striking appearance, featuring bold greens and black spots, and is found in riparian areas in the Southwest and locally in the San Pedro River Basin riparian area. Their habitat is continually under threat as they need permanent water sources to thrive and reproduce, a scarcity as water is siphoned away. It is fitting that a mural depicting a water dwelling animal would surround the lavatories because we use water with each flush. As co-inhabitants of the desert, it is important that we all consider our impact and public parks allow us to interact with our environments in meaningful ways. I hope this mural will inform the public about the Chiricahua Leopard Frog and educate people on the metamorphic life cycles. The mural takes advantage of the circular nature of the bathroom building as the painted water will flow around the building with frogs leaping in and out of the water. Location: North Santa Cruz Park 14455 S Rancho Sahuarita Blvd, Sahuarita, AZ 85629 Measurements: 133 square feet – Width 19’ x Height 7’8” – Stucco on Concrete |
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About the Artist - Alex Jimenez
As a former scientist I approach art from a different perspective. A design problem or illustration project becomes a quest for the right question to ask and my resultant image - the answer. I am in love with process and most often take several steps to arrive at the final image. I appreciate the value that the digital world offers and I take advantage by combining hand illustrated elements with photography, watercolors, and vectorized images. Learn more about this artist at https://www.alexclamation.com/ |
"Desert Wonderland" - Victor Navarro
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"Desert Wonderland"
Artist: Victor Navarro Completed November, 2020 Mural Theme: Dreamlike Desert Wildlife and Landscape seen near Sahuarita in Southwestern Colors Artist Statement: Inspired in the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert, this mural is a dreamlike interpretation of the harmony that the desert shares. Vivid and candied oranges and pinks; warm up the scene mirroring the unique sunsets that are unique to our environment. Nature aspects are introduced with a variety of cacti and desert critters giving life to the abstracted landscape. Location: North Santa Cruz Park 14455 S Rancho Sahuarita Blvd, Sahuarita, AZ 85629 Approximate Size: 133 square feet – Width 19’ x Height 7’8” – Painted Metal MUSCO Cabinet |
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About the Artist
Victor Navarro’s life has been defined by cultivating his overpowering artist expressions since the tender age of 15. After moving to the United States from Guadalajara, Mexico in 1998, Victor began nurturing his artistic inspiration into a passion. He graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and soon pursued a Master's Degree from Northern Arizona University. Following his university studies, Navarro soon began teaching art at Pima County College, Tucson Parks & Recreation and Splendido. In addition to his artistic work, Navarro contributes to the public appreciation of fine visual art by live painting, fundraisers, chalk art festivals, and other community engagement opportunities. Victor Navarro has received various awards, including the Silver Medal from Paris’ International Academy of Lutece, recognition from the Societe Nationales des Beaux Arts and the European Center for the Promotion of Arts and Literature, and at age 19, was one of the youngest artists to be invited to exhibit his artwork at the famed Louvre in Paris in the salon “Carrousel du Louvre”. Learn more about this artist at: https://victornavarroart.weebly.com/ |
Wagon Burner Arts
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“The Land Rests”
Artist: Wagon Burner Arts (Sawaki, Ricky Bush, Carlos Valencia, Maira Escalante) Completed: October 2020 Theme: Dark Sky Inspired Mural Depicting the Phases of the Moon Artist Statement: This concept takes inspiration from the land(s) surrounding the Sahuarita community. The lack of light pollution in Sahuarita allows for the dark nights. Layers of silhouettes depict the landscape of local vegetation. It was suiting that this was highlighted. The moon phases in this piece is a representation of the changes we all face on a daily basis Location: Anamax Park – Concession Building 17501 S. Camino De Las Quintas Sahuarita, AZ 85629 Measurements: 145 square feet - 14’8” width x 9’10” height - West Facing Cinder Block Wall |
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“The Messenger”
