Tempe Marketplace displaying 12 murals honoring music legends

PHOENIX — New murals memorializing 12 musical legends — including Aretha Franklin, David Bowie and Prince — are going on display at Tempe Marketplace.

“We are hoping this beautiful art installation will inspire the community,” said Emilie Andrews, senior marketing director for the outdoor shopping center near the Loop 202 Red Mountain Freeway and McClintock Drive.

Also featured in the 10-by-10-foot murals of of “The Greats Wall” project, which will be officially unveiled Thursday, are Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain, Freddie Mercury, Whitney Houston, Elvis Presley, Tupac Shakur, Bob Marley, Selena and John Lennon.

Andrews said the canvas paintings are perfectly located next to the complex’s District Stage, where free concerts are held every Friday and Saturday night.

“Live music is baked into our identity at Tempe Marketplace and so are the arts, so these two really marry perfectly together,” she said.

The murals were painted by local artists Victor Navarro, Lucretia Torva, Gina Ribaudo and Nasta Salgado.

“These murals are meant for people to come enjoy viewing, take pictures with — as well accompany our live music shows,” Andrews said.

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