The City of Flagstaff’s Beautification, Arts & Sciences program has completed two public art projects aimed at honoring the history and community of the Southside neighborhood. The new installations are located at Cleo Murdoch Park and the Murdoch Community Center.
One of the projects, titled “Rustle,” is an 8-foot-high sculpture made from weathering steel. Artist Beth Nybeck designed the piece to incorporate words and phrases submitted by local residents into its leaf-like structure. According to city officials, the artwork represents both nature and the interconnected stories that define the Southside neighborhood.
Nybeck’s design was chosen by a panel consisting of Southside residents, community members, and representatives from the City’s Beautification & Public Art Commission. The project emphasized community involvement throughout its development process.
In 2024, a focus group composed of Southside residents identified several themes important to their neighborhood: history, unity, mutual support, equity and justice, multicultural experience, and shared memories. One key idea emerged: “It is important that we do not forget.” Following this guidance, city staff invited current and former residents to share personal memories through an online survey. The responses highlighted places and moments significant to those with ties to Southside.
“Community input has been central to this project from day one,” said Jana Weldon, program manager for Beautification, Arts & Sciences. “Shared stories have directly shaped a sculpture unique to the Southside. It speaks to what makes this neighborhood distinctive and reflects the lived experiences of so many who called, and continue to call, the Southside home.”
A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held for participants in celebration of the completion of “Rustle.” Weldon expressed appreciation for those involved: “We thank every community member who participated in this project.”
Another recent installation at the Murdoch Community Center is the “Historic Dunbar School Plaque” created by artist Marie Jones. Placed at the building’s entrance, it features interpretive text written by Dr. Ricardo Guthrie about Dunbar School’s history as well as an interactive element that allows visitors to view original foundation stones beneath it. The decision to reinstall a plaque commemorating Dunbar School followed research revealing its previous presence at the site.
“The project came to our attention through former Mayor Coral Evans, who shared that a plaque dedicated to the Historic Dunbar School had once been at the Murdoch Community Center,” said Weldon. “Recognizing the significance of that history, our team felt it was important to reinstall a plaque that honors the legacy of the school and celebrates the contributions of Paul Laurence Dunbar, principal Cleo Murdoch and principal Wilson Riles.”
Program staff collaborated with members of the Southside Community Association on both design elements and historical content for this plaque.
For more information about these projects or future initiatives in Flagstaff’s public art programming, interested parties can contact program manager Jana Weldon at Jana.Weldon@flagstaffaz.gov.
