Hidden Histories Elizabeth Conner		Print This Page Email This Page

Chronolgy

•  Approval of artist’s contractual obligations November 2007

•  Public dedication event May 2007

•  Installation complete in April 2007

•  Installation begun in May 2006

•  Preliminary concept was approved by SPA Board on April 13, 2004

•  Public meetings for feedback to the preliminary concept were held on April 13 and May 11, 2004

• Conner conducted initial research and interviews on November 6-7, 2003

•  Artist Elizabeth Conner was approved for the project by SPA Board on May 19, 2003

Description
Artist Elizabeth Conner’s Hidden Histories are a whimsical collection of sculptures found at two locations: Brown Avenue at 1st Street and 2nd Street west of Brown. The ideas for these colorful objects grew from the many conversations that Connor had with business owners, proud residents, and natives. These history-inspired artworks interconnect and collide with each other in fascinating ways—they hint of Scottsdale’s prehistoric times, delve into the southwestern days of cowboys circa 1888, and continue a visual narrative through Depression, wartime and the post-war boom times of the 1950s and 1960s.

Conner’s artwork acknowledges Scottsdale’s diverse history– and its evolution, from its authentic state when cowboys lived and worked on cattle ranches north of town, and later as the must-have accoutrement of cowboy wannabes on vacation to the west’s most western town.

Objects include: a pottery jug, a wash tub, a grinding stone, ice-blocks and tongs (ref. The E.O. Brown ice house in Old Town), a tire (which were originally made of cotton), a cowboy boot, a wild rose (ref. The old Mission, later called Our Lady of Perpetual Help, and the annual miracle of the roses pageant attended by the whole community). With the salvaged wall and recycled door, Conner includes the Yaqui Indian-political refugees who lived in the neighborhood in adobe homes before the Civic Center was developed. A boxing glove refers to the boxing matches held at the Cavalliere Blacksmith shop on weekends around the year 1910.

The identity of some of the forms are less apparent—a cotton bale, and orange bale, a canteen—each referencing the importance of water to residents and to Scottsdale’s livelihood. A yellow wedge, reminiscent of a citrus slice, hints to Winfield Scott’s late 1800s 7-acre citrus orchard. During the public input process, a resident told the artist that “the heat of the desert is very spiritual, don’t forget the heat.” Her assemblage of sculptures even includes a vintage fan representing one of the ways people stayed cool prior to air conditioning.

A brochure describing each of the objects and their stories is widely available at shops and kiosks throughout Old Town as of Winter 2007. The project was funded primarily by the City’s parking garage project, with additional funds by the public art program and an anonymous donor.

About the Materials

Connor coordinated with lighting, engineering, and landscaping consultants to achieve a safe and interactive pedestrian experience at both locations. The forms are concrete with an added polymer to improve resistance to damage from heavy use as well as a quicker cooler period than regular concrete. Color has been hand applied and glazed to insure lasting vibrancy, and simple landscaping elements bring texture and composition to the sites. Hand-forged metal objects are placed among the sculptures. The artist selected the tumbled pavers along the walkways that hold an applied organic pattern that leads pedestrians from the parking area exits toward the art locations.

About the Artist
Elizabeth Conner is a resident of Vashon Island, Washington. She has long been fascinated by the links between natural and cultural histories of public places. Her installations are located throughout the U.S. and are always thoroughly researched, site-specific, and indicative of their environment. Ms. Conner employs a collaborative method in bringing the arts, cultural, civic, business and residential community into the planning stages of her art.

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