Arizona’s famous Five C’s have been the state’s calling card for generations. Copper, Cattle, Cotton, Citrus, and Climate built the economy, shaped the culture, and practically wrote Arizona’s origin story. Now they’re getting a glow-up in the art world.
The Arizona America250 Commission, in partnership with the Flinn Foundation and Art State Arizona, has unveiled a new public art installation series celebrating the legendary Five C’s. The exhibition reimagines these historic pillars through a vibrant mix of painting, fiber art, photography, jewelry, sculpture, glass, and mixed-media works created by artists from across the state.
The installations debuted during a celebration at the Flinn Foundation in Phoenix and are now open for public viewing, turning the space into a creative snapshot of Arizona’s past, present, and evolving identity.
The project began with a statewide call for artists in late 2025, inviting professional artists, students, emerging creatives, and community designers to interpret the Five C’s through their own creative lens. The response poured in from every corner of Arizona, reflecting voices from rural, tribal, and urban communities alike.
“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,” says 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 final exhibition includes 35 works by 30 artists representing communities including Tucson, Phoenix, Sedona, Green Valley, Chandler, Flagstaff, and Tempe. The lineup reflects an intentionally wide spectrum of mediums and perspectives, from traditional art forms to unexpected interpretations of Arizona’s legacy industries.
Among the featured artists is Riley Hammett, winner of the Arizona America250 logo contest, whose contribution takes the form of fingernail art inspired by the Five C’s. The piece offers a playful and unconventional nod to the state’s history. Other participating artists include RB Anderson, Jennifer Birge, Richard Bledsoe, Maureen Brusa Zappellini, Tracy Brown, Mara Carney, Beth Caparelli, Alisha Conner, Barbara Dickinson, Nancy Robb Dunst, Debra Goley, David Hammel, Angela Johnson, Sonja London-Hall, Alisia Malta, Rafael Navarro, Kevin Pratt, Mohan Toopal, Irma Sanchez, Johnny Saldate, Becky Siler, Beth Surdut, Lucretia Torva, Emmy Truckenmiller, Doris Marie Provine, Kay Ross, Kimberly Ransom, Dee Ruff, and Steve Weiss.
For the Flinn Foundation, the exhibition continues a long tradition of storytelling through the arts.
“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,” says 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.”
The installations will remain on display through the summer as part of Arizona’s broader America250 programming, a statewide effort commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary while highlighting Arizona’s unique contributions to the American story.
Insider Takeaways
- The exhibition features 35 works created by 30 artists from communities across Arizona.
- Artists interpreted the state’s historic Five C’s: Copper, Cattle, Cotton, Citrus, and Climate. Mediums range from painting and fiber art to jewelry, photography, sculpture, glass, and mixed media.
- Arizona America250 logo contest winner Riley Hammett contributed a unique fingernail art piece inspired by the Five C’s.
- The artists represent rural, tribal, and urban communities including Phoenix, Tucson, Sedona, Flagstaff, Chandler, Tempe, and Green Valley.
- The installations debuted at the Flinn Foundation in Phoenix and will remain on view through the summer.
To learn more, visit america250az.org/initiatives.
