Jeff Zischke

Sonoran Seed Pods

Scottsdale artist Jeff Zischke created this series of sculptures based on the shapes of seeds and seed pods of the Sonoran Desert trees, shrubs, and wildflowers found in the park, such as mesquite, creosote, brittle bush, and yucca. The individual sculptures are placed along the ¾-mile hiking trail that makes a loop through the east end of the park. An entry marker, honoring the memory of longtime Scottsdale resident and art enthusiast Frank Crerie is located at the top of the nature trail. Crerie’s bequest to Scottsdale Public Art made this project possible.

From July 7 through September 30, 2022, Scottsdale Public Art is offering a special augmented reality experience connected to Sonoran Seed Pods. Those who visit the exhibition Designed to Move: Seeds That Float, Fly or Hitchhike through the Desert Southwest at the Civic Center Public Gallery will be able to experience part of Sonoran Seed Pods via augmented reality. Using the Hoverlay app at the exhibition, they will be able to view a 3-D model of one of the Sonoran Seed Pods sculptures and walk through a portal to see the sculptures on the Frank Crerie hiking trail, in 360 degrees, on their mobile devices.

Designed to Move: Seeds That Float, Fly or Hitchhike through the Desert Southwest is a surprising, up-close look at the beauty and functional diversity of desert seed designs. Photographer Taylor James’s work illustrates the ingenious design of desert seeds that employ different methods for dispersal and propagation. They can float in the air and water, fly far from their mother plant, and hitchhike on the fur of animals. The exhibition organized by the Biomimicry Center at Arizona State University in collaboration with Desert Botanical Garden, ASU’s Herbarium, and ASU’s Design School.

Designed to Move: Seeds That Float, Fly or Hitchhike through the Desert Southwest will be on view from July 7 through September 30 at the Civic Center Public Gallery, located inside Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N Drinkwater Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251. To view library hours, click here.