CVSuite™ and its team of editors, designers, and data analysts are pleased to introduce The Creative Vitality™ List, a series of data-driven profiles that chronicle the economic impact of arts and culture on the local economy.

We have paired up with WESTAF’s Public Art Archive™, a searchable database of completed public artworks, to showcase a uniquely art-centered road trip through the Southwest to present the 6 Can’t-Miss Public Art Stops of the Southwest.

In this edition of the CVList, CVSuite and the Public Art Archive tour mountains, ocean, and desert, exploring hotspots of public art in the Southwestern region of the U.S. In true CVList spirit, we look beyond well-known creative hotspots to showcase places that represent the promise and complexity of the region, amplify marginalized voices, and embrace identity through the expression and celebration of the unique diversity of the people in the Southwest.

Our creative economy and public art experts have aggregated and visualized the powerful data available through WESTAF’s family of products. By combining the two data streams, we hope to share the complex and impressive interconnectivity between the creative economy and the expression of its value through public art. By overlaying maps that analyze two types of data sets, the teams were able to pinpoint particular hotspots that boast robust public art collections and particularly bustling creative economies. While the maps served as exploratory points of departure, the teams then gathered input from local experts to pinpoint specific neighborhoods, artworks, and creative businesses that make up these particular cities. 

Along the road, we discovered a wide array of creative industries and occupations that are thriving in these communities, fueling the local economy through the support of their community members. We’re not sure about you but after a year of lockdown and a long, cold winter, we’re ready to ditch our winter coats for some Southwestern sunshine. So hop in the car and buckle up as we road-trip through the Southwest, discovering inspiring places where arts and culture enrich the economic and creative health of the community.

If you immediately picture the bright lights of the Strip when you think about taking a trip to Vegas*, it might be time to make some adjustments to your itinerary on your next visit. Beyond the well-known stretch of more than 4.2 miles of casinos, Vegas and its surrounding desert is home to a rich tradition of land art, an up-and-coming tech scene, and a creative economy that reflects all of the enchantment Las Vegas is known for. Las Vegas has a Creative Vitality™ Index (CVI™) of 1.10, is responsible for 75,881 creative jobs—contributing $4.5 billion in creative industries earnings and $82 million of nonprofit revenue, with history museums and performing art centers as some of its top-grossing nonprofit organizations. 

NORTH OF THE STRIP
It goes without saying that the Las Vegas Strip is probably the most iconic landmark in the city, but one of the lesser-known areas of Vegas*, and creative-local hangout, is Fremont Street. Be sure to check out The Fremont Street Experience, a collection of cool bars and restaurants, light shows, casinos, murals galore, and even a zipline in Vegas’ old downtown. While you’re there, enjoy Mary Warner and Rayann Figler’s Nitelite, made from recycled light bulbs from the original Fremont Street Light Canopy and installed on the ground floor of the parking garage. And don’t miss your chance to see the Mona Lisa—in mural form—near the Neon Museum, a “neon boneyard” of old signs from casinos and other businesses displayed in an outdoor courtyard. There, you can spot some of the most famous Las Vegas signs, like the Stardust and the Hard Rock Cafe while you’re walking around. Pro tip: Taking a tour of the area at night kicks everything up a notch. 

As you head down Las Vegas Boulevard, head over to the Cultural Corridor following Denise Duarte’s streetscape enhancements, Flourish, that pays homage to the Las Vegas Creek that used to flow beneath. When you’re downtown, one public art standout that deserves your attention is Shepard Fairey’s Cultivate Harmony on the side of the Plaza Hotel Casino.

After a day at the museums, we recommend grabbing a bite at Evel Pie. This New York-style pizza bar is chock-full of Evel Knieval memorabilia, reminding us to “live hard, ride fast, eat pizza.”

If the long winter months and pandemic-induced isolation have inspired a renewed love for the great outdoors, hit the Flamingo Arroyo Trail, containing 15.5 miles of walkable and bikeable paths and lined with public art at the trailhead entrances. Designed by artists Kevin Berry, Barbara Grygutis, and Buster Simpson and installed along the Las Vegas Wash, the series of artworks provide shade, seating, landscaping, and wayfinding. The artworks reference the indigenous history of the Flamingo Arroyo while also evoking more recent history surrounding Winchester’s Stardust Hotel. Rubble from the implosion of the hotel is placed at the trailheads as they become “contemporary archaeological remnants.”

