‘Beep! Beep!’ Iconic Roadrunner Spotted on SR 179

A striking 15-foot tall roadrunner made its debut in Sedona on Tuesday, Nov. 26, following its transport from Santa Fe, New Mexico. The installation, part of Sedona’s Art in the Roundabouts project, is positioned at the intersection of Morgan and Arrow Road along State Route 179.

The sculpture, known as “The Sedona Roadrunner,” was created by the artistic duo Don Kennell and Lisa Adler of DKLA Design. With three additional installations planned along SR 179, this artwork marks the beginning of an expanded artistic vision for the area.

During the unveiling, Kennell expressed his gratitude to the community, emphasizing the collaborative nature of public art. “Art is long, life is short,” he quoted. “What we’ve done is half of the equation. This community is the other half.”

The Art in the Roundabouts initiative, which received a budget of $232,000 for fiscal year 2024, includes $167,000 from the city and a $65,000 donation from local philanthropists Gary and Diane Carson. Arts and Culture Specialist Nancy Lattanzi underscored the program’s foundation, referring to a public art ordinance established in the 1990s that mandates a portion of funding from new construction projects be allocated to local arts.

The sculpture itself combines Cor-Ten steel, carbon steel, and galvanized sheet metal, intricately shaped into feather-like forms. According to Kennell, these materials offer a blend of durability and a natural aesthetic that aligns with Sedona’s environmental beauty. “The light here seems important,” he noted, highlighting the significance of the colors and textures at different times of day.

Adler described their artistic process, stating, “We take these hard materials and apply a lot of energy, heart, and love.” Their focus is on wildlife sculptures that foster a connection between the viewer and nature. Previous creations include a towering polar bear made from salvaged car hoods, first revealed at the 2018 Burning Man Festival.

Adler shared her insight on the scale of their work, noting, “The sculpture in the setting of Sedona, it’s like the scale is right on.” The local community’s enthusiastic reaction to the new installation reinforces its intended impact. “This is something to celebrate,” Lattanzi said, as passing motorists voiced their approval.

Upcoming pieces in the program include Susan Kliewer’s “Julian and Maria,” which honors Tewa artists from New Mexico and will be unveiled on Dec. 3, and James Muir’s “Eternal,” set to illuminate a pathway with its Mobius ring design. Another installation, Mark Feldtkeller’s “Look In Up,” will incorporate American Indian symbols and is scheduled for later dates.