Official Web Site of the City of Phoenix

A series of twelve enameled glass panels depict elements of the lives and work of Phoenix firefighters. The images are based on photographic images selected from the Fire Department archives.



The titles Tools of the Trade and Rewarding Work are fitting for the work displayed at Fire Stations #8 and #10. From the famous Dalmatian mascot to a picture of a coiled hose, each panel takes a familiar icon and twists its image into a unique setting made of enameled glass. The pieces give a sense of home and nostalgia to the fire stations, reminding the employees of the noble profession that they have chosen.

Using the Fire Department archives as a base to work from, Elizabeth Mapelli created the images using screens and spraying small glass particles in a glass surface. The end result is a piece filled with bright, block colored images that resembles the pop art silk-screens of the 1960’s. The vibrantly colored panels aid in establishing a sense of play within each fire station.

About the Artist
Portland based artist Elizabeth Mapelli creates artwork using fused and enameled glass. For each piece she creates, her inspiration is drawn from the environment in which the artwork will live. Mapelli has worked on several public art projects and is highly regarded nationwide.