Oro Valley isn’t just a place of scenic desert beauty and sunny skies—it’s also a living canvas. Thanks to a forward-thinking public art mandate and a community-wide commitment to creative expression, this town has become an unlikely arts destination in Southern Arizona.
Eagle Against the Sun by Chris Navarro
That vision was on full display during the June 25 Oro Valley Art Tour, a two-hour immersive experience led by Arizona Winery Tours in partnership with the Town of Oro Valley. Participants boarded a comfortable air-conditioned bus and set out to explore more than a dozen public art installations. Along the way, the town’s unique 1% public art requirement came to life.
What is Oro Valley’s Public Art Mandate?
Oro Valley requires that all commercial developments contribute 1% of their total project cost to public art. This mandate can take the form of sculpture, murals, mosaics, or functional art, such as benches and shade structures. The art must be approved by the town and is meant to be accessible to the public. This initiative has resulted in over 600 unique artworks displayed across businesses, parks, and medical centers throughout the area.
The tour included stunning stops such as:
The Spirit Within by Bruce LaFountain
The Spirit of Oro Valley by Matthew Mustafson, a dynamic bronze stallion located at the entrance of the Holiday Inn Express, 11075 N Oracle Rd.
- Joe Tyler’s whimsical steel roadrunner and flora-inspired installations, located throughout the Desert Springs Retirement Community at 30 W Lambert Ln.
- Secure Plane by Kevin Box, a monumental steel sculpture shaped like a folded paper airplane, located at 1846 E Innovation Park Dr, near the Secure Plan Insurance building.
- The Spirit Within by Bruce LaFountain, located at 12885 N Oracle Rd, evokes indigenous themes of unity and nature.
- Eagle Against the Sun by Chris Navarro at 8950 N Oracle Road depicts a soaring eagle in circular flight, symbolizing strength and perseverance.
- Family Ride by Angela de la Varga at 11055 N Oracle Rd, a bronze piece celebrating family and desert life.
Solar Lions by Nicholas Burke
Solar Lions by Nicholas Burke at 11000 N La Cañada Dr, representing community strength and innovation through solar-powered design.
Tour participants also visited the Oro Valley Hospital, which features an impressive indoor gallery showcasing watercolor prints by Steve Holland and a 15-foot mural by Gail Mungdon, rich in native wildlife and medicinal plants. Even the benches and walkways, tiled by local artisans from Santa Theresa Tile Works, served as examples of the town’s artistic investment.
Why the Art Matters
According to the tour guide, these installations aren’t just decorative; they reflect Oro Valley’s values of community, healing, and heritage. Several pieces honor first responders and healthcare workers, while others celebrate the region’s natural wonders and Native American roots.
This initiative also supports local artists by commissioning their work and increasing visibility. Notable names, such as Joe Tyler, Carrie Snead, and Angela de la Varga, have multiple pieces installed throughout the town.
Plan Your Tour
Family Ride by Angela de la Varga
While this guided tour is currently offered for free by the Town of Oro Valley (with plans to charge a nominal fee in the future), residents and visitors alike can experience the town’s art at their own pace.
The Town of Oro Valley’s Digital Art Tour provides an interactive app and map of all installations, complete with artist names and media details. Whether you have an hour or a full day, there’s a self-guided adventure waiting for you.
Explore the Art with an Interactive Map
Want to plan your public art adventure? The Town of Oro Valley offers a free interactive map (and app) that makes it easy to locate and learn about every installation, complete with artist bios, materials, and exact locations. Visit the interactive public art map to start exploring at your own pace.
How the 1% Public Art Requirement Works
Under Oro Valley’s long-standing “1% for Public Art” ordinance, all new non-residential and public development projects must allocate one percent of their total construction budget to the creation or installation of public artworks. Proposals undergo a three-stage review process—public art budget approval, artist selection, and permit valuation—ensuring transparency and community oversight. You can dive deeper into the ordinance and approval steps here: Public Art Approval Process.
Final Thoughts
Oro Valley’s public art program turns everyday places into points of inspiration. Next time you drive past a sculpture or mural, pause to appreciate the thought, talent, and community spirit it represents. Better yet, take the tour and see the soul of Oro Valley in living color.
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Article and Images By ILoveOV.com Staff
