Discover the Stories Behind Oro Valley’s Public Art
Ever wondered about the giant quail sculptures at Naranja Park or the story behind Joe A. Tyler’s beloved *Learning Tree* at the Oro Valley Public Library? Well, you’re in luck! The much-loved Oro Valley Public Art Tours are making a comeback this February, ready to share these fascinating tales and more.
Hi there, I’m Crystal Franke. I’ve spent over a decade working with Destination Marketing Organizations across the country, and now I’m proud to serve as Oro Valley’s Destination Marketing Manager. My mission? To boost our town’s tourism experience. Part of that is through our Explore OV app, which connects residents and visitors to Oro Valley’s unique attractions. Haven’t checked it out yet? Now’s a perfect time! The app includes everything from live music venues to day-trip itineraries—all highlighting our town’s rich cultural and artistic heritage.
Our latest exciting addition is the return of the Public Art Tours. Established as part of Oro Valley’s 1% for Public Art mandate, our town is home to over 220 pieces of public art, thanks to commercial developers setting aside one percent of their project budget for art creation. These tours, suspended since 2020 due to the pandemic, are back by popular demand and town council support, and they promise to be more exciting than ever.
Join us for a guided, two-hour journey through Oro Valley, featuring iconic art pieces like the new Arizona Heroes Memorial at Naranja Park. Our passionate guides, trained by OV Arts Ambassadors and Arizona Winery Tours staff, are ready to bring each artwork’s story to life. Tours run on select Wednesdays and Sundays from February 5 through July 2, starting and ending at the Oro Valley Marketplace. You’ll travel in style on 14-passenger buses.
The best part? These tours are completely free this season as we gather feedback to refine the experience. To snag your spot, book online here: Oro Valley Art Tour | AZ Winery Tours.
Public art truly is a cornerstone of Oro Valley’s charm, inspiring community pride and enticing visitors eager to explore. Bringing back the Public Art Tours is just one of the many ways we’re positioning Oro Valley as a top destination. Stay tuned for more exciting updates as we continue to enhance the Explore OV experience for both locals and guests.
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