Goodyear unveils new public art on traffic cabinets

By Mary Goldmeer
Mail

Ten newly completed artworks are now on display across Goodyear as part of the city’s traffic cabinet art program, which turns utility boxes into visual landmarks.

The latest installations, completed in 2025, feature designs from Arizona-based artists and reflect themes of community, environment, culture, and local history. Each piece is either hand-painted or applied as a vinyl wrap on traffic signal cabinets located at intersections throughout the city.

“One of my favorite projects is the traffic cabinet public art project,” said Layne Ruiz, Goodyear’s arts and culture coordinator. “It’s so fun to work with our West Valley artists on this project. It creates a sense of community, it beautifies our city.”

The new artworks include:

• “Celebrating Goodyear” by Robert Panzer at Camelback Road and 146th Avenue
• “Tied Together” by Adrian Ramirez at Wigwam Boulevard and Indian School Road
• “Nature is Ourselves” by Ashley Macias at McDowell Road and Palm Valley Cornerstone
• “It’s a Good Day to Have a Goodyear” by Ize at Litchfield Road and W Test Drive
• “Rise and Shine” by Jessi Kerr at Clubhouse Drive and McDowell Road
• “Wings of the Wild: The Roadrunner’s Flight” by Egypt Hagan at Estrella Parkway and Centerra Drive
• “Blossoming” by Jerome Fleming, Kulorbandit, at Goodyear Boulevard and Sherman Street
• “Nopal Window” by Rebekah Unsworth Sarival Road and Harrison Street
• “The Spirit of Goodyear” by Cynthia Bluford-Mejia at Commerce Drive and Cotton Lane
• “Starlit Sprint” by Kelsey Philips at Estrella Parkway and Wolfpack Way

The traffic cabinet program began in 2018 as part of Goodyear’s annual Public Art Plan. Since its launch, more than 50 cabinets have been transformed by local artists. The initiative is managed by the city’s Arts and Culture Division and overseen by the Goodyear Arts and Culture Commission.

Each artwork is designed to cover three sides and the top of a cabinet, which measures roughly 78 inches tall, 44 inches wide, and 28 inches deep. The city encourages artists to draw on local themes such as education, family, innovation, history, and the environment to ensure each piece reflects its surrounding neighborhood.

Ramirez stated his piece, “Tied Together,” is designed to blend traditional and local motifs, uses a modern interpretation of the "papel picado," style to symbolize unity and cultural expression.

At the center, a purple tiger pays homage to a nearby high school’s mascot, representing strength, youth, and community pride. An orange sun tops the cabinet emulating Arizona’s desert heat  while green floral panels featuring jasmine flowers subtly reference a neighboring Thai restaurant.

“Inspired by community input, this work is a blend of culture, connection, and local storytelling,” Ramirez wrote in his artist statement.

Goodyear officials say the completed pieces not only brighten the streetscape but foster a deeper connection between residents, artists, and place.

More information about the city’s public art efforts can be found at goodyearaz.gov.