The new Flagstaff Municipal Courthouse is nestled in the historic downtown. On the wall facing North Beaver Street, a 27'4" x 7'4" traditional red brick framework was created for a public art piece. City staff envisioned a piece that belongs to the community as a whole, responds to the historic downtown, and has a certain gravitas and balance appropriate to a courthouse. Staff advertised a Call for Artists, listing potential materials for the artwork including lithomosiac, traditional mosaic, water or laser jet cut metal and/or porcelain enamel. The total budget for this project is $45,000, financed through the Bed, Board and Beverage (BBB) tourism tax and protected by ordinance for purposes such as public art.

The call received eight applications, and three finalists were selected to create proposals by a selection panel consisting mainly of community members. City staff is creating artist selection panels that include more community members (particularly those impacted by the project) and experts selected for their knowledge related to specific projects. The selection panel for the courthouse artwork consisted of nine individuals: three representatives from the Court, an Ethnic Studies Professor that has written about public art from NAU, a Reverend with gallery and art experience from a nearby church, a theater director, the City's Coordinator of Indigenous Initiatives, and two representatives from the Beautification and Public Art Commission (BPAC).

The selection panel found that the first round of proposals did not have quite the gravitas they were seeking for the piece, and invited the three artist finalists to create a second round of proposals for the site. From this, the artist Marie Jones' piece, Trees, was selected (see presentation for visuals). The piece is cut and powder-coated metal, and contains poetry as well as striking visuals. This selection was confirmed through a formal vote by BPAC at their November 2020 meeting.

This project reflects the following Regional Plan goals:

Goal CC.5. Support and promote art, science, and education resources for all to experience. (Including: Policy CC.5.3. Encourage the integration of art into public and private development projects.)

Goal LU.11. Prioritize the continual reinvigoration of downtown Flagstaff, whose strategic location, walkable blocks, and historic buildings will continue to be a vibrant destination for all.

It also reflects the following Council Goal:

COMMUNITY OUTREACH: Enhance public transparency and accessibility.