Of course any discussion about the creative economy in Las Vegas must include AREA15, an immersive art experience and playground. The Santa Fe-based arts and entertainment company Meow Wolf has also officially unlocked the doors to Omega Mart, a one-of-a-kind supermarket store experience and portal to the otherworldly. With elevated narrative and tech elements spanning 52,000 square feet, Omega Mart is the work of hundreds of creatives on staff and more than 50 collaborating visual and musical artists from all over the world.

Seven Magic Mountains by Ugo Rondinone. 2016. Image by Poppy & Co.

ON YOUR WAY OUT OF TOWN
For some fresh air and that destination road trip feel, be sure to take advantage of what may be your last chance to see Seven Magic Mountains, an unparalleled public art experience that will be dismantled later this year. Ugo Rondinone’s temporary, site-specific installation, located approximately 10 miles south of Vegas, emanates across the surrounding desert landscape. Walk amongst the seven whimsically monumental stacked towers of brightly painted boulders and take in the natural beauty that surrounds Sin City before kicking off the next leg of your journey.

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*Region of analysis is based on Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV MSA. 

The public art landscape in Reno* is loaded with treasures that showcase the creativity of local artists alongside the rich natural and cultural history that characterize the city. Reno offers visitors over 200 public artworks that adorn “the biggest little city in the world.” It comes as no surprise that this big small city, with its abundance of creative activity, has all the economic statistics to prove it. Reno has a Creative Vitality™ Index (CVI™) of 0.84, employing just over 14,000 creative workers, bringing in $757.6 million in creative industry earnings in 2019 with a $51.5 million dollar gain in earnings since 2018.

STROLL THE PLAZA
Only 120 miles south of Burning Man’s Black Rock Desert, Reno is a great place to experience some of the spectacular artworks originally built for the festival. With this in mind, start your adventure downtown in Reno’s City Plaza, home to the can’t-miss Believe sculpture, a landmark installation by Jeff Schomberg and Laura Kimpton originally created for Burning Man in 2013.

If you’re looking for an experience that blends public art with the history of Reno, continue through the plaza to check out Cork Marcheschi’s You Should Have Been Here. This multimedia installation, developed in collaboration with historian Alicia Barber, offers glimpses of Reno’s history and commemorates the site of what was once the iconic Mapes Hotel and Casino. While the public art tour around the plaza is a great daytime activity, consider taking the cruise at night, as both sculptures light up in the evening to dazzle passersby.

Daring Young Man on the Trapeze by Ric Blackerby, 2019. Photo courtesy of the City of Reno and the Public Art Archive.

TAKE A RIVERWALK
Whether you’re strolling day or night, be sure to take a walk down the Truckee River and experience the Riverwalk District that houses a plethora of creative businesses. Stop by The Basement to check out the collaborative space of creative retail and food vendors. Looking for locally-made pottery? You’re in luck! According to Reno’s data, pottery and ceramics (NAICS 327110) has clocked in as one of the highest creative industry earnings growth at a 61% increase since 2018.

Continue your walk along the river through Bicentennial Park. Home to Daring Young Man on the Trapeze by Ric Blackerby and Rhinoman by Carolyn Guerrera, this park illuminates the whimsy and wonder that characterizes Reno’s charming nature. While you’re there, don’t miss Portal of Evolution, a kinetic sculpture by Bryan Tedrick, originally created for Burning Man and now fluttering along the riverside path. If you can’t get enough of the Truckee River, meander back and forth between underpasses to spot new additions to the city’s art collection, like the Truckee River Mural at the E 2nd Street underpass. If you’re as enthralled with the underpass artworks as we are, check out the Native Baskets Mural at the Keystone & Foster underpass.

