Wall Cycle to Ocotillo

Few things are more politically divisive than a freeway. While some reap the benefits of an easier commute, those unfortunate enough to live near them have to deal with constant noise and pollution. As such, when State Route 51 (Piestewa Freeway) was constructed in the 1980s and 90s, it was decided that public art, in addition to sound walls, could be used to mitigate its impact.

Hence, the City of Phoenix commissioned Mags Harries and Lajos Héder to create Wall Cycle to Ocotillo, completed in 1992, a series of community-oriented sculptures on either side of Route 51 between Interstate 10 and Glendale Avenue. The sculptors were inspired to create a series of pots and jars by similar ones seen in local houses' windows. Some have Native American designs, a nod to the area's indigenous heritage.

The only problem was that the subject matter chosen left many rather less than thrilled. It turned out that spending $475,000 on giant pots did not leave a good impression among many Phoenicians. Another point of criticism was the choice to hire out-of-state artists. Then-mayor Paul Johnson reacted by unsuccessfully asking for the "outrageous" art to be removed. Despite the pushback, however, Wall Cycle to Ocotillo was voted the city's second favorite artwork in 1993.

Although some of the jars were placed in storage after the freeway was widened in the early 2000s, most can still be found in their original or different locations along the freeway.