Courtesy image.
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff Beautification, Arts & Sciences program has announced the completion of two public art projects at Cleo Murdoch Park and the Murdoch Community Center.
“Rustle,” an 8-foot-high weathering steel artwork located at Cleo Murdoch Park, adjacent to the Murdoch Community Center, was designed by artist Beth Nybeck. The sculpture incorporates words and phrases contributed by the community into its leaf-like form. Symbolizing both nature and the interconnected stories that define the neighborhood, the artwork celebrates the Southside, its history, and its people.
Nybeck’s design was selected by a panel comprised of Southside residents, community members and representatives from the City’s Beautification & Public Art Commission. Community participation was prioritized throughout the creative process, ensuring that the artwork is truly communal in both inspiration and meaning.
In 2024, a focus group of Southside residents and community members helped establish themes important to the neighborhood: Southside history, neighborhood unity and mutual support, equity and justice, multicultural experience, and embedded memories. One idea resonated above all: “It is important that we do not forget.”
Building on this guidance, the City then conducted extensive outreach, inviting current and former residents, and others with deep ties to the Southside, to share personal memories through an online survey. Dozens of responses reflected places and moments that remain important to remember.
“Community input has been central to this project from day one,” said Jana Weldon, program manager for Beautification, Arts & Sciences. “Shared stories have directly shaped a sculpture unique to the Southside. It speaks to what makes this neighborhood distinctive and reflects the lived experiences of so many who called, and continue to call, the Southside home.”
All participants have been invited to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the sculpture’s completion.
“We thank every community member who participated in this project,” said Weldon.
In addition to “Rustle,” another installation has been completed at the Murdoch Community Center—the “Historic Dunbar School Plaque” by artist Marie Jones. Located at the building’s entrance, the plaque includes interpretive text about the school’s history written by Dr. Ricardo Guthrie. It also features an interactive component that allows readers to view the original foundation stones of the Dunbar School located beneath the plaque. The idea to reinstall a plaque honoring the Dunbar School came after City staff learned more about its original presence at the site.
“The project came to our attention through former Mayor Coral Evans, who shared that a plaque dedicated to the Historic Dunbar School had once been at the Murdoch Community Center,” said Weldon. “Recognizing the significance of that history, our team felt it was important to reinstall a plaque that honors the legacy of the school and celebrates the contributions of Paul Laurence Dunbar, principal Cleo Murdoch and principal Wilson Riles.
Building on this recognition of the school’s importance, program staff worked closely with the Southside Community Association, providing opportunities for the group to provide input on both the plaque design and interpretive text.
For more information, please contact program manager Jana Weldon at Jana.Weldon@flagstaffaz.gov