After a four-year hiatus, Oro Valley’s public art tours are back, drawing interest from residents and visitors alike. 

But with the free tours already at capacity, community members will have to hope for cancellations if they want to check it out during its initial pilot program.

Suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tours were revived this year with funding from the Oro Valley Town Council, which allocated $50,000 to relaunch the program.

With more than 200 pieces of public art scattered throughout the town, the tours offer participants a curated exploration of Oro Valley’s artistic landscape. They relaunched earlier this month and will run through April, with tours offered every Wednesday and Sunday.

The demand for these tours has exceeded expectations, said Crystal Franke, destination marketing manager for the town.

"We didn’t know how successful it would be, but it sold out almost immediately," Franke said. "Every single seat was reserved within two weeks, which was really exciting for us."

This pilot program includes 27 guided tours, each accommodating up to 14 passengers. The tours are currently free, which Franke said will allow the town to assess interest and refine the experience.

During the two-hour excursion, participants will visit over 20 locations featuring a variety of artistic styles and mediums.

While bronze sculptures dominate the outdoor displays, the tour also includes a visit to a local hospital, which includes an expansive art gallery showcasing oil paintings, acrylics, and mixed-media installations.

Among the standout pieces are works by Tucson-based artist Carrie Seid, Franke said.

"Her pieces, made of metal, copper, and silk, create a stunning play on light," Franke noted. "The diversity of artwork on display really highlights Oro Valley’s artistic character."

The town’s robust public art scene is largely attributed to its 1% Public Art Program, which was established in 1997 and requires commercial developers to allocate 1% of their project budget toward public art installations. This investment has led to the creation of a thriving artistic presence throughout the community.

The early success of the pilot program has already sparked discussions about expanding the tours in the future. Franke noted the potential for additional themed tours, such as a desert animals tour that would focus on wildlife-inspired sculptures.

"There’s so much art that isn’t currently featured on the tour," Franke said. "We’re considering curating different types of tours, and anything is possible moving forward."

For those who aren’t able to make it to an in-person tour, the town has digitized the experience through its Explore Oro Valley app.

The self-guided option allows users to explore local artwork at their own pace, which Franke said enhances accessibility to the town’s cultural offerings.

The town has partnered with Arizona Winery Tours to provide transportation, with tour guides receiving specialized training from local art expert and actress Sasha Case.

"Sasha previously led these tours and has a deep appreciation for the arts," Franke explained. "She trained the guides, provided them with a script, and ensured they could educate participants on the significance of each piece."

As the pilot program progresses, town officials are optimistic about its future.

Franke even hinted at the possibility of incorporating artist presentations at tour stops, further enriching the experience.

"We wanted to gauge interest, and I think we’ve already seen that people are eager to participate," she said. "Now, it’s about refining and expanding to make it even better."

For more information on the tours and information about cancellations, visit the town’s website.

Lauryn Abozeid is a journalism major at the University of Arizona and Tucson Spotlight intern. Contact her at labozeid@arizona.edu.

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