Welcome to Sunnyside

Location

Fourth Street at 3rd Avenue
Flagstaff, AZ 86004

Welcome to Sunnyside celebrates one of Flagstaff's established and culturally diverse neighborhoods. Its title extends a greeting to residents and visitors while drawing attention to Sunnyside's distinctive identity within the larger Flagstaff community.

The artwork invites viewers to consider how public art can contribute to neighborhood pride, strengthen a sense of belonging, and help people recognize the places that shape their everyday lives.

In terms of imagery, the colors include red, yellow, black, and green, reference Indigenous, Latin American, and African American cultural traditions. The upper decorative band incorporates motifs inspired by Mesoamerican and Indigenous artistic traditions. The lower portion features stylized pine trees representing the San Francisco Peaks and Flagstaff's natural environment.

About the Artwork

About the Artist

Jay Gallegos is a Flagstaff-based multimedia artist, graphic designer, and arts educator whose work explores cultural identity, community, and social issues. He holds bachelor's degrees in Media Arts and Sociology from the University of Arizona and a Master of Fine Arts in Art and Technology from The Ohio State University. His artistic practice emphasizes experimental digital video, motion graphics, and socially engaged art.

Jay has taught university art courses, led youth media workshops, and collaborated with Indigenous communities in Southern Arizona on media literacy programs. His involvement in Flagstaff's Sunnyside neighborhood includes community radio, youth filmmaking, and projects documenting the stories of neighborhood elders. Since 2020, he has worked with Creative Flagstaff, where he currently serves as Venue and Programs Manager and Lead Graphic Designer. His work reflects a commitment to celebrating cultural heritage, strengthening community connections, and making art accessible to everyone.

Themes and Significance

Community Identity: The artwork celebrates Sunnyside as a neighborhood with its own history, traditions, and character.
Belonging and Inclusion: Its welcoming message encourages residents and visitors to feel connected to the community.
Neighborhood Pride: Public art can honor the people and experiences that make a neighborhood special.
Sense of Place: The artwork encourages viewers to reflect on how shared spaces, cultural traditions, and community relationships contribute to a neighborhood's identity.

Questions for Elementary School Families

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Questions for Secondary School Families

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