City of Yuma’s Arts and Culture Division opens Adopt a Sun Program

The City of Yuma's Arts and Culture Division is introducing the Adopt a Sun Program, a new public art initiative centered on large, artist-designed sun sculptures inspired by Yuma's connection to the sun.

Through the program, individuals, organizations, and businesses can adopt a sun for one year and help bring original artwork to approved locations throughout the community. Each sculpture will feature a design created by an artist from the program's approved roster.

The Adopt a Sun Program is intended to create a sustainable way for public art to continue growing beyond initial grant funding. Through ongoing adoptions, the sculptures can feature new designs, reach different locations over time, and potentially help support the addition of more suns to the collection.

"Sunshine is closely connected to Yuma's identity, and this program gives artists and adopters a way to share that story throughout the community," said Ana Padilla, Cultural Affairs Manager. "Our goal is to build a program that can continue growing, bring public art into new spaces, and eventually share a little Yuma sunshine beyond our community."

Each fiberglass sun measures approximately six feet high, six feet wide, and three feet deep. Adopters will select an artist and design from the roster and may request minor modifications, such as color changes or the addition of a logo. The adopter and artist will then meet with Yuma Art Center staff to finalize the design.

Once completed, the Yuma Art Center will coordinate installation of the sculpture at an approved location for a 12-month display period. Each sun will be accompanied by a plaque recognizing the artist and adopter. Adopters may request a preferred location, subject to the requirements of the selected property or public space.

A one-year adoption costs $3,000. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis through the Adopt a Sun Program application.

At the end of the 12-month display period, the adopter may renew the adoption. If not renewed, the Yuma Art Center will retrieve the sculpture, prepare it for a new design, and make it available for adoption again.

In addition to adopters, the Arts and Culture Division is seeking artists who would like their designs considered for the Adopt a Sun Program artist roster.

Artists must be at least 18 years old and may submit up to three original designs inspired by community identity, innovation, local culture, or their personal artistic style.

Applicants must submit a résumé or biography and a color concept sketch or rendering. Submissions and artist qualifications will be reviewed through the selection process, with final approval provided by the Parks, Arts, and Recreation Commission.

Placement on the roster does not guarantee that an artist's design will be selected by an adopter. If selected, the artist will collaborate with the adopter, complete the approved artwork, and receive a $1,000 stipend after the design has been applied to the sculpture. Artists are responsible for providing the necessary materials and supplies. Studio space may be available upon request.

The first artist application deadline is December 11, 2026. Additional review deadlines are April 2 and August 6, 2027. Artists may apply through the Adopt a Sun artist roster application.

The Adopt a Sun program will officially launch during the Yuma Art Center's annual Art in the Park event, January 9 and 10, 2027.

For questions or additional information, email [email protected].