Arts Commission approves Justin Favela’s Sunrise Avenue sculpture honoring Las Vegas bear poppy

The City of Las Vegas Arts Commission voted to accept a public artwork proposal from local artist Justin Favela for a median installation at North 26th Street and Sunrise Avenue.

Favela presented a design that would place three large stylized Las Vegas bear poppies rising from a triangular traffic island, with desert landscaping and boulders intended to reference nearby Frenchman (Sunrise) Mountain. “I’m going to make a giant sculpture of the Las Vegas bear poppy, and put it in the median there,” Favela said during his presentation.

The commission’s discussion focused on safety, durability, materials and neighborhood fit. Commissioner Pauline Lee asked the artist to ensure the sculpture would not obstruct drivers’ sight lines at the intersection; Cultural Affairs staff member Holly Lay said engineering and plan checks for sight lines are included in the project review. Favela said the sculptures would be steel, with any cicada elements cast in resin or similar material so they withstand sun and weather; he also described outreach events he held on the east side, including a family fiesta and school visits, to gather local input.

Commissioners asked about long-term maintenance and vandalism. Laura Machado, Cultural Affairs staff, said the city can coordinate with Public Works on curb repairs and that anti-graffiti coatings are available but might not be necessary; she added the city has not seen heavy tagging in similar neighborhood installations. Commissioner Douglas and others said the community engagement Favela carried out should help neighborhood stewardship of the piece.

Commissioner Douglas moved to accept the design; Commissioner Bills seconded the motion. The commission voted in favor and the motion passed. Cultural Affairs staff will proceed with permit and installation scheduling, foundation work and contract details.

The project includes elements Favela said are intended to honor east-side residents and local ecology; he noted the Las Vegas bear poppy is locally restricted and increasingly scarce. Staff noted the design will be adjusted in engineering to meet sight-line and safety requirements before installation.

Funding, fabrication and final installation dates will be finalized in contracting and permitting steps; Favela and staff discussed possible uplighting and the use of boulders and desert plantings to tie the work to Sunrise Mountain as context.

Favela’s design will move forward to the next administrative steps required for public art installation, including construction documents, foundation work and coordination with city departments.