While Goodyear in Arizona has been gearing towards growth with new residential communities and businesses, the city has also made strides in recent years to establish itself as an art communit dedicated to developing “the growing diverse talent of the Goodyear residents,” per the Goodyear Arts and Commission website.

In 2006, the Goodyear City Council established the Arts and Culture Commission to create a “distinct sense of place and cultural destination by integrating art into public spaces.” Managing the public art program and coordinating with the private sector and other government agencies, the commission’s programs have amassed wide support from the Goodyear community. 

We spoke with Jennifer Barnes, Goodyear Arts and Culture Commissioner, who told us that “art makes cities more beautiful, livable, relatable, and enjoyable for its residents and visitors.”  

Adult Programs 

Photo courtesy of Catitude Arts

The city of Goodyear offers a variety of art programs for adults, including hands-on experiences and lectures, which promote creativity and expression while providing the opportunity to engage with community leaders and other residents. Barnes says that these programs help community members learn and appreciate art.

Recently, Goodyear was lauded as one of the first communities, alongside Avondale’s non-profit organization Catitude Arts, with creative aging classes, where older students express themselves through art and rediscover their “creative expression that might have been stifled at some point in their lives,”  per AZ Central.

Goodyear also offers a Hot Coffee Art Lecture Series that provides residents the opportunity to learn and discuss numerous topics about arts and culture. The lectures feature artists, arts professionals, historians, and educators who help shape the arts within the community.

The Goodyear Library also hosts a series of fine art shows, which help local artists showcase their work to the public, offering them a chance to connect with the other local artists and residents. 

Public Art

Air, Earth, Water - by artist Mary Shindell photo courtesy of City of Goodyear

There are many places throughout Goodyear that display public art. “One of the first things people notice about a community is its public art, which highlights its culture and reveals its identity,” Barnes said. According to Americans for the Arts, public art not only brings artists and their creative vision into the civic decision-making process, it also adds meaning to cities and uniqueness to communities.

Some of public pieces include artwork done by local artist Mary Shindell. Her “Air, Earth, and Water” display is located at the Goodyear Community Park near the Palm Valley neighborhood. The artwork showcases a multi-dimensional display with Egyptian-inspired symbols, animals and plants etched into red granite, and water features from the park’s nearby splash pad. 

Also, Gila Blue, by artist Marta Thoma Hall, is located on South 157th Avenue and south of the Sarival Village and Sanctuary at Sarival Village neighborhoods. The artwork includes arcs of blue and silver metal that mimic the motion of the Gila River, curved fiberglass, aluminum, and a glass bottle canopy that shades the Public Works Building patio.

The Murals at Fire Station 185, located in the Pebblecreek neighborhood, depict images of Goodyear’s past, present, and future. It was created by Goodyear residents Michael Cunningham, Gerald Schwartz, and Ed Buonvecchio. They also had local children contribute to the painting by adding creative touches to the mural’s border.

Special Events

Lakeside Music Festival photo courtesy of City of Goodyear

Community-building events are designed to get the entire family involved, and many of them are free to attend. They also “bring people of all backgrounds together to share and enjoy beautiful experiences, which promotes unity and dialogue,” per Barnes.

One of those special events is the Lakeside Music Festival at the Estrella Lakeside Amphitheater in Estrella Mountain Ranch. This music fest includes multiple bands and solo artists performing on two stages. Featuring over nine hours of entertainment, the festival is popular with residents and visitors from nearby suburbs. 

Ballet Under the stars is another popular event in the city. Located at North Lake Amphitheater in Estrella, this event is a free opportunity to introduce residents to the art of dance. The varied program, ranging from classical to contemporary, takes place on an outdoor stage. 

Youth Programs

Follow Your Art Jr. photo courtesy of City of Goodyear

Young artists are equally as valuable as established ones, and Goodyear provides ample opportunity for its youngest community members. The Goodyear Community Center in the Goodyear Estates neighborhood, hosts Follow Your Art Jr.—a summer workshop for teens. The courses focus on drawing, painting, and 2D design portfolios. Students also receive information about art schools, financial aid, grants, and entry requirements. 

The Mayor Select Art Show hosted by The City of Goodyear and the Arts and Culture Commission showcases the artistic talents of young artists. Submissions are accepted through local schools, and winners receive a monetary scholarship, which is a partnership between the city and local businesses. 

Chalk Art in the Park is another youth-oriented program held at Goodyear Community Park. This program allows children and families to sit beside professional artists and make art using chalk. The event encourages all members of the community to get involved with art, no matter what type of medium is used. 

There’s no sign of the arts program waning in Goodyear’s future. The city and dedicated officials have made the art programs in Goodyear as expansive and inclusive as the diverse community it embraces. When we asked Barnes why art is important in any community, she said, “it certainly makes life more enjoyable.”