Dodger reflects the personality of a coyote as it is experienced in Tucson. There is a sense of playfulness, but also awareness and independence. It feels like an animal that is always thinking, always moving, always just slightly out of reach. The posture suggests a moment of readiness, almost as if it could spring into motion at any second. There is a hint of mischief in that stance, which felt true to the character of the animal and to the way coyotes exist within the city.

 

Standing approximately 20 feet tall, the sculpture establishes a strong presence along Grant Road, a major corridor where thousands of people pass each day. Its scale and placement allow it to function as both a landmark and a familiar presence, becoming part of the rhythm of the city. Fabricated from durable materials suited for the desert environment, the work is designed to withstand intense sun, heat, and daily interaction. At a distance, Dodger reads as a bold and recognizable silhouette. Up close, the form reveals subtle shifts in posture and expression, reinforcing a sense of movement and awareness.

 

As a Tucson-based studio, it is especially meaningful for us to contribute work to the place where we live and work. Projects like this are personal. They reflect not only our artistic approach, but also our lived experience of the city and the environment that surrounds it.

 

Tucson is a place where wildlife and urban life intersect in very real ways. You can be in the middle of the city and still encounter a coyote. That relationship between people and the natural environment is something we wanted to hold onto in this work. Rather than presenting the animal as distant or symbolic, Dodger brings it into direct relationship with the viewer, creating a moment of recognition within an everyday setting.

 

At its core, Dodger is about coexistence. It reflects the adaptability of wildlife within changing environments and invites a broader awareness of the connections between urban life and the natural systems that continue to move through it.

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Date: 

2026

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Location: 

Tucson, AZ​

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Dimensions:

18’ 10” H x 5’ 2” W x 21’ 4” D​

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Medium: 

Painted steel

 

Artists:

Joseph O’Connell + Creative Machines