Phoenix dedicates new monuments celebrating Eastlake Park community

PHOENIX — Visitors to a historic Phoenix neighborhood east of downtown are now greeted by a pair of monuments that celebrate the community’s heritage.

The new public art display called “Elevated” consists of two sculptures at prominent intersections in Phoenix’s Eastlake Park community.

The 20-foot-tall illuminated monuments were unveiled Monday at two corners a block apart on 16th Street, at Washington and Jefferson streets.

What’s the new public art in Phoenix look like?

The artwork consists of two upright brown structures connected at the top by colored shapes that glow.

The piece is meant to convey two hands holding a sunburst of energy.

The words “Arts,” “Equality,” “Virtue,” “Education,” “Music,” “Justice,” “Culture” and “Community” are embedded within the colored shapes.

Artist Joshua Wiener explained that these words reflect the area’s values and cultural significance.

“These hands represent the soul of Eastlake Park. It is a community built on resilience, cooperation and hope — values that continue to shape this neighborhood’s incredible story,” Wiener said in a news release. “The bold colors and glowing lights are a visual celebration of the people and efforts that distinguish Eastlake Park.”

How new art in Eastlake Park came to be

The new sculptures are part of the city’s ongoing efforts to revitalize the Edison-Eastlake community.

The project to create this new public art in Phoenix was led by the city’s Neighborhood Services Department (NSD).

The NSD also partnered with the departments of Housing, Street Transportation, and Parks and Recreation to pave the way for the installation of “Elevated.”

Additionally, NSD staff worked closely with Wiener and neighborhood leaders to design a vibrant work of art that represents Eastlake Park.

Phoenix City Councilwoman Kesha Hodge Washington, whose district includes Eastlake Park, said the artwork marks a historic moment for the community.

“These art installations not only honor the community’s deep cultural roots but also serve as a beacon of resilience and pride for future generations,” Washington said in the release. “These installations will stand as lasting reminders of the neighborhood’s history and the strength of its people.”

Those who want to see other pieces of public art in Phoenix can check out an interactive map on the city’s website.

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