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March 24, 2021

Learn About Scottsdale Public Art with Augmented Reality

Diamond Bloom by Curtis Pittman with augmented reality activation signage. Photo: Scottsdale Arts

Have you seen those new, little black signs popping up next to your favorite public artworks in Scottsdale? Wondering what they are or what they are for? Augmented reality has come to Scottsdale!

Passing the Legacy by Herb Mignery with augmented reality activation signage. Photo: Scottsdale Arts

Scottsdale Public Art dove headfirst into augmented reality (AR) technology for the 2020 Canal Convergence event using the Hoverlay app. Due to the pandemic, Canal Convergence could not host the in-person artist talks that are a core part of the event experience. Additionally, there were limitations on the types of in-person artworks we could present. As a result, we turned to AR and presented two original AR artworks and multiple AR experiences, where people could watch, through their smart-phone or tablet, as the artists “stood” next to their artwork and talked about their work.

Both during and after Canal Convergence, we took the next step and expanded this AR learning experience to the Scottsdale Public Art Permanent Collection. So when you are traveling around Scottsdale, if you see one of those black signs next to an artwork, take out your smart device, scan the QR code with your device camera, and follow the prompts to see either the artist or Wendy Raisanen, curator of collections and exhibitions for Scottsdale Public Art, talk about the history and inspiration for that artwork.

Screen captures of Wendy Raisanen, curator of collections and exhibitions for Scottsdale Public Art, appears via augmented reality in the Hoverlay app to talk about the history and inspiration for LOVE by Robert Indiana (left) and Windows to the West by Louise Nevelson (right). Photos: Scottsdale Arts

Below is the list of the artworks you can visit to see AR experiences.

So, don’t you wish that there was some sort of path or tour you could follow and see all these cool AR encounters? Don’t worry! With Valley Bike Month just around the corner in April, Scottsdale Public Art and the city of Scottsdale will be putting together a map for a self-guided bike tour of the public artworks featuring AR components so you can see and learn it all on a lovely morning or afternoon ride. More information coming soon!

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