Bobby Zokaites Wins US Water Prize for Public Art

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The public art installation 'A Time Machine Called Tinaja' features glowing arches and desert landscaping to promote water awareness.

News Summary

Bobby Zokaites has received the 2025 US Water Prize for his innovative public art installation, ‘A Time Machine Called Tinaja.’ Unveiled at the One Water Summit, this project was created in partnership with the City of Phoenix Water Services Department, transforming a vacant lot into a vibrant community space. The installation features glowing arches that symbolize the flow and memory of water, enhancing public awareness of water issues. Zokaites emphasizes the role of art in fostering community connections and environmental engagement.

Phoenix – Bobby Zokaites has been awarded the 2025 US Water Prize for Outstanding Artist for his innovative public art installation titled “A Time Machine Called Tinaja.” The recognition was presented during the One Water Summit held in Pittsburgh, a gathering that celebrates advancements in understanding and managing water resources.

The installation, developed in collaboration with the City of Phoenix Water Services Department and the Office of Arts and Culture, transforms a previously vacant lot at 73rd Avenue and Crittenden Lane in Maryvale, Phoenix. This area is close to El Oso Park and serves as a pedestrian corridor and community gathering space.

Designed to enhance public awareness of water issues, “A Time Machine Called Tinaja” incorporates various artistic elements that reflect the history and importance of water in the region. The installation features two glowing blue arches that symbolize the movement and memory of water, visually connecting audiences to their shared heritage and environmental significance.

The surrounding landscaping is carefully crafted to echo the desert’s ecological and agricultural legacy, creating an immersive experience for visitors. The name “Tinaja” refers to natural basins found in desert areas that hold seasonal water, making it a fitting title reflecting the installation’s themes.

Zokaites expressed that receiving the award highlights the transformative power of art in fostering connections between communities and vital resource issues. Local high school students were involved in the project, contributing insights that inspired key design elements centered around their community experiences. This approach emphasizes the project’s intent to connect various stakeholders, including students, residents, and water professionals.

During the presentation of the award, Mitch Menchaca, the Director of the City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture, commended the installation for its ability to transform civic spaces. Zokaites is well known for his large-scale public artworks that encourage community interaction and convey local stories and values.

“A Time Machine Called Tinaja” was completed in 2020 as part of a concerted effort by the City of Phoenix, involving the collaboration of the Water Services department, the Office of Arts and Culture, and Dig Studio. It stands as a testament to the role of public art in promoting environmental awareness and community engagement.

For further information about Zokaites and his body of work, additional resources can be found online. More details about the US Water Prize and its mission to recognize excellence in addressing water challenges are also available through its official channels.