Students install tile benches and painted cabinets in Sahuarita through intergovernmental arts program

Teaching artist Joseph Poror (a former Sahuarita High School art teacher) told the board that a reduced-size summer program employed six students to design, glaze and install tile artwork on a locally manufactured concrete bench and trash can and to paint murals on traffic-signal cabinets.

“...we designed, created and installed tile artwork on a locally manufactured concrete bench from Mikey's Concrete and a concrete waste can and we designed and painted murals on traffic-signal cabinets,” Poror said. He listed locations for the newest installations: a bench and trash can on Pima Mine Road near the casino and painted signal cabinets at the Sahuarita Road intersections with Nogales Highway and with the western town boundary.

Poror described the work process — student design days, glazing and firing the tiles, adhering tiles with mortar and grout — and named students who contributed. He said the project relied on an intergovernmental agreement and grant funding administered by the Pima Association of Governments and the Town of Sahuarita; Poror told the board Sahuarita uses more of that grant funding than other municipalities in Arizona (claim stated by the presenter and not independently verified at the meeting).

Board members presented certificates and photographs were taken. The program leaders emphasized that the work must appeal broadly because the pieces are publicly visible, and they noted the summer program’s hours and working conditions for students.

Clarifying details recorded during the presentation: the program employed six students over roughly three weeks in June; tile-work was completed in classroom settings and site painting was completed outdoors; specific bench/cabinet locations were provided; funding depends on an annual intergovernmental agreement and is not guaranteed year to year.