All Beautification, Arts & Sciences grants and public art initiatives are funded through the dedicated Bed, Board and Beverage tax.
A sculpture proposal by artists Laura Haddad and Tom Drugan with landscape design by The WLB Group for a promontory at East Cedar Avenue and North West Street, part of the Spruce Wash Wedge Detention Project, is underway. The three-dimensional artwork will serve as a distinctive icon, engaging both community members and passersby, possibly with whimsy.
The artists will be inspired by input from a Connect Flagstaff survey as well as a focus group comprised of Eastside residents and representatives from Coconino High School and the Beautification & Public Art Commission. These insights will guide a one-of-a-kind sculpture to elevate viewers’ spirits. This spring, the community will be invited to provide feedback on the sculpture proposal and adjacent landscape elements.
A major project at Buffalo Park has now launched with a Call to Artists to create a large-scale mural that will encompass the park’s water tank – 10,000 square feet of surface. Envisioned as a signature artwork for the park and the city, the site-specific, 360-degree mural could celebrate the park’s history, its daily activity, the city, the region, and/or the communities that enjoy this beloved natural and recreational space.
Last fall, a Connect Flagstaff survey helped identify what Buffalo Park means to residents and what themes could be reflected in the mural. As part of the design process, finalists will join city staff for a site visit and conduct research into the area’s physical and cultural features, including local ecology, geology, meteorology and Indigenous and municipal histories, and the community connections visitors hold to the site. Using insights from both research and the survey, each artist or team will develop and submit an independent design proposal, with one finalist ultimately awarded the mural contract.
Design kickoff for three-dimensional artwork for the Switzer Canyon roundabout is set for January. Located at the intersection of North Switzer Canyon Drive and North Turquoise Drive, sculptural art will be integrated into a redesigned hardscape in the center of the roundabout.
Last year, the city issued a Request for Solicitation of Qualifications seeking an artist to work with a design team to create a landmark installation for the site. More than 60 artists from across the country responded. Artist Aaron T. Stephan was selected for the project, bringing extensive experience working with municipalities and design teams to seamlessly integrate art into public spaces. Working with Kimley-Horn landscape architecture, his design will provide a visually compelling centerpiece for the surrounding environment.
A new group of artists has been selected for Year Three of the Multicultural County Park Sculpture Exhibition opening this May at the Elizabeth “Liz” C. Archuleta County Park. The exhibition features striking steel, stone and wood sculptures by artists Pamela Ambrosio, Anjola Ayodele, Nathaniel Trygg Paterson, Robert Barnum and Joe Ray. Five large-scale artworks will spark conversation, encourage interaction and foster a deeper appreciation for art and diverse cultural representation. The exhibition is a partnership between the City of Flagstaff and Coconino County.
Each spring and fall, artists, community members, nonprofits, schools and local businesses are invited to apply for a Beautification in Action (BIA) grant. This grant program now awards up to $8,000 for streetscape art and beautification, making our everyday environment more inviting and memorable with murals, gardens, benches, cabinet artwraps and events. With increased funding now available, even more neighborhoods can benefit.
Upcoming BIA-supported initiatives include the Kilani Dormitory and Flagstaff High School Hooghan Pollinator Pathway Beautification Project by Terra BIRDS, Culture Con, a one-day festival and temporary public art installation by Culture Connection AZ, and Rising Moon Plein-Air Concerts in Buffalo Park presented by Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition. Application deadlines for BIA grants are March 15 and Sept. 15.
Finally, Beautification, Arts & Sciences will continue its partnership with Creative Flagstaff to support the arts and sciences non-profit sector with significant operating and project grants to be distributed in 2026, including project grants for ARTx in May.
All Beautification, Arts & Sciences grants and public art initiatives are funded through the dedicated Bed, Board and Beverage tax. FBN
By Cristen Crujido
Cristen Crujido is the administrator for the Beautification, Arts & Sciences Project for the City of Flagstaff.
Courtesy Photo: This water tank at Buffalo Park will soon become the canvas for a 360-degree mural.
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