Rincón de Color: Public Art, Community, and Cultural Pride

Since the summer of 2024, I’ve been collaborating with fellow artist Jose Benavides on an exciting and experimental public art project with the Phoenix Office of Arts & Culture. This initiative, called ¡SOMBRA! Experiments in Shade, is a groundbreaking effort to combat extreme urban heat by rethinking how public spaces can provide both function and beauty. Funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Public Art Challenge, the project explores creative, community-driven solutions to make Phoenix a heat-ready city.

Nine parks throughout Phoenix have been selected to host these temporary shade structures, which will do more than provide relief from the sun. They’ll transform public spaces with vibrant, dynamic artwork. Our contribution, Rincón de Color (Colorful Corner), will stand at Cielito Park, 3402 West Campbell Avenue, infusing the space with energy and more than a little cultural significance.

At the heart of our design are large alebrijes—whimsical, mythological creatures deeply rooted in Oaxacan folk art. These bold, fantastical figures appear to hold up the shade structure, their vivid hues and intricate patterns breathing life into the space. Each corner of the structure features two 5ft by 8ft panels adorned with these colorful, larger-than-life creatures, creating an immersive visual experience for all who enter the park.

Community engagement is at the heart of this project. To bring it to life, we teamed up with Alhambra High School’s MEChA Club (Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán), a national student group promoting Chicano culture, education, and social justice. These students worked with us to create a public artwork celebrating their heritage and community.

The enthusiasm and creativity of these young artists were truly inspiring. While only a handful had prior art experience, each student approached the project with passion, determination, and a deep sense of pride. Their participation not only brought a new layer of meaning to the project but also underscored the power of public art to unite and uplift our communities.

Seeing these students take ownership of the creative process, guided by the teachers’ encouragement and their own cultural pride, reinforced my passion for creating public art. The vibrant panels they helped create under our guidance are more than just decorations; they are symbols of identity, collaboration, and the transformative impact of art in public spaces.

Please join Jose Benavides and I for the grand unveiling of Rincón de Color on Saturday, April 19, at Cielito Park.