SCOTTSDALE/SALT RIVER PIMA-MARICOPA INDIAN COMMUNITY, AZ (November 25, 2024) — Arizona Boardwalk is proud to announce the recent update of its large-scale, outdoor artwork created by Jacob Butler, a distinguished member of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC) and a talented, renowned artist with expertise in diverse forms of native art including painting, shell work, and pottery. Butler, who has lived within the SRPMIC his entire life, originally crafted the paintings that adorn several of the exterior buildings at the entertainment destination when Arizona Boardwalk, then known as OdySea in the Desert, opened in 2016. Over the years, the vibrant Arizona sun had naturally faded the artwork, prompting the recent revitalization along the four major walkways leading into the complex’s center courtyard.
“We were honored to commission Jacob Butler once again to revamp these works of art because he brings a deep, authentic connection to the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, where Arizona Boardwalk is rooted,” said Arizona Boardwalk Managing Partner, Ran Knishinsky. “As a native of this community, Jacob’s artistry not only reflects the cultural heritage and traditions of the SRPMIC, but also embodies the spirit and history of the land on which Arizona Boardwalk stands. His unique perspective makes him the perfect artist to breathe new life into these murals, ensuring they continue to tell the powerful stories of his people.”
Butler is renowned for his expertise in traditional shell etching, carving, overlay, and inlay, as well as his mastery of the paddle anvil technique, a pottery style utilized by his ancestors. His works have been featured in prestigious collections at local museums, national monuments, the Smithsonian Institution, and The Kiva Gallery in Sweden. His new artwork at Arizona Boardwalk draws inspiration from and is deeply connected to the SRPMIC's rich heritage, values, and way of life.
“Having the opportunity to represent our Community is something I am always thankful for,” states Butler, “I try to be open to opportunities when they present themselves, they might not come again.” Beyond his artistic endeavors, Butler is deeply involved in his community, working closely with various indigenous communities across the nation to promote sustainable practices.
Revitalizing Tradition: The Updated Artwork
The major walkways at Arizona Boardwalk—named after prominent area rivers Salt, Gila, Santa Cruz, Colorado and Verde—now feature fresh artwork that reflects the SRPMIC's rich cultural heritage and traditions. Butler reveals the meaning behind each painting and its ties to the Salt River-Pima Maricopa Indian Community:
- Salt River: The Salt River panels are reflections of our connection to the ocean. Bracelets, effigies, and etched shell are traditional art forms that are thousands of years old. Although we live in the desert, we maintain a strong connection to the ocean. These images are a testament to that relationship.
- Gila River: Our O'Odham stories tell of the butterfly’s creation. The Piipaash have been called the Butterfly people by some historians, because of their regalia. The butterfly plays a special role in our ecosystem. The images are an interpretation of their flight from their homelands to their arrival in ours.
- Santa Cruz River: The Santa Cruz River images are of a traditional farmer super imposed in front of images of water. The Salt, Gila, San Pedro and the Santa Cruz rivers, have sustained our people from the beginning of time. The "birds in flight" motif in the backgrounds represent the cultural heritage that still exists today. The woman is wearing a camp dress that is historic of both the Piipaash and O’odham. She is placed in front of the same images, while she carries on the traditions of her ancestors.
- Colorado River: The images along the Colorado River are playful representations of endangered fish. These fish were once abundant in all of the waters named at the Boardwalk. The Gila Chub, Humpback Chub and the Sonora sucker all thrived in these rivers, at one time. They undoubtedly were part of the diet of both tribes known as River people, the O’odham and Piipaash.
- Verde River: The image on the Verde River is of the Red Mountain. A place very special to our Tribe. The Red Mountain preserve sits along the edge of the Salt and the Verde Rivers. Many ceremonies and cultural events are held in the area, often through the night and into the next days. A special reverence is held for this land that is only accessible to tribal members.
Butler’s updated artwork not only enhances the visual appeal of Arizona Boardwalk, but also serves as a testament to the enduring cultural heritage of the Salt River-Pima Maricopa Indian Community. There is no admission fee to visit Arizona Boardwalk, and visitors are invited to walk these pathways and experience the powerful stories and traditions embedded in the art.
For more information about Arizona Boardwalk, visit azboardwalk.com.
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About the Talking Stick Entertainment District
The Talking Stick Entertainment District is a dynamic area for culture, shopping, dining and entertainment, conveniently located within the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. Located at the Pima-101 Freeway and Talking Stick Way, just 20 minutes from Sky Harbor Airport, Talking Stick is home to Talking Stick Resort, Talking Stick Golf Club, Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, The Pavilions at Talking Stick, Arizona Boardwalk at Talking Stick and many more entertainment and hospitality options.
About the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community
The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC) is represented by two distinct Native American tribes; the Akimel O’odham (River People), more commonly known as the Pima and the Xalychidom Piipaash (People Who Live Toward the Water) commonly known as the Maricopa; both share the same cultural values but maintain their unique traditions. Today, more than 11,000 individuals are enrolled Salt River tribal members.
The SRPMIC is bordered by Tempe, Fountain Hills and Mesa and shares a Scottsdale address. The Community owns and operates several successful enterprises including Salt River Materials Group and Saddleback Communication and hospitality enterprises: Talking Stick Resort, Talking Stick Golf Club and Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, all within the Talking Stick Entertainment District, on the northern part of the Community. The culture and the history of the people is an important story to tell and have been interwoven at many of the destination amenities through interior art, building design and landscape.
Media
Karin Gallo
Director of Public Relations and Social Media
KGallo@azboardwalk.com
