Identify as Public Art
What would the world be without art? Many different mediums of art touch the lives of people every day. Imagine our community without certain iconic art pieces. Imagine if all buildings were just boring boxes exactly all the same size, each painted beige, with none enhanced by the images of…
My Life As A Public Art Co-Op
Starting out, I didn’t know what to expect; I just knew I wanted to be able to do something that allowed me to express my creativity. In my first couple months of being here, I have gotten to experience so many different things and meet some kind people. Every day…
Who is ALICE?
No, it is not a drug reference or about a girl going down a rabbit hole. ALICE is an acronym forArtists +LibrariesInnovativeCollaborativeEntrepreneurship. The name is a nod to Alice Branigan, who founded the first Las Cruces city library in memory of her husband, Thomas Branigan. The Ask ALICE program is…
Art Stops Are Here!
After going through an artist call selection process, six original art works were chosen to be displayed at bus shelters throughout the City. The shelters were chosen based on their location (one in each City district) and accessibility for viewing by passing cars and foot traffic. We are proud to…
May the Creative Workforce Be with You
Public Art, in partnership with the Las Cruces Public Libraries (Library) and the City’s Economic Development department, will hold a series of “Art Smarter, Not Harder” workshops focusing on the business of being a creative entrepreneur. Artist Art Garcia presenting his proposal for Fire Station #3. Proposed topics include “Business…
Artists Rights Matter
Recently a community member took it upon himself to “restore” a mural that had been badly tagged. He posted his project on social media asking for community participation and financial support. This sparked a community wide outcry of support for someone taking action when the City, who owns the mural,…
Wherever You Go, You Are Here
I can’t remember how many times I went back to look at the small sculpture of a fish sitting on a couch. It was colorful and made of paper-mâché. The symbolism was satirical which appealed to my snarky humor. It was from an artist new to me – Stephen Hansen.…
Fall for Public Art
October is Las Cruces Public Art Month and we have lots to celebrate. The City Art Board and Las Cruces Public Art (LCPA) have been very busy this past year. The first ever “Art Stop” bus shelter art exhibit launches this month. Original artworks will be displayed at six bus…
History of a Park
There’s a neighborhood park that sits in the center of the Historic Mesquite District. It features the usual park amenities like a playground, picnic tables, a basketball court, baseball backstop, and game tables. What makes this park special, though, is its ties to the history of the people who have…
Creatively Connecting with Community
The City Art Board (CAB) is a seven-member volunteer board that serves in an advisory capacity to City Council on all matters related to Las Cruces public art. Members are appointed at large by the mayor and City Council for four-year terms. Christina (Tina) Ballew completed her four-year term recently…
