Client: Valley Metro Light Rail

Location: Mesa, AZ, United States

Completion date: 2015

Artwork budget: $50,000

Project Team

Architect

Sean Warfield

DWL

Public Art Agent

MB Finnerty

Valley Metro Light Rail

Artist

Mary Shindell

Overview

“The Memory of a Tree is Strong,” a cut-metal screen piece, defines and enhances Morris Plaza at Morris and Main Street in Mesa, Arizona as a part of the light rail expansion. I chose the pecan tree because pecan groves were once prevalent in Mesa. As the city grew, they were incorporated into residential developments on the north and south sides of Main Street. Water jet cut steel with powder coating, 12’h x 112’w x 15’d.

Goals

Integration was of upmost importance because the goal was to create an attractive screen element that would cover the Traction Power Substation. The TPSS was located in a prominent position facing both Main Street and Morris Plaza, a small park area.

Process

This project was a collaboration between Valley Metro Light Rail, DWL Architects and several Mesa stakeholders including, adjacent businesses, neighborhoods, and the City of Mesa.

Additional Information

Fabricators: Accurate Waterjet, Precision Powdercoat