EXPAND YOUR BOUNDARIES
If you’re looking to take a wider tour around the city, check out Reno’s Art Signals, a program that boasts over 50 painted utility boxes by local artists of all ages. Some of our favorites include Cathy Ashworth’s painting at the intersection of N. Virginia and W. 6th streets and Abigail Penfold’s on Lake and First streets. While these artworks add vibrancy to Reno’s streetscapes, they also reflect a commitment to the public’s interest and ownership over public spaces while offering opportunities to expand opportunities for the local creative economy. 

For some fun exercise, food, and drink, consider catching the city’s sights on the Reno Brew Bike Tour. The company partners with some of Reno’s finest local tasting and brewing establishments, which is an important creative industry generating $6 million in earnings in 2019. Show off your public art skills by seeing how much public art you can point out on the ride! And don’t miss parking your bike at one of the many public art bike racks.

If you’re planning to hit the outlets before heading out of town, don’t miss all the public art that neighboring Sparks, Nevada has to offer. Stroll the Sparks Art Walk throughout Victorian Square downtown to catch the temporary sculpture exhibition. Don’t miss the permanent installations located throughout the Regents Complex; some of our favorites include Catherine Woods, and Jane McNeely’s vibrant Reno Tower and Mark Aeling’s Pony Express.

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*Region of analysis is based on Reno, NV MSA.

While there are endless opportunities to cruise public art all over SoCal, we’re zeroing in on Santa Monica* as a top-notch spot to make a public art pit stop. Situated on the west side of LA, the city has its own thriving creative economic ecosystem that boasts a Creative Vitality™ Index (CVI™) of 11.38, over 25,400 people in creative occupations, $3.5 billion in creative earnings, and $35.5 million in nonprofit revenue—not to mention over 200 works in the city’s public art collection. Landmarks like Santa Monica Pier aren’t just great places to explore the beach, they’re surrounded by sculptures, murals, and temporary exhibitions that enhance and distinguish Santa Monica’s unique melding of creativity amidst its unmatchable SoCal backdrop.  

Ditch your car in one of Santa Monica’s Downtown Parking Garages, surprisingly great places to enjoy art. If you land in parking structures 1-5 you can see exterior treatments designed by renowned artist Cliff Garten. Art Mortimer’s Santa Monica Beach postcards mural can be seen on the exterior of structure 1, and Ball-Nogues Studio’s Cradle hangs from the facade of structure 7 off 4th and Broadway. Anne Marie Karlsen’s Wheels monumental tile mural celebrating the Pier ferris wheel is featured on the exterior of structure 8. Be on the lookout for one of the Santa Monica Farmers Markets to pick up some local staples for a beach picnic. You can also walk the famed Third Street Promenade between Broadway and Wilshire to greet the Dinosaurs of Santa Monica, whimsical topiary fountains by Les Lalanne and bronze Bells and Books by Jacqueline Draeger. A subtle public artwork often overlooked is Robin Brailsford’s River of Life, an infrastructure project that includes bronze “origami” animals at the corners of Broadway and 4th St, Broadway and 2nd St, and 2nd St and Santa Monica. The incised lines in the concrete of each intersection outline the paper folds that would produce each animal.

The Dinosaurs of Santa Monica by Les Lalanne, 1989. Image by William Short. Photo courtesy of the Public Art Archive.

BEACH TIME
On your way to the beach, head over to Palisades Park to pay homage to Saint Monica at the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard. While you’re there, keep your eyes peeled for Jodi Pinto’s expansive BIG Project / Beacon Overlook, part of a landscape architecture and infrastructure project that resulted in a scenic viewing spot overlooking the California Incline and Santa Monica Beach. If you want to spend a little more time on the beach, walk across one of the bridges over Highway 1 and head south to enjoy Douglas Hollis’ iconic Singing Beach Chairs, Helen and Newton Harrison’s California Wash, Michele Oka Doner’s Wave and Shell Obelisks, and Joyce Kohl’s Ocean Park Segue.

