As autumn approaches and the swelter of summer begins to ease, Gilbert's Desert Sky Park is preparing to bloom with art. Beginning September 1st, the park transforms into a canvas for a community-wide treasure hunt featuring the work of local artists who have taken it upon themselves to add a dash of whimsy to the desert landscape.
The treasure hunt, which spans the entire month of September, is not just a stroll through the park, but a quest infused with discovery, where participants will navigate the natural expanse to find hidden gnomes, painted rocks, and other surprises each bearing a QR code unveiling plans for new park amenities, according to a recent Gilbert announcement. They're collaborative pieces created by Curt Harris and Heather Coen known for their detailed wood half spheres painted with acrylics, these intricate tokens that double as functional paperweights are imbibed with the essence of Arizona's native flora and fauna.
Each ten-day interval in September introduces new artwork from a featured artist, kicking off with Harris and Coen's detailed spheres, and soon after, Heather Livingstone's vibrant, unique gnome figurines will emerge from their creative chrysalis in a colorful display of silicone and acrylic splendor. Mid-month onlookers can expect to be charmed by Livingstone's handiwork, which promises to infuse the park with a playful spirit.
The final act of September's creative blossoming culminates with Donna Finter's artwork taking center stage. Painted designs on wood slices and river rocks that will nestle amongst the desert greenery, each crafted river rock, each slice of natural wood a testament to the artists’ inspiration drawn from the surrounding Arizona landscape. Finter’s work is like a master class in organic design, piecing together the fragmented beauty of nature with the human need for aesthetics and connection.
Desert Sky Park, nestled at 6624 S Power Rd, beckons families, art enthusiasts, adventurers, and the casual passerby to indulge in a communal game of hide and seek with a cultural twist, inviting all to explore, discover, and appreciate the local talent that Gilbert proudly fosters. For those itching to get a glimpse of what's in store, or to simply stay abreast of the Parks and Recreation department’s happenings, grabbing a monthly newsletter subscription is just a click away at their official site.
