As the creative driver to make Fountain Hills one of the largest collections of public art in the Southwest, Jerry Miles is about to be honored for his contributions.

Miles has been instrumental in bringing more than 150 pieces of flat art, sculptures and fountains to the town. On Saturday, March 18, The Jerry Miles Sculpture Garden will be dedicated in his honor. The ceremony starts at 10 a.m. in the area between the Community Center and Fountain Hills Library. The event is open to the public.

The location is fitting; the first piece of art donated by Jerry and Jackie Miles is “Joy of Music,” a depiction of a group of lively people playing instruments and singing. It elicits a response of how happy music makes a person feel.

Apparently music is close to Miles’ heart. He tells about his love for music starting when he met Jackie, who is an accomplished musician.

“She started me on this hobby,” Miles said. “Jackie is a true inspiration.”

The couple recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

Miles said they will continue to help grow the town’s public art collection as long as his health enables him to do it and Jackie’s energy remains.

Miles credits others for the success of the public art program.

“Don’t underestimate the important work of Sandi Thompson,” he said.

Thompson is chair of the Public Art Committee working with nine other citizens on the planning and acquisition of art.

Miles also noted the importance of work done by the late Wally Nichols, a Fountain Hills mayor who supported the arts and helped the collection grow.

Miles said there are dozens of people in the community who love the arts and have brought Fountain Hills the reputation of being an important art community.

“We set a goal to get 10 new pieces of art a year,” Miles said. “We have well exceeded that goal and now have about 150 pieces in the community.”

A misconception about the collection is that the Town has paid for much of the local art. In fact, every piece has been paid for with donated funds and individual contributions.

“This is a very generous community,” Miles said. “The public has definitely benefited from this generosity.”

Under the auspices of the Fountain Hills Cultural and Civic Association, the public art collection can be viewed in its entirety at fountainhillspublicart.com.