The City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture kicked off ¡Sombra! Experiments in Shade with the unveiling of Rincón de Color on April 19th at Cielito Park. Created by artists Jose Benavides and Joe Ray in collaboration with MEChA students from Alhambra High School, this vibrant shade structure offers both artistic expression and practical relief from the heat.
The structure features a 95% UV-blocking fabric canopy, supported by four columns. Surrounding each column are eight vibrant hand-painted panels shaped and strategically positioned to follow the path of the sun, the panels provide additional shade throughout the day. The colorful designs draw inspiration from alebrijes, mythological creatures of Oaxacan tradition. Officials from the City of Phoenix Heat Response & Mitigation Office recorded a temperature drop of up to 27 degrees beneath the shade. With support from Parks and Recreation Department, the installation also includes a solar-powered misting system to further enhance cooling.
The kick-off celebration began with an opening Danza by Danza Huehuecoyotl. Guests enjoyed free street tacos from Taqueria Jalisco, refreshing aguas frescas, and cooling bites like corn salad and fresh fruit provided by ¡AGUAS! PHX. Remarks from Arts and Culture Director Mitch Menchaca, Deputy Director Carrie Brown, Project Manager Nancy Thomas, Alhambra High School MEChA sponsor Raquel Enrique and the artists led into the ribbon cutting.
Attendees explored booths from Neighborhood Services Department and community partners such as Phoenix Union High School District, along with resources on heat resilience. Artist Karen Nazario Moranchel led a hands-on printmaking workshop, debuting four custom relief prints created especially for the event. The Alhambra High School student art exhibition featured works made from the cutout panel materials.
DJ Tranzo kept the energy high with a lively soundtrack adding to the festive atmosphere. The event concluded with a live performance from the high school three-piece band Grupo Especial.
Rincón de Color will remain on view at Cielito Park through September 20th, 2025. It marked the first of nine public art unveilings for ¡Sombra! Experiments in Shade series, with future unveilings in Phoenix through June 2025. To find upcoming events visit sombraphx.org.
