Artwork
Will Be Part Of The State's Centennial Celebration
FLAGSTAFF,
Ariz. - The Flagstaff Beautification and Public Arts Commission
has chosen renowned Navajo artist, Redwing Ted Nez, known for his
contemporary works depicting modern Navajo way of life, to paint
the Centennial Walk Mural at the Flagstaff Visitor Center.
The
Centennial Walk, an official Legacy Project, is a section of the
Flagstaff Urban Trails System (FUTS) along the northern edge of
the historic train depot property where the Flagstaff Visitor Center
is located. To celebrate the Arizona Centennial (Feb. 14, 2012),
100 feet of this new FUTS section has been designated as the Centennial
Walk commemorating the State of Arizona Centennial with a mural
along the walkway, accurately depicting 100 years of Flagstaff history.
Earlier
this year, the city of Flagstaff released a public call to artists
to submit proposals for the creation of the mural. The Beautification
and Public Art Commission evaluated several entries and ultimately
selected Nez, whose vision for the mural stems from childhood memories
of Flagstaff in the 1960s.
"My
interest in this project goes back to my first visit to Flagstaff
as a boy and my attachment to the area ever since," Nez wrote
in his proposal. "Since those early memories, I have continued
to visit Flagstaff through my work, my attendance at Northern Arizona
University and as an established artist at the Museum of Northern
Arizona."
With
a background in traditional sand painting, Nez formally studied
art at NAU in Flagstaff. His works have won numerous awards, including
Best of Show at the Navajo Festival of Arts and Culture at MNA.
He has illustrated several books on Native culture and even played
the role of a Sioux warrior in the 1990 Academy Award winning film,
Dances with Wolves.
"We
are honored that Mr. Nez will be providing our residents and visitors
with a permanent legacy of Flagstaff's first 100 years," said
Flagstaff Mayor Sara Presler. "Mr. Nez's strong connection
to Flagstaff's history and culture will be brought to life in this
mural, which is a perfect way to celebrate Arizona's Centennial."
The
Centennial Walk Mural will be completed in June where it will be
officially unveiled at a ribbon cutting ceremony. The Centennial
Walk is a collaborative effort between multiple City of Flagstaff
departments and commissions, including the Convention and Visitors
Bureau, Historic Preservation Office, Community Design and Redevelopment,
Community Enrichment Services, Beautification and Public Art Commission,
Community Development and Tourism Commission. These groups have
combined efforts and resources to ensure that Flagstaff residents
and visitors have a permanent reminder of Flagstaff's rich history.
For
more information on the Arizona Centennial, visit www.arizona100.org.
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