Wall Cycle to Ocotillo
[2] Wall Cycle to Ocotillo was among the first projects initiated by the newly formed Phoenix Arts Commission.
The project cost $475,000 which was funded by the $10 million of voter-approved bond money designated for public art in 1986.
The piece was controversial, with many criticizing the art's cost, whimsical design, and creation by two out-of-state artists.
[5] In 1988 voters approved a $1 billion bond for the City of Phoenix, with 1% of the budget, $10 million, designated for public art.
[4] The City of Phoenix commissioned architect William Morrish, urban designer Catherine Brown, and artist Grover Mouton to put together a master plan.
[4][6] The plan suggested implementing art alongside the newly constructed SR-51 freeway, which was then called the Squaw Peak Parkway.
[4][7] According to Phoenix Arts Commission executive director Deborah Whitehurst, the sculptures were intended primarily for the residents of the neighborhood around the SR-51, not the motorists on the SR-51.
All pieces were made uniquely for their site, for example the hummingbird garden vessel was designed because of a nearby resident who kept an aviary.
[7] The city hired husband and wife team, Massachusetts-based artist Mags Harries and architect Lajos Héder, for the project.
They were intrigued by the sight of pots displayed on living room shelves during their visits, and were also aware of the history of the Native American pottery in the Southwestern United States.
When they were introduced, the acoustic vessels contained bubbling water that spread sound and a mist over the bench area.
The most visible is the Glenrosa Guardian Vessel whose handle can be seen prominently in the freeway wall between Indian School and Camelback.
"[12] Moroccan Gazebo is built into the freeway wall and can be seen along the bike path on the east side of the SR-51.
Three sculptures called Aspirin Bottle, Pitcher, and Coffee Cup are placed inside indentations within the wall.
Within the first year of the art's installation the work was criticized by local residents, international media, and the mayor of Phoenix.
Critics of Wall Cycle to Ocotillo took issue with the project's $474,000 cost, its unusual design, and the hiring of out-of-state artists for its creation.
"[13] The following day a gold spray-painted toilet was left atop the parkway wall with a copy of Monitini's article inside.
Also removed were a few old trash cans and flower pots that had also been placed upon the wall in an apparent protest against the new art installation.
[7][14] Two weeks later vandals lassoed a rope around the 3-foot tall crystal vase sculpture, breaking off the top half of the work.
The week after its installation Johnson issued a memo to the City Council calling the price of the art work "outrageous" in difficult economic times.
