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Artists were invited to design and fabricate 300 copper medallions that would contribute to the unique character and identity of Central Avenue as well as reflect the rich historical and contemporary cultural heritage of Phoenix. The artists developed 18 different designs based on authentic petrogylph images indigenous to Arizona, primarily from the Hohokam and Anasazi tribes. Designs were fabricated using contemporary and traditional metalworking techniques in solid Arizona copper. The completed designs are placed on pedestrian light poles along the three-mile segment of Central Avenue such that no street block has the same design repeated.



Archeologists have assumed for decades that the petroglyphs left in Hohokam ruins were used as trail markers. In modern times many methods for guidance are employed by designers and trail builders, however this ancient technique remains a favorite. All one has to do is take a walk along Central Avenue to see that petroglyphs are not only useful for this purpose, but alluring as well.

The Central Avenue Medallions project was designed and produced by a team of artists including Juan and Patricia Navarrete of New Mexico, Doug Weigel of Scottsdale, and Howard Sice of Tucson. Each artist was asked to use Native American petroglyph images found in the Arizona region as inspiration and then to elaborate on the forms with their own creative ingenuity. With this in mind, the challenge was then for each artist to work individually in the design stage and then collaboratively to create a cohesive project. The end result is 300 medallions that cover 3.75 miles of Central Avenue. There are 34 separate that repeat, but they are spaced such that a person would have to walk three blocks before seeing the same design twice.

Describing the experience of creating this project, the Navarretes explained, ”To research ancient people is ultimately to discover about our roots. We are confident that the medallions will carry crucial primordial beats reminding all . . . travelers, in a subtle way, of their history.” With this in mind, Central Avenue now carries a feeling of welcome and nostalgia.

About the Artists
Juan and Patricia Navarrete live in Taos, New Mexico and Arizona. The couple work together to create functional, environmental sculptures made of various materials. They have completed commissions for several artworks in the Southwestern United States.

Howard Sice was raised in the village of Paraje in the Laguana Pueblo. Sice is of Hopi and Laguana descent and maintains a strong sense of identity with his culture. It is this personal attachment to his people that inspires his artwork.

Doug Weigel lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico. His sculpture is influenced by the native art of the region. Weigel is an active artist who is well represented throughout the Western United States.