Yarnell, Arizona: Shrine of St. Joseph of the Mountains

A Catholic shrine populated by statues made of concrete by starving folk artist Felix Lucero, who lived under a bridge in Tucson.

It's worth an optional donation, although there is no admission charge. There is a path to follow and plaques to read among lifesize statues of St. Joseph with carpenter's tools, the Last Supper, the stations of the cross, crucifixion, resurrection, etc., all made of concrete. It was built over several years by a guy who was "divinely inspired" among oak trees and granite boulders in the foothills a few blocks west of Yarnell, off highway 89. There is a sign on the highway. It is in a constant state of expansion. There are rest rooms, nearby picnic area, and a gift shop(?) and information center. Open during daylight hours.

Of interest even to a godless heathen such as myself. A peaceful pause in the shade. [Wendy Grady, 05/02/1999]

[RA: Built by the same starving artist who created the Garden of Gethsemane in Tucson.]