Community Unites to Celebrate ¡Sombra!

At a May 17 event at Sunnyslope Park, the community celebrated a temporary shade structure, “Reflections on Sunnyslope,” created by artist Jessica Arias as part of the ¡Sombra! Experiments in Shade project (photo by Kathryn M. Miller).

On May 17, the community of Phoenix gathered at Sunnyslope Park to unveil a new artistic addition aimed at combating the city’s extreme heat. The installation, titled “Reflections on Sunnyslope,” is the brainchild of artist Jessica Arias and forms part of the ¡Sombra! Experiments in Shade project, a collaborative initiative focused on enhancing urban shade.

As temperatures continue to rise, shade is becoming a critical aspect of community health, according to the City of Phoenix Office of Heat Response and Mitigation (OHRM). The Shade Phoenix Plan, unanimously approved by the Phoenix City Council in November 2024, envisions a future where all residents enjoy the benefits of shade in public spaces.

Over the past decade, Phoenix has seen a troubling increase in excessively hot days. The city averages over 115 days annually with temperatures above 100°F, alongside more than 45 nights when low temperatures fail to dip below 85°F. The risks linked to extreme heat are greatest for vulnerable populations, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive shade solutions.

The ¡Sombra! project, funded by a Bloomberg Philanthropies Public Art Challenge grant, seeks to address these issues through innovative public art. By mid-May, five of the planned nine installations were completed, including “Reflections on Sunnyslope,” which is designed to evoke the nearby North Mountain.

Arias explained that the canopy’s design reflects the contours of the landscape, fostering a visual connection to the area. “The structure serves not only as a sunshade but also as a catalyst for heat resilience awareness,” she noted. The installation features UV-resistant materials that reflect solar heat, durable fabric flags, and a heat-resistant steel frame, making it ideal for Arizona’s climate.

Community involvement plays a central role in the project, with residents invited to share personal reflections on nature through notes attached to the installation. This engagement promotes dialogue about urban heat, shifting the narrative towards the impact of materials like concrete and asphalt in exacerbating heat retention.

With the temporary installations set to remain until the end of September, city officials are already considering future applications of the designs. Carrie Brown, deputy director of the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture, stated, “The project allows us to experiment with various materials and approaches, helping us determine what might work well in permanent installations.” Upcoming unveiling events will showcase more shade structures, including one at Steele Indian School Park on June 21.

The ¡Sombra! initiative represents a creative approach to addressing urban heat issues, inviting the community to envision broader solutions through art and engagement.