Eli Richard

Sun Lanterns

A series of inactive fountains near the popular LOVE sculpture in Scottsdale Civic Center Mall recently had an illuminating upgrade.

Instead of water, the fountains are now filled with art. Sun Lanterns by Eli Richard is an art installation featuring 23 solar-powered, multi-colored plexiglass and steel lanterns. In February, Richard installed the lanterns in the non-functioning fountains, directly north of Robert Indiana’s LOVE, near the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.

Richard’s design was inspired by the “quiet beauty of the desert,” including the dramatic colors of the local landscape, from verdant vegetation to multi-hued sunsets. “The color was also meant to bring a lot of energy to the space,” Richard said.

Because of the redesign plans for the Civic Center Mall, Sun Lanterns is not a permanent installation. It is expected to remain in place for 18–24 months. It will then be donated to the City of Scottsdale for future public display.