HEAD TOWARD MAIN STREET
Another option from Palisades Park is to continue your exploration south to the Pier, which is home to a variety of cultural programming, temporary installations, and restaurants. Cross the four-way intersection at Ocean Ave to Tongva Park and discover Inigo Mañglano-Ovalle’s Weather Field No. 1, a series of 49 towering telescoping poles that each support a weather vane and anemometer built to respond to wind conditions.

Make another pit stop on Main Street to check out the happenings. As part of the City of Santa Monica’s Economic Recovery Task Force, Santa Monica Cultural Affairs launched Art of Recovery, a program that presents a series of temporary projects throughout town. Check out the art on the K-Street Rail Murals that define al fresco dining areas along Main Street. Grab an ice cream at Sweet Rose Creamery and peek into creative retail shops like Arts and Letters on Main and luxury consignment shop The Closet Trading Co.

While getting a bite to eat at one of the many Main Street restaurants, take a virtual tour of Santa Monica Cultural Affairs’ Lives That Bind: a restorative justice installation. Although City Hall remains closed to visitors, you can still discover significant works from the city’s portable permanent collection that showcases artworks by the diverse artists of Santa Monica and the region. 

On your way out of town, be sure to stop by Historic Belmar Park to check out Belmar History + Art, an outdoor art and history exhibition that commemorates this former African American neighborhood that was displaced in the 1950s. April Banks’ newly installed A Resurrection in Four Stanzas, pays homage to this history, while interpretive panels based on research by Dr. Alison Rose Jefferson encircle the park, telling the stories of the African American community leaders of the city’s past. The sculpture also houses a time capsule set to be unearthed on Juneteenth 2070. View the time capsule video to learn more about the project. And if you have a little extra time, see what’s currently on view at nearby Bergamot Station Arts Center. 

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*Region of analysis is based on the ZIP Code cluster 90401, 90402, 90403, 90404, 90405, 90406, 90407, 90408, 90409, 90410, 90411.

If you’re headed to West Hollywood*, you’re probably already planning to take in the iconic sights like the Sunset Strip. But what you might not expect to find while you’re trying to spot local celebs known to stroll the area is a vibrant creative economy made up of more than just the stars. West Hollywood has a Creative Vitality™ Index (CVI™) of 10.83 and employs an impressive 35,000 people in creative occupations, with over $3.7 billion in creative industry earnings—not to mention a vibrant public art collection that spans all corners of WeHo.

SUNSET BOULEVARD
The Sunset Strip is well known to many with landmarks like The Roxy, Viper Room, and Whiskey A-Go-Go. Swing by the Troubadour, another iconic music venue, to check out the temporary murals promoting advocacy for the Save Our Stages Act. Beyond these historic creative sites, definitely don’t pass up an opportunity to experience one of Janet Echelman’s monumental fiber art sculptures, Dream Catcher, that fantastically hovers over the 1 Hotel. Continue along to catch a glimpse of Phillipe Starcke’s Untitled oversized doors in front of the Mondrian Hotel. Make your way north and head over to the Andaz Hotel to experience Jacob Hashimoto’s stunning wall piece, The Departure, before turning your attention upwards to check out WeHo’s two electronic billboards that feature a rotating group of curated artist projects.

RAINBOW DISTRICT
If you’re ready to move on from the Sunset Strip, head over to the Rainbow District towards West Hollywood Park. Enjoy a plethora of public art within and around the park, like The Caretakers / Los Cuidadores mural by Ramiro Gomez, sited inside the park. Grab a snack at one of the many casual dining hot spots in the area, Beaches Bar & Grill, Rocco’s WeHo, and The Abbey. If you’re near the Aquatic Center, you’ll come across the famous Virginia Court Motel Diver. From there, meander over to the WeHo Library to catch a glimpse of Shepard Fairey’s Peace, Freedom, and Creativity mural, located in the Council Chambers but visible from the street. The library is home to a collection of public art—much of which is installed around the exterior of the complex.

MID-CITY/EASTSIDE
Next up is Mid-City/Eastside, where you can start off your adventure by grabbing breakfast at Barneys Beanery. Spot the neon signs Relax UR OK and ONE LOVE” before stopping to enjoy the whimsical colors and form at the West Hollywood Clock. If you like the playful vibe of this artwork, make a stop at West Hollywood Bristol Farms to see A Moment in Time. And if you want to check out a few more murals, we recommend heading over to the WeHo Automated Parking Garage, where you’ll find MONCHO1929’s Flight Plan, Kim West’s Untitled work, and numerous other outstanding pieces around City Hall.

