A new exhibit at the Flinn Foundation reimagines Arizona’s iconic Five C’s — copper, cattle, cotton, citrus and climate — in pieces created by artists from around the state.
The Foundation launched the show Feb. 3, in partnership with the Arizona America250 Commission and Art State Arizona, with about 150 people attending the opening reception.
“Arizona’s Five C’s: Past, Present and What Comes Next” reflects a diverse group of artists from rural, tribal, and urban communities across Arizona and serves as a signature public-art initiative connected to the state’s commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary.
Professional artists, students, emerging creatives, and community-based designers were invited to submit concepts that captured the forces that shaped Arizona’s economy, identity, and cultural heritage.
“Throughout Arizona’s rich cultural history, art has been a central element to tell stories, capture the beauty of our state and express the breadth of viewpoints of those who call it home,” said Flinn Foundation President and CEO Tammy McLeod, Ph.D. “The vast community of Arizona artists certainly answered the call. It’s truly a great way to celebrate this milestone for our country.”
During her remarks at the reception, McLeod talked about the founders of the Flinn Foundation, Dr. Robert and Irene Flinn, and their longtime dedication to arts and culture, and how the arts help strengthen communities and foster civic life.
She also marked the 15th anniversary of the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership at the Flinn Foundation, which works to strengthen Arizona’s civic fabric by embracing a more expansive understanding of civic leadership that begins with education, deepens through experience and is sustained through connection, dialogue, and long-term engagement with Arizona’s civic life.
“What you see here is not just art on display — it’s a collection of stories about the forces that shaped our state and continue to define who we are today,” McLeod said.
The displays in the Flinn Foundation lobby and conference center are available for public viewing, by appointment, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Foundation requests calling (602) 744-6800 in advance. The exhibit continues through July.
“Partnering with the Flinn Foundation and Art State Arizona allowed us to elevate artists from every corner of the state as we highlighted the Five C’s that shaped Arizona and continue to define who we are,” said Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, co-chair of the Arizona America250 Commission. “These installations showcase Arizona’s creativity while honoring our past and looking toward the next chapter of our story.”
The art installation is part of Arizona America250 programming, which also includes the Road to 250: Arizona Traveling Museum, Passport250, Operation Freedom March, and other statewide efforts celebrating Arizona’s contributions to the nation’s 250-year history.
For more information about Arizona America250 initiatives, visit america250az.org.
About the Flinn Foundation
The Flinn Foundation is a Phoenix-based privately endowed, philanthropic grantmaking organization established in 1965 by Dr. Robert S. and Irene P. Flinn that awards grants and operates programs in four areas: the biosciences, the Flinn Scholars, arts and culture, and the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership and its Flinn-Brown Fellowship. The foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Arizona to benefit future generations.
About the Arizona America250 Commission
The Arizona America250 Commission is a nonpartisan effort to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary by honoring Arizona’s role in American history, celebrating diverse stories, and inspiring civic pride across all communities.
About Art State Arizona
Art State Arizona, formerly known as SAACA, is a Tucson-based nonprofit organization dedicated to the creation, preservation, and advancement of the arts, strengthening the bonds between people, place and purpose through collaborative, arts-driven experiences.
