Scottsdale Public Art Events and Celebrations 2007		Print This Page Email This Page

November 17, 2007

Terraced Cascade

by Lorna Jordan
Activities for all ages. Water education, garden demonstrations, police and fire demonstrations.

Artist Lorna Jordan was on hand for the dedication of her public art piece Terraced Cascade.

May 12, 2007

The Doors
by Donald Lipski

Developer Gifts Landmark Sculpture to City of Scottsdale

The Doors Open the Way to Discovery

In an unprecedented public-private collaboration, Scottsdale Waterfront Commercial LLC has gifted the City of Scottsdale with a signature artwork by internationally renowned artist Donald Lipski. The interactive sculpture, entitled The Doors, is a 28-ft. tall, walk-in kaleidoscope that marks the threshold to Scottsdale’s downtown. The newly installed artwork is a major milestone in the development of the Scottsdale’s Arizona Canal area, which is fast becoming a significant civic, commercial and tourist destination.

Scottsdale Waterfront Commercial, LLC worked with the Scottsdale Public Art Program throughout a two-year selection process. As Bret Sassenberg, Director of Development for Starwood Development, remarked about this cooperative venture, "We have the utmost confidence in the Scottsdale Public Art Program's professionalism and knowledge of art on a regional and global scale. This confidence allowed us to form a unique partnership for selecting a landmark artwork that everyone—from children to arts enthusiasts—will enjoy as a favorite new addition to the downtown Scottsdale experience."

Prominently located on the southwest corner of Scottsdale and Camelback Roads, The Doors has its roots in traditional southwestern architecture, finely crafted with hammered rivets, oversize hardware, and metal strapping of Spanish-style cathedral doors. The exterior is constructed of Ipe (ee-pay), an extremely durable Brazilian hardwood in common use throughout the region. When visitors step inside the structure, mirror-polished stainless steel panels create colorful, complex, shifting patterns that provide each viewer a unique kaleidoscopic experience.

Mr. Lipski’s sculpture is the first in a series of significant public and private artworks that will populate Scottsdale’s canal area. “The Doors sets a high bar for future additions to the canal area collection,” says Valerie Vadala-Homer, Director of the Scottsdale Public Art Program. “It offers all the best elements of experiential art—it’s approachable, unique and fun, appealing to motorists and pedestrians alike.” In addition, The Doors has a dynamic quality that will encourage visitors to re-experience the sculpture at different times of the day as well as over time, as the wood exterior naturally ages to a silver-gray. “Best of all,” says Vadala-Homer, “The Doors invites exploration—not only of itself but also of the entire downtown area.”

We are especially appreciative of elected officials who took time from their busy schedules to attend

the event.

To see images of the dedication, please visit our Facebook page - Scottsdale PubArt.

Thank you to our event sponsors who gave generously to make the dedication activities a success.

May 6, 2007

Cycle the Arts
This annual event allowed residents and visitors the chance to tour Scottsdale’s Public Art Collection by bicycle.

The tour visited 12 popular public art pieces. At each site a different Public Art staff member, Board Member or Museum Docent spoke about the piece’s history, significance and concept. Please check our website in Spring 2008 for more information on next year’s tour.

Back to the Events Page