Scottsdale Public Art

Sure, I love the LOVE sculpture in Old Town, and I’ve wondered about some of the statues around, but until today, when I finally explored the Soleri Bridge and Plaza, I didn’t really give the art around my neighborhood much thought.
But after venturing down to see the Soleri Bridge and Plaza, I was really impressed, and my experience even prompted me to do a little bit of research on where all of this art comes from. Here’s what I found (on the Scottsdale Public Art facebook page): Scottsdale Public Art is a percent for art program of the City of Scottsdale, managed by the Scottsdale Cultural Council, a private nonprofit 501 (c)(3) agency that administers the arts and cultural affairs of the City, as well as the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts and the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art.
Interesting, huh? I thought so… and from now on, I’m going to pay a lot more attention to the beautiful public art that surrounds me. Add that to my new year’s resolution list! Happy new year, all!

While I am sure one could argue for or against the utility of the Soleri Bridge and Plaza, I will focus my review on the aesthetics of the structure. While I am not an expert in art or architecture, I really like this bridge. I went to the dedication a couple weeks ago and walked around amongst the throngs of spectators. I heard many comment on how the industrial, silver appearance doesn’t really mesh with other old town architectural elements. And that is exactly what I like most about this bridge. It stands apart. It forces your eye to recognize the structure and wonder why it’s there, who designed it, and maybe draw you there to walk across.
Hopefully, the owners and developers of the surrounding properties will use this piece of public art to their advantage. I want to say to them…“We have built it, and people will come, now what are you going to do about it?“
I have hope for the future of Old Town Scottsdale, and works like the Soleri Bridge reinforce that optimism.