Title:
Concrete Sculpture in the Sonoran Desert
Author(s):
Michael J. Paul
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
48
Issue:
7
Appears on pages(s):
41-43
Keywords:
Precast, decorative concrete
DOI:
10.14359/51751808
Date:
7/1/2026
Abstract:
James Franklin Savage, 1927-1967, was a sculptor of precast concrete that, to this day, adorns many buildings in Tucson, AZ, USA. Savage worked with what we now would call segmental precast concrete or cast stone, and his sculptural works featured a combination of ancient and modern symbols. This article highlights a selection of Savage’s notable works.
Related References:
1. “Savage, James F., sculptor,” Art Inventories Catalog, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, DC.
2. Warman, S.C., “Sculptor Seeks Symbol Ideas,” Tucson Daily Citizen, Apr. 20, 1963.
3. Pedersen, B.J., “Totem-Like Pillar a Bit of a Mystery,” Arizona Daily Star, Sept. 28, 2009, https://tucson.com/news/local/article_6e9ca48c-1b47-5e70-801c-87e3ff74174c.html.
4. National Register of Historic Places Registration Form, Sunshine Mile Historic District, State Historic Preservation Office, Arizona State Parks and Trails, Apr. 2020, https://www.tucsonaz.gov/files/sharedassets/public/v/1/city-services/planning-development-services/historic-preservation/documents/az_pimacounty_sunshinemilehistoricdistrict_form.pdf. (last accessed June 5, 2026)
5. Cruz, V.M., “Tucson Oddity: Tucson Library’s Portal Is Timeline of World’s Written Languages,” Arizona Daily Star, Sept. 1, 2014, https://tucson.com/news/local/article_f0688f85-c850-5b2c-b4ec-fbd4bf9c8e2d.html.