Artist: Wagon Burner Arts (Sawaki, Ricky Bush, Carlos Valencia, Maira Escalante) Completed: October 2020 Theme: Hummingbirds (Semalulukut) are considered special messengers to the Yaqui people Artist Statement: The Inspiration behind this piece was to remember where you come from and the lessons taught to you. Semalulukut is the Yaqui word for hummingbird, which are known to be messengers. We have all seen them flying at some point or another. To a member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, seeing one of these amazing birds is a magical sight. Don't ever take the small things in life for granted. Location: Anamax Park – Concession Building 17501 S. Camino De Las Quintas Sahuarita, AZ 85629 Measurements: 200 square feet – 20’2” width x 9’10” height - North facing Cinder Block Wall |
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“Lunar Moth Selfie Wall”
Artist: Wagon Burner Arts (Sawaki, Ricky Bush, Carlos Valencia, Maira Escalante) Completed: October 2020 Theme: Interactive Selfie Wall with Lunar Moth and Wild Cacti Flowers Artist Statement: We are living in the days of selfies, as we all know. We wanted to create an interactive wall for selfies while staying close to the environment of the surrounding area. The flowers depicted are found locally growing on wild cacti. These beautiful flowers however are all protected by sharp rigid thorns of the cactus. These thorns are known to the native community as ‘Indigenous land protectors’ Location: Anamax Park – Concession Building 17501 S. Camino De Las Quintas Sahuarita, AZ 85629 Measurements: 200 square feet – 20’2” width x 9’10” height - South facing Cinder Block Wall |
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“Sonoran Sunset”
Artist: Wagon Burner Arts (Sawaki, Ricky Bush, Carlos Valencia, Maira Escalante) Completed: October 2020 Theme: Mandala influenced design surrounding a bright Sonoran Sunset Artist Statement: From all around these sunsets are well known for the beautiful display of colors. It was important that this sunset was the center for this wall. The intricate mandala influence design as a border for this mural is added to complement the landscape. Location: Anamax Park – Concession Building 17501 S. Camino De Las Quintas Sahuarita, AZ 85629 Measurements: 103 square feet - 14’8” width x 7’ height - East Facing Cinder Block Wall |
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“Wind Rhythm”
Artist: Wagon Burner Arts (Sawaki, Ricky Bush, Carlos Valencia, Maira Escalante) Completed: November 2020 Theme: Colorful Animals and Flowers native to the lands of Pascua Yaqui and Tohono O'odham tribes and Sahuarita Artist Statement: Wind Rhythm is rooted to the lands of the people. The animals included in this seating wall are a coyote, hummingbird, tortoise, javelina and a quail. All are native to the land of the Pascua Yaqui & Tohono O'odham tribes including Sahuarita and the surrounding geographic location. The flowers in this piece are all also found locally. The background filigree design is a representation of the winds of the desert. The wind encompasses everything and everyone. These are indigenous lessons passed down to us by our elders. Location: Quail Creek Veterans Municipal Park - Seating Wall 1905 N Old Nogales Hwy, Sahuarita, AZ 85629 Measurements: 420 square feet - 167’ length and 2’6” height – Stucco on Brick Seating Wall |
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About the Artists
We are a growing collective of artists looking to share our many talents with people from all walks of life. We are the essence of the Tucson community. Our talents hold a vast number of skills and our artists bring fresh talent to the table. Once a concept is approved a start date is set and we work 8-10hr days. We are reliable in communication and work very well with others. We want a platform to share our abilities with the community we reside in. Our technical abilities allow us to achieve precision when demonstrated in a large scale format. We paint with enthusiasm because we share a passion we bond over. |
"The Birds of Sahuarita" - Alonso Delgadillo
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"The Birds of Sahuarita"
Artist: Alonso Delgadillo Completed May 2020 Mural Theme: Migratory Birds in an abstract style and colors observed around the Sahuarita Lake Park. Location: Sahuarita Lake Park – Amphitheater Seat Wall South End of 15466 S Rancho Sahuarita Blvd, Sahuarita, AZ 85629 Measurements: 198’ square feet - 66’ length x 2.2’ height (low end) and 3.9’ height (tall end) - painted stucco w/concrete cap |
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About the Artist
Alonso Delgadillo “Norte” is a border artist from Tijuana, interested in the culture, the stories and the memories that surround him. These are transformed into murals and drawings depicting daily life, using drawing lines as a characteristic of this personal style of work. Currently, he is working on a series inspired by traditional Latin American handcrafts, exploring a variety of formats and media: wood, canvas, and paper among other. Learn more about this artist at https://www.alonsodelgadillo.com/about Alonso Delgadillo "NORTE", es un artista de la frontera Tijuana, interesado en dar evidencia de la cultura popular que lo rodea, sus historias y recuerdos, son plasmados en murales y dibujos que dan testimonio de la vida cotidiana con un estilo personal, utilizando las líneas de dibujo como característica de su obra. Actualmente trabaja en una serie inspirada en la artesanía popular latinoamericana, explorando con diversos formatos y materiales como: madera, tela, papel entre otros. |
