Dec 5, 2024 · Department of Cultural Affairs

ADVISORY: Recognizing New Mexico�s lifeblood and those who use it - National Hispanic Cultural Center, New Mexico Arts to unveil public art

The project is inspired by New Mexico's traditional acequias

View this email in your browser

Hi Everyone,

The National Hispanic Cultural Center (NHCC) and New Mexico Arts (NMA) are proud to unveil a public art project transforming a concrete planter on NHCC’s campus into a dynamic, three-dimensional mosaic inspired by New Mexico’s acequias. The Acequia Revitalization Project will be revealed to the public on Friday, Dec. 13.

Why: Acequias are the lifeblood of New Mexico, NHCC and NMA are proud to honor the generations of New Mexican men and women who use acequias to grow crops and feed their communities.

What: The Acequia Revitalization Project, aimed at reimagining the ‘Paseo Acequia,’ a concrete, above-ground acequia previously used as a planter on the east side of NHCC’s campus. In 2022, Albuquerque-based painter and muralist Reyes Padilla was selected for the project. Working with students from Apprenticeships for Leaders in Mosaic Arts (ALMA), Padilla transformed the Paseo Acequia into a colorful artwork showcasing the multicultural history of acequia use in New Mexico through mosaic and concrete stain. Inside, solar lights symbolize the ever-changing flow of acequias.

The project was commissioned through NMA’s Art in Public Places program, which enriches New Mexico’s public spaces through an innovative and diverse public art collection. Since it was established in 1986, the Art in Public Places program has placed more than 3,000 works of art in all of New Mexico’s 33 counties.

Who: During the unveiling, hear from Padilla and representatives from the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, NHCC, NMA, and ALMA about what makes this project special. Interview and b-roll opportunities available.

Where: National Hispanic Cultural Center, located at 1701 4th St SW. The Paseo Acequia is located directly south of the New Mexico Mutual Welcome Center.

When: 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13.

Please reach out if you’re interested in learning more or attending the unveiling.

Thanks, Stephen

Stephen Hamway stephen.hamway@dca.nm.gov (505) 412-3758

Thank you for your interest in NM Department of Cultural Affairs news and releases; you can always update your preferences or unsubscribe from these emails