A Guide to Albuquerque’s Public Art Scene: Murals and Sculptures
When you stroll through the vibrant streets of Albuquerque, New Mexico, you’re not just walking through a city; you’re walking through an open-air gallery.
With hundreds of murals and sculptures, Albuquerque’s streets burst with color and creativity, offering a delightful blend that vividly reflects the city’s rich culture. This isn’t just art for art’s sake. Each piece tells a story and contributes to the community’s identity.
Albuquerque’s commitment to public art is a testament to its creative spirit and cultural diversity. Through murals and sculptures, artists share the city’s history, pay homage to indigenous cultures, and celebrate modern narratives.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of Albuquerque’s most iconic public art, the artists behind them, and how these pieces contribute to the city’s vibrant community.
Why Public Art Matters in Albuquerque
Albuquerque’s devotion to public art dates back to 1978, when the city launched the Public Art Program through the Art in Municipal Places Ordinance. This program was designed to set aside a portion of city construction funds for creating public artworks. Today, this initiative has resulted in a diverse collection of murals and sculptures that adorn various public spaces.
Public art in Albuquerque plays a crucial role in fostering community pride and celebrating cultural heritage. It transforms ordinary spaces into places of interest, making art accessible to everyone. By bringing together artists from different backgrounds, the program creates a visual dialogue that resonates throughout the city, enriching the lives of its residents and visitors alike.
The 5 Most Iconic Murals and Sculptures in Albuquerque
1. “La Jornada” at the Albuquerque Museum
“La Jornada,” a renowned 33-piece bronze sculpture by Betty Sabo and Reynaldo “Sonny” Rivera, is located at the Albuquerque Museum in New Mexico. It depicts Spanish settlers, led by Don Juan de Oñate, arriving in New Mexico in 1598.
Commissioned for the Cuarto Centenario project, it commemorates 400 years since their arrival. Installed in 2005, it has sparked discussions about Spanish colonization’s impact on Indigenous communities.
In June 2020, the City of Albuquerque temporarily removed Oñate’s statue for public safety amid national debates on historical monuments. The remaining figures continue to prompt dialogue on history and representation.
2. “She Taught Us to Weave” by Nani Chacon
“She Taught Us to Weave,” a captivating mural by Nani Chacon, is on view in Albuquerque, NM, USA, as part of the Albuquerque Public Art collection. This mural, located along the rail corridor north of Mountain Rd, was created in 2012 using paint and is displayed on the streets.
The work explores the tools of sustenance and communication in our complex technological age. To amplify its message, a low-powered radio transmitter broadcasts the Navajo phrase “Hozho Nahaslii” on station 96.9, where “Hozho” represents the intrinsic value of living beautifully.
Nani Chacon, a Diné and Chicana artist, was born in Gallup, New Mexico, and raised in Chinle, Arizona, and Albuquerque, New Mexico. Her art journey began at age 15 with street art and graffiti, later transitioning to impactful mural art like “She Taught Us to Weave,” which explores Native peoples’ rights and cultural identity.
3. “Chevy on a Stick” by Barbara Grygutis
Standing at the intersection of Route 66 and San Mateo, the “Chevy on a Stick” is a whimsical sculpture by Barbara Grygutis. Unveiled in 1991, it features a 1950s Chevrolet covered with midnight-blue tiles atop a turquoise-arched 26-foot pedestal.
Despite initial controversy, where some labeled it “a monstrosity,” Grygutis remained unfazed, describing it as a reflection of American culture’s dreams and aspirations—putting cars on pedestals. The artwork, funded by the One Percent For Art at $75,000, continues to spark conversation and attract visitors, embodying Albuquerque’s love for nostalgia and innovation.
4. “Signs of the Times” by Larry Bob Phillips
“Signs of the Times” is a mural project led by Albuquerque artist Larry Bob Phillips and a collaborative group from Central New Mexico Community College. The artwork harnesses traditional sign painting to explore urban identity in Downtown Albuquerque.
By blending historical narratives with contemporary culture, the mural pays homage to the skilled sign painters of the past half-century and resonates with a poetic optimism.
Larry Bob Phillips, who holds a BFA from the Kansas City Art Institute and an MFA from the University of New Mexico, has exhibited his work nationally and internationally. He continues to live and work in Albuquerque, contributing to the city’s vibrant art scene with large-scale mural projects across the Southwest.
5. “Aluminum Yucca” by Gordon Huether
Greeting travelers at Albuquerque’s Route 66 Gateway is “Aluminum Yucca,” a striking sculpture by Gordon Huether. Part of the Albuquerque Public Art collection, this piece stands at the city’s entrance.
Installed in 2003, it uses reused aluminum fuel tanks to represent a yucca plant, New Mexico’s state flower. Its shiny surface, made from polished aircraft parts, is illuminated with changing lights at night, reflecting the Air Force’s historical significance in the area.
Near Kirtland Air Force Base and Sandia National Laboratories, it embodies Albuquerque’s innovative spirit. This artwork is part of the city’s 1% Art initiative.
Albuquerque’s Artful Streets: Discover the Stories, Color, and Creativity
Albuquerque’s public art scene offers more than just visual appeal—it tells the city’s stories, connects people, and inspires creativity. From intricate murals that honor cultural history to sculptures that celebrate modern innovation, each piece invites us to explore the city’s soul.
Take a leisurely walk through Albuquerque’s neighborhoods and immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and powerful narratives that define its streets. Whether you’re a local art enthusiast or a curious tourist, there’s always something new to discover in the city’s public art.
Albuquerque’s murals and sculptures are not just decorations; they are expressions of identity, culture, and creativity. They invite us to see the world through the eyes of the artists and connect us to the heart of the city. Embark on a visual adventure and experience Albuquerque’s artful streets for yourself.