Albuquerque Has Made Quite an Impression With Public Art
A city full of public art. It’s something most communities dream of. In Albuquerque‚ those dreams are an eye-popping reality.
In fact‚ art is so important in this Southwestern metropolis that 1 percent of all city construction funds go toward public art. That works out to be about $750‚000 that is earmarked for art projects each year.
“We have always had an activist community of artists‚ so we were one of the earliest cities in the nation to have a public art program – it began in 1979‚” says Catherine Gore‚ manager of the city-run Albuquerque Public Art Program. “The city now has more than 500 works of art‚ and each major project we approve these days costs around $100‚000 to $250‚000 to complete.”
One of the latest works on display is a colorful‚ milelong retaining wall that lines Unser Boulevard on the city’s west side. The project is the work of inter nationally known artist Jack Mackie.
“Art is sprinkled throughout Albuquerque – it’s everywhere‚” Gore says. “For example‚ there are 30 works at the Albuquerque Rio Grande Zoo that enhance the visitor experience. There is a set of bronze lions that kids can climb near the lion cages‚ while doors you pull open at the aquarium have handles shaped like big fish. In addition‚ the restaurants feature beautiful stained glass and carved wood. That’s what Albuquerque public art is all about.”
Gore says the public art program began decades ago with several works by famed sculptor Barbara Grygutis‚ although some of her works were considered controversial at the time.
“With art‚ we kind of expect contro versy in a way‚ but honestly‚ an average of only 5 percent of people are against the sculptures that go on display‚” she says. “In the case of Barbara Grygutis‚ a couple of her works that were deemed controversial 25 years ago are now some of Albuquerque’s most valued treasures.
“That’s the question with public art – do we build drab‚ concrete sidewalks or do we create artistic landscapes that show what our community is all about?” Gore asks. “I’m thankful that Mayor Martin Chavez and city officials are vocal backers of public art in our historic city.”
One sculptor who has done several granite pieces for Albuquerque in recent years is Jesus Moroles. He began in 1984 with a large fountain called Floating Mesa that sits in front of the Albuquerque Museum of Art & History‚ and he recently completed sculptures that are on display at the New Mexico Veterans Memorial in Chacon Park.
“I did a sculpture called The Fallen Friend that honors veterans who have died for our freedom‚ and one called Battlescape that portrays the ruins of war‚” Moroles says. “I also just completed a meditation wall that is located in the garden at the National Hispanic Cultural Center. Obviously‚ I have enjoyed my association with Albuquerque. It’s a beautiful city that appreciates art.”
Another sculptor who has work on display is Reynaldo “Sonny” Rivera‚ who helped create a sculpture called Cuatro Centenario that graces a busy street corner in front of the Albuquerque Museum of Art & History.
“Cuatro Centenario captures the Spanish struggle and quest to settle the new frontier of central New Mexico more than 400 years ago‚” Rivera says. “It is a powerful sculpture that shows oxen pulling carts‚ with the carts pushed by men in order to get through the deep sandy ruts of the historic Camino Real road. It was a pleasure working on this sculpture for the city of Albuquerque‚ where I am proud to be one of its citizens.”
