Victorian Square Art
As part of the Together We See Sparks Creative Placemaking Plan, a vibrant new permanent art installation now brightens Victorian Avenue, located across from Victorian Plaza. Funded in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, this project marks a milestone in our City’s ongoing commitment to public art and community identity. The design by artist Jim Gallucci was chosen after months of public feedback and reflects the history and character of Sparks. After much public input, the artwork has been named The Spark.
Public Art Installation on Victorian Avenue
SPARKS, Nev. – A new permanent public art piece has been placed on Victorian Avenue. The project was partially funded through a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, which the City applied for in July 2022 and received in June 2023. The City commissioned artist Jim Gallucci to design, fabricate, and install the art piece.
The artwork is on the large pedestal across from Victorian Plaza, a location that previously housed a temporary sculpture and, before that, a prefabricated fountain.
“This new piece is a defining addition to Victorian Avenue, reflecting the spirit and character of Sparks,” said Parks and Recreation Director Nancy O’Connor. “Through extensive public input, we’ve ensured that the artwork represents the values of our community while also enhancing our cultural landscape.”
The selection process included a national Call for Artists, which garnered 142 submissions. The final selection was made after months of community engagement and review by the Sparks Arts and Culture Advisory Committee. The commissioned work aligns with the Together We See Sparks Creative Placemaking Plan, an initiative approved by the City Council in 2020 to foster community identity and economic development through the arts.
The $125,000 contract with Gallucci was approved by the Sparks City Council on Feb. 26, 2024. In addition to a $18,750 grant from the National Endowment of the Arts, the artwork was funded using $1,865 from the Public Art Fund and Victorian Square Room Tax Funds of $54,385 in Fiscal Year 2023 and $50,000 in Fiscal Year 2024. Victorian Square Room Tax Funds are restricted funds that can only be used to enhance downtown Victorian Avenue. The artwork was installed in March 2025.