Artist presents two-panel mural concept for Surprise Regional Library

Adrian Ramirez, the artist selected for a Surprise Regional Library commission, presented a concept on Jan. 7 for two 8-by-24-foot vinyl-wrapped mural panels that pair a "writer" and a "reader" figure and weave Arizona-inspired imagery into a narrative composition.

Ramirez said the panels are conceived to work as separate pieces that also connect conceptually, and described the design as "a visual playground" with hidden details and clean, graphic lines to ensure legibility from a distance. "They're 8 by 24 feet," Ramirez said, adding that the installation will use illustrated vinyl so it does not require scaffolding during installation.

City arts staff explained the library selected the two center panels for visibility in the entryway and recommended a community-engagement plan that includes an artist talk and a collaborative painting workshop so local participants can contribute puzzle-piece elements to the final composition. A staff member noted sign-ups for public workshops will open after community-engagement materials go live.

Commissioners asked about color and lighting, panel placement and ways to visually link the two panels (examples suggested included a paper airplane or an ellipsis). The artist agreed to return with final renderings and to consult library staff on whether the panels could be repositioned or shown in mock-up form so the commission can evaluate sightlines.

Next steps: the artist will conduct community engagement, develop final designs informed by workshop feedback and provide renderings to the commission and library staff before installation.