Wild Desert Majesty

Quail Park, Oro Valley, AZ
12′ × 9′ × 2′ — stainless steel, local rock
Commissioned by Quail Park for the City of Oro Valley, AZ

Positioned along the entry drive of Quail Park, Wild Desert Majesty is a sculptural panorama honoring the ecological richness of the Sonoran Desert through three distinct elevations—each a portrait of native flora and fauna in their natural habitats. Visible from both pedestrian and vehicular approaches, the curved stainless steel panels guide viewers through a visual ascent from the desert floor to alpine heights. The nearby Catalina Mountains—home to the upper two ecosystems—anchor the work in a strong sense of place.

Summit
At the highest elevation, a bighorn sheep stands poised among pines and aspen, while a red-tailed hawk soars overhead. Incised tree rings record the passing of seasons, grounding the scene in deep geological and ecological time.

Ascent
In the transitional mid-elevation, mule deer move quietly through clusters of mountain mahogany and piñon. Rock outcroppings and wind-shaped junipers provide texture and shelter, while Steller’s jays animate the terrain.

Desert Home
The desert floor bursts with life—saguaro and prickly pear cacti anchor the scene as a coatimundi, jackrabbit, and desert hare emerge from the underbrush, embodying the resilience and adaptive vitality of the lowland environment.

Brushed stainless steel surfaces reflect and refract the desert light, while sculptural forms drawn from local stone create a tactile connection to the site. The piece offers both a celebration of biodiversity and a lasting sense of regional identity—majestic, wild, and enduring.