Participating in Flagstaff’s Evolution

Among the many things I love about Flagstaff and that I think make this a special place to live, are all the opportunities to be involved with its evolution. Most walks in the city limits will take you past a utility cabinet wrapped with art, a mural, a community garden, a sculpture, or perhaps even a giant chessboard. If you enjoy this art, or a stroll along a litter-free trail or cleared sidewalk in winter, consider becoming one of the people who make this happen.

Some of this art and these gardens originated with Beautification in Action Grants which any resident, group, school, or business can apply for. Grants of up to $7,500 are available and applications are accepted on September 15 and March 15 annually. Some examples you might have seen include Celebrating African Americans mural by Chip Thomas (Jetsonorama) and Kill Joy on the Southside; a mural at Willow Bend Environmental Education Center by Robert Chambers; Approaching Nankoweap utility cabinet artwrap by Bruce Aiken in the alley across Aspen Ave. from Heritage Square; and a public garden at Puente De Hozho Elementary School.

The city and the county recently held a ribbon cutting for the Multicultural County Park Sculpture Exhibition at the Elizabeth “Liz” C. Archuleta County Park on Sawmill Rd. This annual project grew from an idea the Indigenous Circle of Flagstaff had and the current large-scale sculptures will be available for viewing through March 15, 2026.

We’re all eagerly awaiting the opening of Mountain Line’s new Downtown Connection Center on West Phoenix Avenue between South Milton Road and South Mikes Pike. When it’s complete, we’ll all get to enjoy some extraordinary public art when hopping on or off a bus or just walking through the area.

There’s currently an open call to artists to create 3D art for the Switzer Canyon roundabout and the application deadline is July 1 of this year.

For a downloadable map of the city’s public art or for information on how to apply for any upcoming grant opportunities or to serve on an public art panel, visit the city’s website. If you’d like information about the Beautification & Public Art Commission, see their webpage. Thank you to Flagstaff voters for passing the renewal of the Bed, Board, and Beverage tax last year because we enjoy the murals, sculptures, utility box art wraps, and gardens because of it!

We also have many opportunities to help keep our neighborhoods, trails, parks, and streets litter-free and our sidewalks cleared of snow. Flagstaff’s Community Stewards Program is driven by the Sustainability Division and offers all residents and groups opportunities to get involved in this important work,  maintaining a list of areas available for you to “adopt”. Stream Stewards work in Flagstaff’s waterways to remove excess brush and any trash, providing flood mitigation.

Many Flagstaff seniors and individuals living with disabilities find it challenging to keep the sidewalks in front of their homes cleared after each snowstorm. Snow-choked sidewalks can be dangerous and severely limit everyone’s ability to stay active in winter. If you’ve got a way to remove snow and the transportation to get around, why not consider becoming a Snow Hero? You’ll be matched with a person who needs your help and asked to assist within 48 hours of the most recent snow fall. What a great effort to get your business, organization, or church involved with!

For information on how to volunteer for any of these efforts, visit Community Stewards.

Thank you for being an active participant in Flagstaff’s fabulousness!

This column originally appeared in the June 2025 edition of the Flagstaff Business News.

Cover art: Kayley Quick
Top row L-R: Approaching Nankoweap utility cabinet artwrap by Bruce Aiken in the alley across Aspen Ave. from Heritage Square, Bicycle & Pedestrian Niche on Aspen Ave, Midnight Ravens by Jo Rohrbacker
Middle L-R: Albert the cleanup squirrel, Atl-Tlachinolli by Oliverio Balcells, Duane Kotawena mural at Chocolita on Steves Blvd & Route 66
Bottom L-R: Asdzą́ą́ Nádleehé (Changing Woman) by Lance Yazzie, Stream Stewards cleanup of Rio de Flag, The Thunderstorm by Adrian Wall