"Sam and Sara, Page 22" by Isaac Caruso
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Artist: Isaac Caruso
Completed November 2020 One page of a whimsical 43 page children’s book illustrated entirely with street art Location: Anamax Park – Recreation Building on West side of Park 17501 S. Camino De Las Quintas Sahuarita, AZ 85629 Measurements: 108 square feet - 18’ length x 9’ height – Wood Paneling on Recreation Building Artist Statement: “Sam and Sara” is an ambitious 43 page children's book created by muralist Isaac Caruso and illustrated entirely with street art. The murals, spanning walls across Arizona, collectively tell a story of the power of imagination to transport viewers and readers to a magical place of wonder, reflected in the fact that the more than 40 murals are located in more than 30 different cities and towns. Viewers are encouraged to fill in the story, and visit as many as they can. Caruso’s murals and art have been displayed at Coachella, the Smithsonian in Washington D.C. and around the world, from the barrios of Uruguay, to the icey fjords of Svalbard in the Arctic Ocean. |
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About the Artist
Isaac Nicholas Caruso is an artist and creative director born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. Caruso makes public art to communicate with communities and help give them a visual identity. The imagery he paints is powerful and uplifting with the goal to transform our surroundings with positivity. He describes his motivations as an artist by saying: "The external environments we share are meant to be augmented, in my opinion, and my humble service as an artist is to facilitate that by creating visual narratives that bind people together. I treat the act of painting murals as a performance piece by showing my love for the neighborhood and I strive to involve the community as much as possible in my process. Either for the sake of place making, entertaining our enhancing the urban landscape I try to make my world better through public art, for the enjoyment of everyone I share it with." Learn more about this artist at https://isaacncaruso.com/ |
"Laura's Horny Toad (other animals not depicted)" by Isaac Caruso
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"Laura's Horny Toad (other animals not depicted)"
Artist: Isaac Caruso Completed April 2020 Mural Theme: Desert Horned Lizard (horny toad) and Saguaro Flowers Location: Quail Creek Veterans Municipal Park – Roll Up Storage Door 1905 N Old Nogales Hwy, Sahuarita, AZ 85629 Measurement: 52 square feet: 7.8 ’x 6.10’ - Metal |
"Colibri" by Ignacio Garcia
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"Colibri"
Artist: Ignacio Garcia Completed May 2020 Mural Theme: Colorful Hummingbird and Peacock Flowers Location: Anza Trail Park – MUSCO Cabinet 15490 S Rancho Sahuarita Blvd, Sahuarita, AZ 85629 Measurements: 305 square feet: East & West sides 17’ x 7.5’; Sides width 3.3’ - Metal |
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About the Artist
Muralist and Public Artist Ignacio Garcia is well known throughout Arizona and California for his 3D chalk murals and large, colorful photo-realistic murals that often play on whimsical, playful pop art ideas. His mural of Bill Walton riding a Jackalope on the side of Rialto Theater in Tucson is one of the most photographed images of the downtown Tucson corridor. Garcia is an artistic studies graduate of the East Valley Institute of Technology in Mesa, AZ and the Gnoman Workshop in Hollywood, CA. Learn more about this artist on Instagram @azchalkguy |
"Te-Gila Sunrise" by Alex Jimenez
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"Te-Gila Sunrise"
Artist: Alex Jimenez Completed May 2020 Mural Theme: Gila Monster in two different styles and sunset colors observed on the Santa Rita Mountains, Location: Wrightson Ridge Park - MUSCO Cabinet 16325 S Rancho Sahuarita Blvd, Sahuarita, AZ 85629 Measurements: 214 square feet: West side 12’x 7.5’; East side 10.5’ x 7.5’; Sides width 3’ - Metal |
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About the Artist - Alex Jimenez
