Albuquerque's Public Art Program: A 45-Year Legacy of Cultural Enrichment

The City of Albuquerque's Public Art Program, established in 1978, has been a cornerstone of the city's cultural landscape for over 45 years. With a growing collection of installations, the program continues to promote public awareness and interest in the fine and performing arts.

This summer, Shelle Sanchez, Director of the city's Arts and Culture Department, has highlighted five notable public art pieces for residents and visitors to explore. These pieces are strategically located across the city, offering a diverse range of artistic experiences.

First on the list is 'Albertosaurus Sternbergii,' affectionately known as 'Alberta,' situated at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science. Created by David Thomas in 1987, this sculpture is a popular selfie spot and provides a glimpse into the museum's dinosaur exhibits.

Next, the 'Icarus Sundial' by Gino Schiavone, installed in 2004 at Explora, serves both artistic and educational purposes. The sundial teaches about the movement of the sun, greeting visitors with a blend of art and science before they enter the museum.

At Alamosa Park, the recently installed 'Stalking Her Prey' by Reynaldo 'Sonny' Rivera captures the majesty of a bronze mountain lion. This 3-foot-tall sculpture, perched on a six-foot pedestal, invites park-goers to engage with the wildlife-themed artwork.

The 'Art Fence' at Tingley Beach, created by Susan Wink in 2005, exemplifies how public art can be both beautiful and functional. This installation not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the area but also serves a practical purpose as a fence.

Lastly, 'Alphabet Soup' by Pete Beeman, installed in 2005 at the Erna Fergusson Library, greets library patrons with a whimsical display. This piece encourages participation in the library's Annual Summer Reading Program, making it a favorite among visitors.

Shelle Sanchez emphasizes the importance of these installations, noting that summer is a busy time for public spaces and cultural institutions. *'Along with recreation, education, and gathering — there is also great public art outside and alongside many of these great summer destinations!'* she says.

The City of Albuquerque's Public Art Program, guided by the '1% for Art Ordinance,' continues to enhance the city's cultural fabric. By allocating 1% of the total construction cost of municipal projects for works of art, the program ensures that public art remains an integral part of Albuquerque's identity.

Summer season unfolds, residents and visitors alike are encouraged to explore these highlighted pieces, experiencing firsthand the diverse and dynamic public art that Albuquerque has to offer.

Key Takeaways

• Albuquerque's Public Art Program has been promoting public awareness of fine and performing arts for over 45 years.
• The program has highlighted 5 notable public art pieces for residents and visitors to explore this summer.
• The featured art pieces are located across the city, offering diverse artistic experiences.
• The program is guided by the '1% for Art Ordinance', allocating 1% of municipal project costs for public art.
• The public art pieces enhance the city's cultural fabric and identity.