A new public artwork has joined the Scottsdale Public Art Permanent Collection to welcome a new local attraction.
Arizona artist Mary Shindell created “Mesquite Bosque,” which can be found at the Bell94 Sports Complex in north Scottsdale. The McDowell Mountains, located east of the complex, became Shindell’s inspiration for the artwork from the moment she saw them as a backdrop to the complex.
“That day the mountains were a stunning violet color. I used the color from the mountains as a response to the site,” said Shindell. “I enjoyed working on this large active area and creating artwork to reflect and enhance the experiences of everyone using the site.”
Shindell drew inspiration from the natural world encompassing the Bell94 Sports Complex. Including the violet color, she also took inspiration from the Mesquite trees near the entrance to the park and throughout Scottsdale by weaving tree branches and leaves on each of the panels.
“Mesquite Bosque” features eight water-jet-cut aluminum panels bordering the facility buildings and the main entrance to the sports fields. Each panel is 8 feet wide and powder-coated in a striking violet color.
“Whether you are passing by on your way to the fields, walking your dog or relaxing at the shaded picnic tables nearby, ‘Mesquite Bosque’ will draw your attention with its colorful panels and intricate line work,” said Victoria Sajadi, public art coordinator at Scottsdale Public Art. “My favorite time to view ‘Mesquite Bosque’ is at sunrise and sunset; the sun at these times deepens the violet color and extends the artwork through the shadows that dance on the sidewalk.”
Officials from the city of Scottsdale and Scottsdale Public Art will be holding a dedication of the new Bell94 Sports Complex, including “Mesquite Bosque,” at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12, at 9390 E. Bell Rd., Scottsdale, AZ, 85260. Events will include music, activities for kids, food trucks and a keynote speaker.
Through its partnership with the city of Scottsdale, the nonprofit Scottsdale Arts creates diverse, inspired arts experiences and educational opportunities that foster active, lifelong community engagement with the arts. Since its founding in 1987, Scottsdale Arts has grown into a regionally and nationally significant, multi-disciplinary arts organization offering an exceptional variety of programs through four acclaimed branches — Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA), Scottsdale Public Art and Scottsdale Arts Education & Outreach — serving more than 400,000 participants annually.
The mission of Scottsdale Public Art is to make Scottsdale one of the most desirable communities in the country in which to live, work and visit by incorporating art and design projects throughout. In 1985, the City of Scottsdale established Scottsdale Public Art with the goal to enhance the quality of life for its residents and visitors. Since then more than 100 permanent and temporary public artworks have been commissioned throughout the community. Scottsdale’s program and projects have won local, regional and national awards.
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