FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff and Coconino County announce the opening of the third annual Multicultural County Park Sculpture Exhibition Tuesday, May 19, at the Elizabeth “Liz” C. Archuleta County Park in Flagstaff. A reception begins at 10 a.m. and includes a welcome by Vice-Mayor Miranda Sweet and remarks by City and County officials and participating artists. The event is free and open to the public.
This year’s exhibition features large-scale sculptures by artists Pamela Ambrosio, Anjola Ayodele, Robert L. Barnum, Nathaniel Trygg Patterson and Joe Ray. Artworks reflect diverse cultural representation and explore themes of nature, history and inclusivity. Together, they infuse the park with an engaging visual experience that highlights storytelling and community, while inviting the public to experience the park in new ways as they explore its sculpture pathway.
“The exhibition enlivens the park for residents and visitors and is a testament to the power of art and nature to unite, educate and inspire. It reflects our shared values and histories while sparking conversation and appreciation,” said Jana Weldon, City of Flagstaff’s Beautification, Arts & Sciences Program Manager. “Cultural visibility in public spaces matters.”
The Multicultural County Park Sculpture Exhibition was curated through a collaborative process involving a broad-based selection panel. Representatives participated from the City of Flagstaff’s Beautification and Public Art Commission, Indigenous Commission and the Commission on Diversity Awareness, and Coconino County’s Parks and Recreation Commission, Indigenous Peoples Advisory Council, Hispanic Advisory Council and African Diaspora Advisory Council. Artist selections were based on creative merit and demonstrated experience producing site-specific public art. The panel’s recommendations received formal approval by the City of Flagstaff’s Beautification and Public Art Commission last fall.
Launched in spring 2024, the project began as a recommendation by the Indigenous Circle of Flagstaff to increase cultural representation in the city’s public spaces. It has grown into a strong collaboration between the City and County, expanding its scope to celebrate a myriad of multicultural perspectives.
“As an Indigenous community member and a staff member at the City, I am so proud of the collaboration between the city, county, and community, said Rose Toehe, Indigenous Affairs Administrator. “Over the past three years this effort has grown into more than an art exhibition. It has become a meaningful expression of cultural visibility and belonging. More significantly, it is relationship and kinship building that further enhances us all. The sculptures are alive with energy that promote healing, family, home and sharing. I am honored to have shared in this growth and to celebrate year three of this exhibition.
“The County is incredibly proud to continue this partnership with the City, which allows us to transform our shared public spaces into a canvas for cultural expression,” said Cynthia Nemeth, Coconino County Parks and Recreation Director. “By integrating these powerful sculptures into the natural beauty of the Elizabeth “Liz” C. Archuleta County Park, we’re providing a space where every visitor can see their own heritage reflected in the landscape and find a deeper sense of belonging within our community.”
In addition to the new sculptures, park visitors can experience a storybook pathway, the Willow Bend Environmental Center’s wildflower maze and butterfly mural, and a vibrant 65-foot-long community art wall that highlights the neighborhood’s cultural heritage.
“We are thrilled to see how wholeheartedly park visitors have embraced this exhibition,” said Weldon. “We look forward to working with Coconino County for many more years to bring world-class artworks to Flagstaff’s public spaces and one of the county’s most beloved parks.”
The Multicultural County Park Sculpture Exhibition is on view through March 14, 2027. For more information, visit flagstaff.az.gov/4935