Foothills Branch Library
19055 N. 57th Avenue
(57th Avenue and Union Hills Drive)


24 Hours in the Sonoran Desert
Artist: Melissa Paxton
Laminated glass mural
Completed: 1999

The imagery for this mural reflects the plant and wildlife of the Sonoran Desert over a twenty-four hour timeline. The imagery is carved in reverse into the back of the glass panels, leaving the front of the panels smooth and un-carved. During the day, the mural is lit with natural sunlight; at night, the mural is lit with artificial lighting for optimal viewing. The image of the owl above is only one the many animals in the mural.

Melissa Paxton has been creating fine art in glass for over 25 years. Her areas of expertise cover the full spectrum of art glass techniques including kiln-forming, sand-carving, painting, laminating, and metal gliding. She has completed hundreds of custom commissions, both private and public. She currently lives and works in Texas.