Marana Discovery Series: Hiked It And I Really Liked It
If you have a passion for hiking and discovering new places, you’ll love Marana. It’s a place where outdoor adventures of all kinds are waiting for you.
From scenic strolls to challenging treks, from wildlife sightings to historical landmarks, Marana has it all. But don’t take our word for it. See for yourself why Marana is the ultimate hiking destination. Join us for our Discovery Series and Mural project, where we showcase the best of Marana through art and storytelling.
Our first theme is: Hiked it and I Really Liked It!
We’ve created stickers and other items to celebrate the amazing hiking trails in Marana. You will be able to pick them up at the Marana Visitor Center soon.Plus, we’ve commissioned a local artist to paint a stunning mural at the Wild Burro Trail. The canvas? The side of the restroom building!
The mural was painted by Joshua Woodhall, a talented local artist who was inspired by the beauty and diversity of the trail. He used an Impressionist style to capture the mood and atmosphere of the landscape. Impressionist style was developed in France in the mid-to-late 19th Century. Characteristics include small, visible brushstrokes.
Woodhall says: “In starting to work on murals I found too often that feeling was omitted for a more graphic appeal. My aim is to put fine art on walls, art that makes you feel. When I saw the extensive texture of the canvas, my mission actually became much easier. There was no way I would be able to make something look like it came straight out of a computer. Instead I used techniques I discovered studying the impressionists, just as though I were working at the easel. The piece captures the inspiration I received hiking the Wild Burro Trail at Tortolita Mountain Park”
Additionally, his art was inspired by art. The two stacked rock formations pictured in the mural create the entryway to the trailhead and were installed as part of the improvements to the area many years ago.
Do you see the roadrunner and gila monster? The desert creatures visited Woodhall while he designed and painted this artwork.
We invite you to visit the mural and trailhead to take in the art, and take pictures! Wild Burro is a 6.8-mile loop trail that explores the natural beauty and history of the Tortolita Mountains. Along the way, you can see crested saguaros, ancient petroglyphs, and picturesque ruins of old homesteads. You can pick up a trail map at the Visitor Center or click here to download one!
And don’t forget to share your photos and stories with us on social media using the hashtag #DiscoverMaranaAZ. We’d love to feature your “HIked It and I Really Liked It” story!
Joshua Woodhall is a 43 year old artist living and creating in Tucson, Arizona. He currently has a small sculpture studio in the Pie Allen Neighborhood and paints at home. He recently started a mural/restoration business with his father and is working on his fourth mural.
We're looking for additional artists for future projects! Email us to learn more: maranainfo@marana.com
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