DESIGN DISTRICT
Have a little more time to spend in WeHo? Check out the Design District, a great place to mark the culmination of your journey through WeHo’s bustling creative sector. If you’re ready to pop inside for a bit, check out some of the many galleries this area offers, including Art Angels, Maddox Gallery, and Hamilton-Selway.

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*Region of analysis is based on the ZIP Code cluster 90038, 90046, 90048, 90069.

Featuring over 250 public art works alongside a rich collection of arts and culture institutions and creative grassroots organizations, Tempe’s* creative landscape showcases the City’s breathtaking views, indigenous history, and the local community. Mixing a university-town vibe (thanks to Arizona State University) with a small-town alternative feel (home of the Meat Puppets), Tempe is a stellar place to tour like a local. The city’s bustling creative economy boasts a Creative Vitality™ Index (CVI™) of 5.67 employing 20,533 creative workers, bringing in $854.2 million dollars in 2019 and a $71.3 million gain in the region since 2018. Tempe may be small in size but it undoubtedly leaves a big creative imprint on the Southwest. 

Tempe and the surrounding Sonoran desert is the native home of the Hohokam, the indigenous population responsible for the foundation of the canal system that redirects water through the Salt River Valley today. The canals connect many cities surrounding Greater Phoenix, and the Rio-Salado Multi-Use Path is a great way to experience the area on foot or bike. Start out in North Tempe. You’ll pass Local Honey, designed by Phoenix artist Zach Valent, as you make your way through the Rio Salado & McClintock underpass and arrive at the Tempe Center for the Arts (TCA). Stop to take in incredible views of Tempe Town Lake and enjoy Ned Kahn’s Mare Undarum – Sea of Waves, a kinetic, wind-driven architectural public artwork installed above the TCA’s main entrance. If you’re inside, look beneath you—artist Ramona Sakiestewa designed the vibrant carpet specifically for the TCA lobby. And if you prefer to continue your path around the Lake, Words Over Water offers intimate glimpses into the lives and memories of Tempe locals.

READY FOR A DOWNTOWN PIT-STOP?
Head towards downtown for a sneak peek of Valley Metro’s Tempe Streetcar Project (the first modern streetcar in the valley) and the artworks installed at each stop. Meander around Mill Avenue (don’t miss the painted utility boxes along the way), and check out some standouts from Tempe’s Public Art in Private Development collection like Mark Rossi’s Three Black Tail Jackrabbits, a series of whimsical bronzes that celebrate the beloved creatures indigenous to the Salt River Valley. Thirsty? Pedal Haus Brewery is just behind the sculptures and a great spot for local brews and live music. In honor of the lounging jackrabbits, try the White Rabbit, a particularly “hoppy” white IPA or head over to Cartel Coffee Lab for house-roasted coffee and treats. If you want to linger a bit longer, Tempe’s collection of art-infused standpipes is a great way to explore the surrounding neighborhoods.

HEADING SOUTH?
Continue south into mid-Tempe. Sharpen your morse code skills by deciphering the story behind Laurie Lundquist and Rebecca Ross’s Hedgerow along Broadway as you make your way towards the Tempe History Museum and Edna Vihel Arts Center. Outside the Museum, glimpse into the City’s history with UrbanRock Design’s Looking Through the Past before heading over to Danelle Plaza, another can’t-miss art stop. The plaza doubles as the temporary home to Laura Spaling Best’s stunning work Rise, constructed from 180 recycled street signs. Take your time exploring the public art in this unique environment and drop into surrounding creative businesses like Double Nickels Collective that sells records, books, vintage clothing, and audio equipment and Yucca Bar and Taproom, a favorite local watering hole a few doors down. As Tempe’s original live music venue, this local landmark has been showcasing music in an intimate setting for over 40 years.

