Scottsdale Just Got a Cool New Piece of Public Art

And here's where you can see it.

July 19, 2022

Image: Annette Coleman's new work, Pinball Wizard, can be found at the Scottsdale Waterfront.

Annette Coleman's new work, Pinball Wizard, can be found at the Scottsdale Waterfront. Scottsdale Public Art

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One of the things we love about metro Phoenix is the countless works of public art that dot the desert landscape.

And now, we've got something new to look at, because Scottsdale Public Art just debuted its newest commission.

The piece by Denver artist Annette Coleman is called Pinball Wizard, and it's located at the splash pad near Marshall Way Bridge at the Scottsdale Waterfront in Old Town Scottsdale.

Pinball Wizard is a vibrant, fun installation that is composed of about 30 domes and spheres of various sizes covered in colorful mosaic glass. They're set on a new concrete wall adorned with waves of glass mosaic pieces.

“The spheres harken back to simpler times as children, playing jacks, shooting marbles, playing four square and competing as pinball wizards,” Coleman said in a press release.

Coleman came from Denver for the installation, which took place over two days in mid-June (as you can see on her Instagram).

The mosaic balls and domes are formed from colored concrete that will last for decades, making Pinball Wizard a piece of public art that will brighten up Scottsdale for a long time to come.

“Annette has created a public art piece that will be enjoyed by both kids and adults. She perfectly captured the feel of this vibrant area of Old Town Scottsdale,” Tanya Galin, public art manager for Scottsdale Public Art, said in the release. “I love the playfulness of the design with the fun splash of color. This is going to be a fantastic spot for selfies and group photos.”

Jennifer Goldberg is the Senior Editor of Culture at Phoenix New Times. She joined the New Times staff in February 2016. In her role, Jennifer writes and publishes profiles of both local and regional musicians, previews upcoming performances and provides guides on the best of Phoenix’s entertainment scene. She also oversees the Best of Phoenix. Jennifer previously worked for Jewish News of Greater Phoenix. During her career, Jennifer has received awards from the Arizona Press Club, the Arizona Newspaper Association and the American Jewish Press Association. She holds a bachelor’s of arts in English from Arizona State University.

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