Euzhan Collins Phoenix AZ Death and Obituary – Euzhan Collins, a celebrated visual artist whose murals and paintings illuminated the streets of Phoenix, tragically passed away on May 5, 2025, at the age of 42. Known for his ability to blend abstract forms with desert imagery, Collins’s untimely death has left a profound impact on both the local arts community and the city of Phoenix. His work, which has become an iconic part of the urban landscape, captured the hearts and minds of residents, fellow artists, and art lovers across Arizona.
Born on August 14, 1982, in Phoenix, Collins developed an early passion for art. As a student at Central High School, he was introduced to graffiti art under the mentorship of his art teacher, Maria Sanchez. This early exposure set the foundation for his lifelong artistic journey. After high school, Collins pursued higher education at Arizona State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 2004, specializing in mixed media and large-scale installations. It was during his time at ASU that Collins honed his signature style—using vibrant colors and geometric shapes to reflect the rich natural landscape of Arizona.
Following his graduation, Collins quickly became known for his distinctive murals and public art projects. His most notable work, the “Sonoran Sunrise” mural on Roosevelt Street, is a sweeping depiction of the desert at dawn, capturing the region’s unique light and beauty. This piece, along with others, earned him numerous commissions from the City of Phoenix, and he completed over a dozen public art installations throughout the area. His style combined abstract forms with local desert motifs, a fusion that resonated deeply with both the urban environment and the natural world.
Beyond his public works, Collins was also a celebrated gallery artist, with solo exhibitions held at the Phoenix Art Museum and various galleries throughout the Valley. His 2018 exhibition, Desert Dreams, was particularly well-received, showcasing dreamlike canvases that explored themes of memory, transformation, and the relationship between urban life and nature. Art critics hailed Collins’s ability to evoke emotional depth through texture and contrast, securing his place as one of Arizona’s most innovative contemporary artists.
In addition to his artistic endeavors, Collins was a dedicated mentor and advocate for the local arts community. He frequently volunteered at schools, organizing community mural workshops where he guided aspiring artists and encouraged collaboration. Fellow artist Darnell Jackson recalled, “Euzhan believed art could connect people and transform neighborhoods. His passion for mentoring was contagious, and his legacy will continue through every piece of art he left behind.”
Collins’s death has left a significant void in the Phoenix arts community. He is survived by his parents, Lorraine and James Collins; his sister, Mariah Collins; and his partner, Rafael Ortega. A visitation will take place on May 11, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Serenity Funeral Home, followed by a memorial service on May 12 at 10 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, his family has requested donations to the Phoenix Community Arts Foundation to support public art and youth initiatives.
Euzhan Collins’s sudden departure marks the end of an era for Phoenix’s public art scene. His bold, beautiful murals will continue to serve as a reminder of his vibrant spirit and creative vision, transforming the city’s landscape for generations to come. While his loss is deeply felt, his artistic legacy will live on, inspiring future artists and residents alike.
