The ¡Sombra! art installation is something happening summer of 2025 in Phoenix, where big pieces of art get installed into parks. Not only do these art pieces look amazing, but they also give shade for people who want to enjoy parks in the summer. This innovative installation is funded by the Public Art Challenge, a part of Bloomberg Philanthropies, which helps address local issues in cities. Anybody can participate in this project, ranging from international artists to civilians who simply want to help give shade to their city.
One of the most practical installations is “The Burrow” by Josie Davis and Jenny Boehme. It will be built at Roesley Park, located near Tempe and Goodyear. This phenomenal structure provides shade and seating for people who need shade and rest after a long day. Another structure like this is Shades of Resilience by AZ(LAND), which is located at Steele Indian School Park. It is shaped so you can walk through it or sit down and take a break. It’s a nice change of scenery from the rest of the park.
Other structures are more artistic and detailed, but don’t have seating, such as Reflections on Sunnyslope by Jessica Arias(Sunnyslope Park), Chinese Chorizo by Feng-Feng Yeh (Eastlake Park), Botanical Canopy by Bobby Zokaites (CortezPark), Rincon De Color by Jose Benavides and Joe Ray (Cielito Park), Standing Wave by Shomit Barua (Los Olivos Park), Quilt Architecture by Luke Haynes (Sereno Park), and Nana’s Garden by Kira Dominguez-Hultgren (Maryvale Park). These installations are designed more to look at than to have a nice shady break, but they still provide the Phoenix community with entertainment that they can actually enjoy during the summer.
All of the art pieces are amazing and the people who contributed to building them are extremely talented. Not only is there now a way to enjoy summer in Phoenix, but there is a way to also be entertained. No more going to the park for 15 minutes and then leaving because of the heat. The installations help people spend a full day having fun while looking at art.
PHOTO: sombraphx.org
