Commission approves CJCC proposal to place Coconino County photography in Superior Court
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Summary
The Beautification and Public Art Commission on Jan. 12 approved a proposal from the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council to purchase and install landscape photography in the Coconino County Superior Court to create a calmer, culturally responsive environment; Facilities will provide in‑kind installation and an MOU is being considered.
The Flagstaff Beautification and Public Art Commission on Jan. 12 voted unanimously to approve a Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) proposal to place photographic artwork in the Coconino County Superior Court.
"Court spaces are often very unfamiliar and really intimidating," said Diana Calandra, director of the CJCC, during a presentation that described the project as an effort to make the courthouse more welcoming and less anxiety‑provoking for defendants, jurors and visitors. Calandra said the images—shot locally—would reflect lands, parks and culturally significant places in Coconino County and would be displayed in main corridors and waiting spaces.
The CJCC noted that the Facilities Department has agreed to provide installation as an in‑kind contribution and that the CJCC will maintain an inventory of the artwork. Calandra said the group is exploring a memorandum of understanding between the county and the court to ensure the pieces remain in publicly accessible spaces and to acknowledge support from the City of Flagstaff's Beautification and Action Grant.
Commissioners asked about legal clearance and public access; staff confirmed the project "has gone through legal" and was "deemed publicly accessible." Judge Reed, identified as the presiding judge from the Superior Court and chair of the CJCC, was introduced and acknowledged as coordinating on the project.
The commission approved the proposal after a motion and second; a roll‑call vote was recorded as 'Aye' and the chair stated, "Motion carries." Commissioners discussed coordinating a public opening with the First Friday Art Walk to welcome the community once the artwork is installed.
The project description emphasizes cultural responsiveness, local imagery and educational opportunity for visitors to learn about regional landscapes. Staff said purchase of digital images will permit use across web and promotional materials. The commission did not specify a final installation schedule at the meeting; staff and CJCC representatives were asked to coordinate public launch details with the commission.
The commission will receive any follow‑up materials and an inventory plan as the project moves toward installation.