It’s a story that began more than 20 years ago when Fountain Hills art lovers Jackie and Jerry Miles intentionally started a movement to make Fountain Hills famous for its Public Art collection. Today, Fountain Hills is home to 150 pieces of public art, one of the largest public art displays in the state of Arizona.
Jackie was one of the founders of the Fountain Hills Arts Council (1997) and Jerry served as Mayor (1997). Also in 1997, the Town Council adopted a resolution naming the Arts Council as the authorized agency of the Town for the development and promotion of Public Art in Fountain Hills. When the Miles’ purchased “Precious Cargo” by Jason Napier in memory of Jerry’s late mother and donated it to the Town, the collection had its first piece.
Today, residents and visitors alike can take self-guided tours, docent tours or virtual tours of this vast display to learn more about individual pieces located throughout town.
Fountain Hills is also home to two annual juried art fairs, four art galleries, and an annual Tour d’ Artistes at which residents and visitors can see as many as 30 local artists at work in their personal studios. Our stunning vistas and quiet demeanor, it seems, inspire artistic expression.
“I moved here 30 years ago from Chicago and fell in love with the views,” Art League president and local artist, Justine Waldie, said. “More and more artists are recognizing that we’re a little community tucked away from the bustle where they can do their art.”
Where to see art in Fountain Hills
Community Center Exhibits
Fountain Hills Artist’s Gallery
Fountain Hills Photography Club
Fountain Hills Public Art
Fountain Hills festivals: Fountain Festival of Fine Arts & Crafts, Thunderbird Fine Art & Wine Affaire, Magic Bird Festival, Fountain O’Green Artisan Market, Fountain Hills Dark Sky Festival
Visit the Calendar of Activities and Events at www.desertvibe.com to learn more.
