Client: Valley Metro

Overview

PHOENIX VALLEY METRO, METRO CENTER STATION PARKING GARAGE. 2023. Phoenix, AZ. Commissioned by Valley Metro.

Steel, epoxy paint, stainless steel mesh (WebNet). Seven locations on 3-story building.
This artwork was inspired by the night blooming datura plant native to the Sonoran Desert. I worked with the design team and community to develop this site-specific artwork for this new light rail station park and ride garage.

Goals

After visiting Phoenix, researching the natural history of the area, talking with the Arts Commission, representatives from the community, and working with the design team, I developed a site-specific wall artwork for the new parking garage at the Metro Plaza station, entitled “Vespertine”. The artwork was inspired by the shape of the nearby historic Sarmiento building and the beautiful native desert datura flower. Bringing natural forms onto the face of the parking structure interested me formally and conceptually: formally, I feel the curves of the sculptures balance the linearity of the parking structure; conceptually, bringing nature imagery, in Alice-In-Wonderland scale, is fun and welcoming. I believe these façade sculptures will also serve as iconic way-finding from the freeway and for train passengers departing and arriving the station. My hope is that they also will share a connection with the other station artwork and visually complement the overall design of this new civic space. The shapes and colors will enliven the site during the day, and with lights, will welcome exploration in the evening, supporting the community, visitors and businesses year-round. Datura bloom in the evening and at night, which is what the title “Vespertine” references.