If you’re ready to let someone else drive for a bit, hop on the Orbit and ride the route against the audio backdrop of the Tempe Playlist, which showcases songs by local musicians. Head towards South Tempe to explore the local parks, each of which feature art. We suggest hopping off at Estrada Park, home to Mary Shindell’s Walk in the Park, to soak in Tempe’s vibrant creative landscape before heading on to the next destination.

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*Region of analysis is based on the ZIP Code cluster 85280, 85281, 85282, 85283, 85284, 85285, 85287.

Last but certainly not least on the road trip is Albuquerque*. With a massive collection that houses over 1,000 artworks, the tour of public art spans the entire expanse of the city and reflects the culmination of many histories, cultures, and contemporary communities that inhabit Albuquerque today. In 2019, Albuquerque’s creative industries brought in $681.3 million in earnings and $53.2 million in cultural nonprofit revenues and had a Creative Vitality™ Index (CVI™) of 0.74; these figures demonstrate the vibrancy of this New Mexican region.

THE BARELAS NEIGHBORHOOD
Start in the Barelas neighborhood with a drink from Barelas Coffee House, a local favorite. While you’re exploring the neighborhood, be on the lookout for the charming streetscape mosaics like Esteban Duran’s Mi Jacalito y Mi Comunidad and Patricia Zamora’s Ahora y Cuando along 4th Street. The rest of the area is a hotspot for community-focused arts organizations like Working Classroom and local art and murals, including Nanibah “Nani” Chacon’s mural honoring the late Maclovia Sanchez de Zamora, a celebrated local curandera, on the site of the old B Ruppe Drugstore. If you’re looking for a pick-me-up, grab a coffee and snack at Zendo Coffee; its beautiful murals and unique ambiance attracted the attention of Architectural Digest, which named it the most beautiful coffee shop in New Mexico.

Head next door to the Sanitary Tortilla Factory, a creative space dedicated to expanding the capacity of art-making by employing strategic curatorial practices and programming to undermine structural inequities in the art world. We recommend reading their poignant notes on gentrification, rich with important reflections for all artlovers. Just across the street, you will find the Turquoise Museum, a family-run operation with five generations of local history. And just around the corner you can spot Christopher Fennell’s Auto Hawk fabricated from recycled car doors, parked next to the Silver Gardens parking garage.

STOP IN OLD TOWN
Old Town is another great area to continue your adventures. We suggest starting your exploration at Tingely Beach on the east side of the Rio Grande. Along the beach, you’ll come across Ed Haddaway’s El Bosque de Los Sueños near the BioPark Botanic Gardens and Patrick Simpson’s Corazon. Continuing into Old Town, you will find the historic plaza surrounded by stores and galleries such as the Amapola Gallery, an artist co-op that has been showcasing the work of New Mexican artisans, like gallery director and jeweler Jack Boglioli, for over 40 years. Jewelry is an important part of the region’s history, and it comes as no surprise that jewelry stores are one of Albuquerque’s top five creative industries—bringing in $35.5 million in earnings in 2019. For more artisan craftsmanship, stroll by the Portal Market located under (the rumored-to-be-haunted) La Placita Dining Rooms. 

For even more art, head around the block to the Albuquerque Museum’s outdoor sculpture garden. The sculpture garden is home to more than 50 works of art, including Jesus Moroles’ Floating Mesa, Fritz Scholder’s The Last Ride, and Nora Naranjo-Morse’s Khwee … Seng (Woman…Man), the artist also responsible for the spiral land art formation that characterizes the sculpture garden area.

As you continue eastward, head over to Martineztown Park to see renowned sculptor Luis Jiménez’ Southwest Pieta, which pays homage to the Rio Grande Valley’s pre-Hispanic roots. Other standouts near the area include artworks around the University of New Mexico, such as Dennis Oppenheim’s Dreams & Nightmares: Journey of a Broken Weave and Federico Muelas’ Blue Flower/ Flor Azul.

Before hitting the highway, it’s worth a detour north to visit Randy Walker’s Sky Portal at the Balloon Museum.

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*Region of analysis is based on Albuquerque, NM MSA.