Some of the most stunning public art I've come across in my travels -- whether by bicycle, in a car, plane, boat, anything, anywhere -- has been in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This very exciting and progressive city prides itself on its art. If I'm not mistaken City Fathers and Mothers fund a separate line item in the municipal budget so they can keep the public art investment going.
What you see in this post are fotos from an installation at the Albuquerque Museum. It's part of the "la Jornada" cuatro centennario (4 centuries ) project by Reynaldo "Sonny" Rivera and Betty Sabo.
The City's Public Art program chief, Sherri Brueggermann, is a passionate, tireless advocate for the kind of work you see in these fotos. Somehow she finds to teach at the University of New Mexico, too.
Sherri explained that public art benefits a city in any number of ways.
For instance, "La Jornada" is a powerful tourist attraction. And that translates into revenue for ABQ.
Great art pleases residents, as well, and generates a special, priceless civic pride.
And it's not hard to imagine that headline making public art serves as a magnet for creatives of all persuasions: writers, filmmakers, painters, sculptors, poets, photographers, performance artists, the gammut.
Hats off to Sherri and her city. Keep up the inspiring work.
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