Fountain Hills Downtown Murals Project
Nine new murals installed in downtown Fountain Hills by four selected artists through a national call to artists competition.
The Town of Fountain Hills has completed installation of nine new murals throughout its downtown area, enhancing the community's public art program and sense of place. This project was executed through a partnership with Art State Arizona (formerly the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance), which issued a national Call to Artists to select muralists.
The selection process was competitive, with more than 15 artists applying for the opportunity. Four Arizona-based artists were ultimately selected: Jesse Perry, AnnMarie Perry, Cheri Reckers, and Anthony (Eli) Farias. Each artist brought their unique style and expertise to the project.
The installations include: Jesse Perry's hummingbird mural near Fountain View Coffee at Plaza Fountainside (his fourth mural in Fountain Hills); Cheri Reckers' three desert-inspired murals at the Plaza Fountainside entrance along El Lago Drive; Anthony (Eli) Farias' two desert dusk scenes with wildlife at Saguaro Boulevard and Paul Nordin Drive; and AnnMarie Perry's three murals along La Montana Drive inspired by Fountain Hills' International Dark Sky Community designation.
During fiscal year 2023-2024, the Town Council dedicated $25,000 toward the ongoing installation of downtown murals as part of its commitment to public art and placemaking. This investment demonstrates the ripple effect public art can have on local businesses and artists, with one muralist hired for additional installations at a newly reopened business during the project execution.