As a former scientist I approach art from a different perspective. A design problem or illustration project becomes a quest for the right question to ask and my resultant image - the answer. I am in love with process and most often take several steps to arrive at the final image. I appreciate the value that the digital world offers and I take advantage by combining hand illustrated elements with photography, watercolors, and vectorized images. Learn more about this artist at https://www.alexclamation.com/ |
"Sahuarita Treasures" by Alejandra Trujillo
Photo by Chad McBroom Photography
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"Sahuarita Treasures"
Artist: Alejandra Trujillo Completed May 2020 Mural Theme: Sahuarita Selfie Spot with Monarch Butterflies, Desert Tortoise, Pecan Grove, and Quail Family Location: Sahuarita Lake Park – Boat Access Storage Door, North End of 15466 S Rancho Sahuarita Blvd, Sahuarita, AZ 85629 Measurements: 103 square feet - 12’ x 8.7’ (Metal) |
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About the Artist
Multimedia artist, born in Mexico now residing in Tucson Arizona. Alejandra Trujillo is a wife and homeschooling mother of three. She spends most of her time creating murals, paintings, miniatures and tattooing. Learn more about this artist at https://aniebla88.wixsite.com/alejandratrujilloart/murals |
2019 Public Art Projects
Beginning with the Town of Sahuarita's 25th Anniversary in 2019, SAACA has partnered with the Town of Sahuarita Parks and Recreation Department to produce a series of annual public art projects. The projects seek to enhance the cultural environment, visual landscape and the quality of life for residents and visitors to public parks in Sahuarita. The 2019 projects included five murals in town parks hand-painted by three Arizona muralists celebrating different themes of people, place, and culture of Sahuarita.
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"Sahuarita and Astronomy"
Artist: Wesley Fawcett Creigh Completed November 2019 Hand-painted astronomy themed mural wrapping the entire box featuring galaxies, the Whipple Observatory, and starry cosmos background. Location: Anamax Park (North Side of Park) 17501 S. Camino De Las Quintas Sahuarita, AZ 85629 Approximate Size: 350 square feet – Width 20’6” x Height 7’8” x Depth 3’ |
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"Sahuarita Pecans"
Artist: Wesley Fawcett Creigh Completed November 2019 Hand-painted pecan themed mural wrapping the entire box featuring a pecan orchard and pecans in trees. Location: Anamax Park (South Side of Park) 17501 S. Camino De Las Quintas Sahuarita, AZ 85629 Approximate Size: 200 square feet – Width 11’8” x Height 7’6” x Depth 2’11” |
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"The Cosmos and Community"
Artist: Ghazal Ghazi Completed October 2019 Artist Statement: This mural takes inspiration from local flora, cosmos, and community. It depicts a woman that is radiant, smiling, exuding vibrant colors in celebration of Sahuarita’s diverse and changing community. Surrealism plays with her hair and clothes, which are full of leaves and flowers from Sahuarita’s local ecosystem – such as plants that are found in the Santa Ritas, Madera Canyon, and the Sonoran Desert. Behind her are the starry cosmos, representative not only of the starry nights that can be seen in Sahuarita, but also of the importance of astronomy in local activity, such as the Whipple Observatory. The reverse side of the box includes key agricultural foods produced in Sahuarita Location: Anamax Park (South Side of Park) 17501 S. Camino De Las Quintas Sahuarita, AZ 85629 Approximate Size: 200 square feet – Width 11’8” x Height 7’6” x Depth 2’11” |
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"Life, Land and Ecology"
Artist: Ghazal Ghazi Completed October 2019 Artist Statement: The main themes of this mural are life, land, ecology. It features a very colorful and vibrant depiction of a prickly pear plant. The blue background represents not only the sky, but also water and vital role that it plays in the Sonoran Desert ecosystem. It reflects too on the relationship that desert plants have to water, even though this vital resource is so scarce here. The main goal of this design is to celebrate one of the most iconic and common plants of the local system, something that we are surrounded by. It is meant to show something that we encounter on a daily basis in a new light, highlighting its uniqueness and vibrancy. Location: North Santa Cruz Park 14455 S Rancho Sahuarita Blvd, Sahuarita, AZ 85629 Approximate Size: 133 square feet – Width 19’ x Height 7’8” |
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"Saguaro Blooms"
Artist: Ignacio Garcia Completed November 2019 Taking inspiration from Sahuarita’s namesake (roughly translating to “little Saguaro”), this mural features eye-catching, realistic looking Saguaro flowers in a large format. Location: Quail Creek Veterans Municipal Park 1905 N Old Nogales Hwy, Sahuarita, AZ 85629 Approximate Size: 400 square feet – Width 21’11” x Height 7’7” x Depth 2’11’ |