Scottsdale Buzzing With Public Art Projects in Preparation for Super Bowl

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Jan. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Scottsdale Public Art makes Scottsdale a leading art destination with cutting-edge public displays of artwork including the world-renowned RedBall installation making its first appearance in the southwest, and a historic monument that celebrates Scottsdale's western roots.

"Scottsdale has a unique, western urban flair," said Valerie Vadala Homer, program director for Scottsdale Public Art. "It melds the old west that we are so fond of, with a chic and hip atmosphere. This is what we capture in the public art we bring to this eclectic city."

RedBall: Scottsdale is the world-renowned creation of artist Kurt Perschke, which made its Scottsdale debut on January 18 in the exclusive Canal District. Rolling around nine locations throughout Scottsdale over a two-week period, RedBall has also traveled to Sydney, Barcelona, Busan, Portland and St. Louis. RedBall is an interactive installation that plays with architectural spaces, forcing viewers to take another look at their surroundings.

"I am excited to see how Scottsdale responds to the invitation of RedBall and the imagination of each site," said RedBall Project artist Perschke.

To coincide with the 50th Anniversary ride of the Hashknife Pony Express, which carries the mail on horseback 200 miles from Holbrook, Ariz. to Scottsdale, Passing the Legacy was created by award-winning Cowboy Artist of America member, Herb Mignery. The ten foot tall, 20 foot long sculpture captures the adventure and adrenaline rush of the ride. The monument will be unveiled on February 1st as more than two dozen Hashknife Pony Express riders gallop into downtown Scottsdale.

"This piece captures not only the ride, but an important piece of Scottsdale history," said Passing the Legacy artist Mignery.

Scottsdale Public Art strives to make Scottsdale one of the most desirable places to live, work and visit. The program has brought more than 80 public artworks to Scottsdale since 1985. This includes installations such as The Doors by Donald Lipski, Love by Robert Indiana and Knight Rise by James Turell -- one of only three skyspaces open to the public in the United States.

"Public art allows us to interact with our city on a different level," said Homer. "It adds a beauty that defines the city."