Dodger: Celebrating Coexistence in the Sonoran Desert

We are excited to share that Dodger, a new sculptural landmark by Creative Machines, is now installed along Grant Road in Tucson, Arizona. Functioning as both a landmark and a familiar point of reference within the rhythm of the city.

In Tucson, coyotes are more than wildlife. They are neighbors, adapting and thriving alongside the city itself. Whether crossing a quiet neighborhood street at dawn or appearing unexpectedly in the middle of a busy urban corridor, coyotes remind us that the natural world continues to exist alongside our own. This relationship between wildlife and urban life became the inspiration for Dodger, a new public sculpture by Joseph O'Connell and Creative Machines.

Standing nearly 20 feet tall along Grant Road, one of Tucson's major transportation corridors, Dodger reflects the personality of a coyote as it is experienced in the city. There is a sense of playfulness in the sculpture, but also awareness, intelligence, and independence. The posture captures a moment of readiness, as if the animal could spring into motion at any second. There is even a hint of mischief in its stance—a quality that feels true to both the character of the coyote and the way it exists within the urban landscape.

From a distance, Dodger appears as a bold and recognizable silhouette, establishing a strong visual presence for the thousands of people who travel along Grant Road each day. As viewers approach, however, the sculpture begins to reveal more subtle qualities. Small shifts in posture and expression create a sense of movement and alertness, inviting a closer look and encouraging a more personal connection with the work.

At its core, Dodger is about coexistence. Rather than presenting the coyote as a distant symbol or untouchable figure, the sculpture places it directly within the viewer's experience. It creates a moment of recognition within an everyday setting, encouraging people to consider the connections between urban development and the natural systems that continue to move through it.

As Tucson grows and evolves, Dodger serves as a reminder that adaptation is not unique to people. Coyotes have become masters of navigating changing environments, finding ways to live within landscapes that are constantly being reshaped. Their resilience offers an opportunity to reflect on our own relationship with the places we inhabit.

By bringing the image of the coyote into the heart of the city, Dodger celebrates the complex and ongoing dialogue between human and natural worlds. It stands as both a landmark and a reminder that even within an urban environment, we remain connected to the larger ecosystems that surround us.

About Creative Machines

At Creative Machines, we believe that the key to successful projects lies in effective collaboration with our clients and their communities. Our highly effective hands-on engagement process allows us to fully understand our client's needs, goals, and vision, and also work closely with their community as we design and create the artwork installation that they will know and love for many years to come. With our process, we ensure that our clients are involved in every step of the way, from ideation to final product delivery, resulting in a final product that not only meets but exceeds their expectations. We are committed to delivering innovative, high-quality, and engaging experiences that bring your ideas to life.

Start your project today!

Questions?

Our experienced team of artists, architects, project managers, engineers, and fabricators are waiting to hear from you. Whether you have questions, are requesting a quote, or need information about a custom interactive experience, we want to hear from you!

published on May 7, 2026

© Creative Machines