About Tempe Tales

Tempe Tales is a public art project executed by the Downtown Tempe Authority in coordination with the City of Tempe. Tucson artist, Mark Rossi, was commissioned to bring the original 14 jackrabbits to life. In addition to the larger-than-life jack rabbits at Centerpoint Plaza, there are currently 12 of Rossi's life-size wanderers installed throughout Downtown Tempe.

The Tempe Tales project is an effort to enhance the street-level experience in Downtown Tempe and encourage pedestrians to engage with their surroundings. This public art project turned Scavenger Hunt is an opportunity for Downtown Tempe residents and visitors to be both curious and inspired by the environment in which they stroll, taking just a few moments to explore these whimsical additions to Downtown Tempe’s streetscape.

Start Your Hunt!

Hi There! Did you know that Jack Rabbits are native to the desert? There's quite a few hiding throughout Downtown Tempe. Can you find us all? Don't worry! I'll give you some clues!

JAYNE

JAYNE Couldn’t resist hopping under this canopy and nestling into the most perfect rock. The smells of deliciously curated food from around the corner are sparking ideas of romantic evenings and catching up with old friends. If Jayne is late to her next engagement, she’ll know exactly what her Alibi will be!

JASPER

JASPER is always on time for his afternoon snooze in the shade, but when the clock above strikes 4—and 2pm on weekends—you might see him trade this shady ledge for a more exciting Hideaway.

JACQUE

JACQUES wants nothing more than to invite you into his newfound favorite bistro right off Mill Ave. He’ll tell anyone within earshot it reminds him of his childhood taking trips to the French countryside, sitting in outdoor cafes and eating brie and good bread by the pound.

JUDGE

JUDGE is not one to judge a photobomber, so don’t judge him in return when he hops in your photo of this iconic downtown landmark. Hops away from Tempe Town Lake he loves watching the sky turn pink against the sparkling Mill Bridge lights from this cozy garden perch

JEMMA

JEMMA is a bit more timid and likes to be off the main drag. She likes to stay near the water fountain at this popular hotel where she can greet guests and take a dip on hot days.

JULIET

JULIET is keeping her cool but might have overdone it on her latest hike up A Mountain. She’s on her way to the closest restaurant to replenish-- she’s sure it’s nothing a good meal won’t cure. But just in case she’s happy her membership at this custom medical experience is so close as hand!

JADE

JADE likes to watch the buses and people come and go as she stretches on her favorite flower bed. She is considered a resident at this downtown inn.

JENSEN

JENSEN doesn’t miss a beat in the hustle and bustle of Mill Avenue. He loves watching people cross on their way to the office or class and smelling the sweet aroma of visitors creating fragrances all day long and revolutionized ice cream cones being baked!

JOEY

JOEY is such a delight (and avid coffee drinker) that he’s already gotten two coffee spots to change their name in his honor. After his usual heaven-sent 2pm caffeine boost he snuck across the street from one of his usual hopping grounds to sniff out the latest gossip on ASU’s who’s who and what’s what—and see if they carry those Hawaiian shirts in his size!

JAKE

JAKE is not a dropout, but he can be a bit misunderstood and mysterious, so they get along just great. By the time you’ve watched a few trains go by with him—Jake’s favorite thing to do—any wrong impression will have melted away into dreams of fun culinary adventures together.

Thank You

Thank you to all of the generous sponsors of the Tempe Tales project and their continual support of Downtown Tempe. Because of their financial commitment, our organization is able to provide public art, a free family activity and an improved pedestrian experience for residents and visitors in Downtown Tempe.

*If you are interested in sponsoring the expansion of Tempe Tales or future public art projects in Downtown Tempe, please contact ally@downtowntempe.com