Oro Valley Celebrates with Stunning New Mural
Oro Valley folks, there’s something new to see at James D. Kriegh Park. The Town of Oro Valley and the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) are excited to show off a beautiful new mural at the Oro Valley Aquatic Center, located at 23 W. Calle Concordia. Talented local artist Ashley White has created a masterpiece that tells the story of Oro Valley’s rich history and natural beauty.
This vibrant work of art is made up of three panels and wraps around the southwest corner of the Aquatic Center. It faces Calle Concordia and the park’s entrance, making it the perfect spot for a memorable photo.
The first panel on the west side of the building features an interactive timeline of key moments in Oro Valley’s past. You can use your phone to scan different parts of the mural, thanks to a cool new “image-to-QR code” technology, or stick with the usual QR codes. Either way, you’ll be directed to a website to learn more.
The second panel showcases the Town’s 50th anniversary logo. The third panel is a breathtaking mural of local plants, with the words “Oro Valley” set against the stunning Catalina Mountains. If you’re hunting for a great spot for selfies or family photos, this is it!
Kate Marquez, executive director of SAACA, shared her excitement: “Through vibrant strokes and intricate details, this commissioned mural transcends mere paint on a wall. It encapsulates the history and evolution of the community, weaving the culture of Oro Valley into a thoughtful representation of growth.”
Ashley White, the artist behind this wonderful creation, is no stranger to Oro Valley. She also painted the “Pusch Ridge sunrise” mural at the Oro Valley Recreation Center in 2023 and “Dream it, then do it” at James D. Kriegh Park in 2021. “It feels instinctive and natural to paint the mural honoring the 50th anniversary of the Town,” Ashley said. “My goal was to design a mural that is beautiful and visually interesting from afar and educational and interactive up close.”
The mural was an idea born from staff discussions about how to celebrate the Town’s 50th anniversary creatively. SAACA managed the artist selection and project timeline, with input from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board to ensure the mural’s design was just right.
The Town of Oro Valley invites everyone to check out this amazing mural at the Aquatic Center. It’s sure to become a cherished landmark.
About Ashley White / DELSA DESIGNS
Ashley White, operating under DELSA DESIGNS, is known for creating murals that connect deeply with the community. Her other works in Oro Valley include “Pusch Ridge sunrise” and “Dream it, then do it.”
About SAACA
The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) works to create vibrant communities through arts and culture. By partnering with various organizations, SAACA offers programs like public art installations, community galleries, and cultural events. Each year, they present over 100 festivals and concerts across the state.
Sources
– Oro Valley Aquatic Center on Google Maps
– Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA)
– !OV 50th mural landscape south wall
– !OV 50th logo mural west wall
– !OV 50th Mural – timeline – west wall