Whatcha doin'? Oh, just artin' around.

When I think of southern Arizona, "centre of cultural excellence" isn't the first descriptor that springs to mind. In fact, it might be fairly low on the list, along with "rainforest" and "overpopulation".

But after a couple of weeks, things start to jump out. We're not talking Diego Rivera or Joe Fafard. But there is, actually, a widespread proliferation of art in public places: parks, fairgrounds, entrances to people's property and so on. A lot, tho' not all, is metal, which I imagine stands up to the severe climate a lot better than, say, wood or ceramic.

Have a boo at some of those we've been particularly enchanted with in our travels around Sierra Vista and environs............

At the gate of Sonoita Fairground

The public washroom in Patagonia town park

Back side (so's to speak) of the Patagonia town park washroom

Grey owl, Patagonia town park

Most towns have a sign on every approach, just in case you didn't know

In case you hadn't noticed the track

Entrance to a private ranch

On the west approach, you get the cowboys

On the east approach, you get the cows

Functional? Yes. And they're definitely points of interest on a drive from here to there.