"Art is a selective re-creation of reality according to an artist’s metaphysical value-judgments. Man’s profound need of art lies in the fact that his cognitive faculty is conceptual, i.e., that he acquires knowledge by means of abstractions, and needs the power to bring his widest metaphysical abstractions into his immediate, perceptual awareness. Art fulfills this need: by means of a selective re-creation, it concretizes man’s fundamental view of himself and of existence. It tells man, in effect, which aspects of his experience are to be regarded as essential, significant, important. In this sense, art teaches man how to use his consciousness. It conditions or stylizes man’s consciousness by conveying to him a certain way of looking at existence." Ayn Rand

Garfield Neighborhood
Dedicates New Joe Tyler Sculpture: “Garfield Rising”

The Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture and Garfield Organization will unveil a new monumental sculpture, “Garfield Rising”, by Arizona artist, Joe Tyler.  Located at the southeast corner of 13th Street and Roosevelt, Mr. Tyler’s interpretation of a mythical Phoenix bird stands as an icon of the revitalization of the historic Garfield Neighborhood. Bounded by the I-10 freeway to the north, Van Buren to the south, 16th Street to the east and 7th Street to the west, Garfield is one of the oldest residential neighborhoods remaining in the city.

The Garfield Rising public art project is the product of the vision and dedication of the Garfield Organization, City of Phoenix Neighborhood Services Department, Streets Transportation Department and the Office of Arts and Culture.   Rising to a total height of 18’, the steel sculpture consists of a 9’ Phoenix bird rising from a nest of metal flames that sits upon a 9’ steel pedestal with the words, “Garfield Rising”, attached to it. The pedestal contains a time capsule that will hold contributions from students at the adjacent Garfield Elementary School. The installation of the sculpture culminates a project that was initiated in 2004.

The dedication will take place on Saturday, September 26th, at 9:00 AM. Speakers will include Mayor Phil Gordon, director of the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture, Phil Jones, and a representative from Garfield Organization. Dance troupe, Of Earth Dance, will perform on site. 13th Street will be closed between Roosevelt and Garfield for the dedication.

Kevin Vaughn-Brubaker