Have you ever wondered what story is behind the remarkable pieces of art that adorn our community? Fountain Hills has one of the largest public art collections in the Southwest with more than 150 pieces and growing! They can be found in the Fountain Hills Community Center, Town Hall, Centennial Circle, Fountain Park and elsewhere around town.
Former mayor Jerry Miles and his wife, Jackie, started the public art committee nearly 20 years ago. It began with a statue of a mother mountain lion carrying her cub in her mouth that was placed by the library for all to enjoy. The collection has now grown into a major community asset.
The Public Art Committee resides under the umbrella of iLoveFountainHills.org (aka Fountain Hills Cultural and Civic Association). Most of the pieces have been donated, while others have been added through fundraising efforts and a 1% development fee for public art. Volunteers in the Save our Sculptures (SOS) program keep a regular cleaning and maintenance schedule so our art remains in good condition.
There are three ways to tour this tremendous collection:
- Self-Guided Tour. Each art piece is accompanied by an information plaque containing a customized QR code. Download any free QR code reader app on your smart phone and you’re ready to begin. Scan the code and learn the history of the art piece and the artist’s bio.
- Docent-Led Tour. The Town of Fountain Hills is offering a docent-led art walk each month from October through April. Docents will provide information on the artist and the techniques used to create the piece. These tours are free, but registration is required. Sign up at fh.az.gov/publicart
- Private Tours. If you can’t find a docent-led tour that fits your schedule, you can request a private tour! Private tours must be made a minimum of 3 weeks in advance by calling the Tourism Office at 480-816-5165.
Docent-led tours are divided into two parts: Centennial Circle Tour from 9:00am-10:30am and Fountain Park Tour from 11:00am-12:30pm. To register for a guided tour or for more information, visit www.fh.az.gov/publicart
