Page about the "Italy in Arizona Award". The unique Italy in Arizona Award was created to celebrates and honor the achievements of Italians and their contributions to Arizona's economic and cultural growth. Every year, the Italian Honorary Consulate in Arizona will select the recipient and deliver this prestigious award conceived to bring together the entire Italian community of Arizona. The idea
behind the original design of the Italy in Arizona Award was to create a small, minimalist sculpture that represents both Arizona and Italy in one single object. The state of Arizona, often called the Copper State, is aptly represented by a very thick, solid copper plate and a centered, perforated cut-out in the shape of Italy, the inseparable influence of Italians in the heart of Arizona. The design decision to make a cut-through perforation, rather than engraving, gives the sculpture a much lighter look than a simple engraved, visually heavier plate. The base is made of very solid and strong marble-like rock to represent the solid foundation between Italy and Arizona. Award design credit: Antonio Larosa Design
