The City of Flagstaff and Coconino County announced on May 12 the opening of the third annual Multicultural County Park Sculpture Exhibition, which will take place Tuesday, May 19, at Elizabeth “Liz” C. Archuleta County Park in Flagstaff. The event begins with a reception at 10 a.m., featuring a welcome by Vice-Mayor Miranda Sweet as well as remarks from city and county officials and participating artists. The exhibition is free and open to the public.
The exhibition aims to promote cultural representation through large-scale sculptures created by Pamela Ambrosio, Anjola Ayodele, Robert L. Barnum, Nathaniel Trygg Patterson, and Joe Ray. These artworks explore themes such as nature, history, inclusivity, storytelling, and community engagement.
“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.”
Artist selection was managed by a broad-based panel including representatives from various city commissions—Beautification and Public Art Commission; Indigenous Commission; Commission on Diversity Awareness—as well as county groups such as Parks and Recreation Commission; Indigenous Peoples Advisory Council; Hispanic Advisory Council; African Diaspora Advisory Council. The process prioritized creative merit along with experience producing site-specific public art.
Launched in spring 2024 following recommendations from the Indigenous Circle of Flagstaff to increase cultural representation in public spaces, this project has evolved into an ongoing collaboration between city staff members like Rose Toehe (Indigenous Affairs Administrator), community organizations, artists, county partners—and now celebrates multiple multicultural perspectives each year.
“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. “Over the past three years this effort has grown into more than an art exhibition… it is relationship-kinship building that further enhances us all.” Cynthia Nemeth (Coconino County Parks & Recreation Director) added: “By integrating these powerful sculptures into the natural beauty… we’re providing a space where every visitor can see their own heritage reflected in the landscape.”
Visitors can also enjoy additional features at Elizabeth “Liz” C. Archuleta County Park including a storybook pathway; Willow Bend Environmental Center’s wildflower maze/butterfly mural; plus a vibrant community art wall highlighting neighborhood 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…”
The Multicultural County Park Sculpture Exhibition runs through March 14, 2027. More information about City operations—including its elected mayor/council structure established policy roles—and unique designations such as being named an International Dark Sky City—can be found according to the official website.
