City Set to Reveal Stunning $15K Tree Sculpture Tomorrow

A new metal tree sculpture has taken its place outside Maricopa’s City Hall as of January 29, 2025. The piece, crafted by Arizona’s leading tree sculptor, aims to enhance the city’s public art landscape.

The official unveiling is scheduled for tomorrow in front of City Hall, though the sculpture has already been completed and positioned where a fountain previously existed. According to a social media announcement, this artwork pays tribute to Maricopa’s rich heritage, particularly its once-thriving pecan groves.

The investment for this installation is estimated at $15,000, as noted by Councilmember Vincent Manfredi. However, specifics regarding the funding sources remain unclear, and the project does not currently feature in the city’s capital improvement plans.

A request for details from the Community Enrichment Department about the funding and cost was not promptly addressed. The artist behind the sculpture, Joe Tyler, operates out of Surprise and has completed various notable installations throughout Arizona, including the “Grace Tree” at Grand Canyon University and “The Learning Tree” at Oro Valley’s public library.

This sculpture, titled “Agrarian Roots,” stands impressively at around 15 feet tall and is adorned with 4,812 individually welded leaves. Tyler remarked, “Without agriculture, there’d be no Maricopa,” underscoring the significance of the theme.

He indicated that the city has plans to illuminate the sculpture at night, allowing the brass and copper materials to emulate the autumnal hues characteristic of pecan trees. “I wanted to provide the city with a very big bang for their buck,” Tyler commented.

The dedication ceremony is set for 11 a.m. on Thursday, marking an important moment for both the artist and the community.