Title: Gilas, by Bob Vint, Mike Wilhelm, Dan Wilhelm, Fred Gumbert
(1993)
Location: Median on bridge over the Santa Cruz River near Midvale
Park and Irvington Road.
Details: Commisioned by the City of Tucson. Concrete and assorted
tile mosaic: broken dishes, tile,
marbles, scorpions in acrylic, pool balls, spark plugs, mah jongg
tiles, broken mirrors, horse shoes, shells, bottles, unfired pottery,
coins, religious
figures, doorknobs, drawer pulls, dice, etc.
She Said:
I love these two huge Gila monsters! They really are terrific,
decorated with an amazing assortment of colorful tiles and other
objects. According to the Midvale Park Master Review Homeowners
Association Newsletter, "the twin lizards are decorated with objects
that represent a
cross-section of Tucson’s history as it was washed up along the river
from early trash dumps" and others were offered for use by residents of
the area. What great idea! And what a wonderful treasure these enormous
desert dwellers are.
He Said:
Wow! Two fifty foot long Gila monsters. These are easily the best
pieces of outdoor art I have seen to date in the Tucson area. Possibly
anywhere. It may not be well known, but Tucson has recognized public
art as an essential public service to be funded annually. These two
beauties show that
it's money well spent. Just thinking of these make me smile, and when I
drive past, well, that's the end.
As an architect, Bob Vint has been
responsible for quite a number of excellent restorations on adobe
houses in the
historic downtown areas.
Copyright © 2004 S. Halversen. All rights
reserved.