Gilbert puts more local art on display in Heritage District

Two public art pieces were unveiled in the past week in Gilbert's Heritage District.

The artworks are part of an ongoing effort to enhance and beautify downtown Gilbert’s corridors and pathways where there is heavy pedestrian traffic and visitation.

The first installation is located at the Ash Street Parking Garage, 72 W. Vaughn Ave., and features a vinyl wrap on the north door facing the Western Powerline Trail.

The 84-inch-tall art piece, titled :Gilbert Deconstructed," is from Phoenician artist Liz Taylor , whose artwork has a national following with signature pieces designed for Target, The Phoenix Suns and Minted among others.

Taylor describes the piece this way:  “Abstract repeat pattern using the name “Gilbert,” hand-lettered and then deconstructed to create a modernized graffiti-inspired pattern. A play on the renovation, development, and growth of the dynamic town of Gilbert as a destination for live, work and play."

The second installation is located at the Hearne Way Parking Garage, 30 E. Hearne Way, also on the north door facing the Western Powerline Trail. Titled "Illuminating the Past of our Native American First Settlers ," this vinyl wrap was created by former Arizona resident Rosa Cruz and is sized at 94” in height.

“I take as inspiration the Native American heritage of Arizona, as a form of bringing awareness of the original inhabitants of Gilbert, and to celebrate and take care to learn more about the traditions and culture of our indigenous culture and community,” Cruz said.

The art on display throughout downtown Gilbert is referred to as the "Community Canvas" and includes Heritage District art reflected on electrical boxes, the rotating fiberglass benches, murals at individual businesses and seasonal public art installations — including the current Slip into Spring banana-themed seating experience now on display through May 2.

Residents can learn more about the art throughout the Heritage District and townwide by  visiting the Gilbert Public Art Map .