When I first started as the public art coordinator, I remember hearing about cab this, cab that while in training. In my head, I thought “what is this cab? Does public art have a cab?” Not wanting to admit ignorance, I did a search for “public art cab”. Lo and behold, “City Art Board” popped up. CAB is an acronym! Yes, I can be a little slow at times. Afterall, it’s only the Board I work with.
The City Art Board, or CAB as we insiders refer to it, is a volunteer advisory board to the Mayor and City Council on public art matters. It was established in January of 2013 by City Ordinance after years of organizing by an ad hoc committee advocating for public art in the City.
This group of public art pioneers was made up of visual artists, gallery owners, business owners, art hobbyists, and other enthusiastic community members. They appreciated the artwork on City property, such as the water tank murals, the iconic Recycled Roadrunner, and many murals and sculptures located in parks throughout the City. They also saw a need to formally manage the future acquisition of public art for the City of Las Cruces as well as taking care of the art already in place.
Fortunately, City officials recognized the importance of public art in improving quality of life and supporting economic development and cultural tourism. Under the guidance of the original ad hoc committee, they established the CAB to advise City Council on matters relating to public art.
Working with the Parks and Recreation Department, the CAB quickly dove into its purpose of assisting staff with the development of guidelines, programming, and administration of policies, rules and regulations. They begin to make recommendations to the city council regarding acquisition and commissioning of public art installations. The first public artwork commissioned with the CAB’s recommendation was Pride by Karen Yank, located at the East Mesa Public Safety Complex in 2018. In 2019, the CAB selected Debbie Dickinson to design Endless Passage, which is now installed on City Hall’s lobby pillar. Since then, the CAB has recommended many selections for new additions to the City’s collection.
The CAB also helped staff draft and recommend funding mechanisms for the public art program, such as a resolution allocating 1% of Capital Improvement Project funds which funded Cloud Cover by Arturo Garcia on the tower of Fire Station 3, and Sun Shelter by Vito DiBari at the new expansion of the Mesilla Valley Animal Shelter. CAB also advocated for the passage of the 2% for art ordinance which allocates General Obligation Bond (GO Bond) funding toward public art projects. There are currently five public art projects in various phases of production because of the current GO Bond allocations.
It might seem like all the CAB members do is look at pretty art and choose the one they like best. Not even close. The work of the CAB can be fun, but it is also very serious and carries a lot of responsibility. It is the CAB’s job to advise on how best to use tax payer dollars to accomplish the goals of the Las Cruces Public Art program. That includes not only beautifying Las Cruces but also finding ways to grow the creative industry so artists can thrive in their professional careers. That leads to a viable art community that will attract visitors to our City by making it an art hub of the Southwest.
Being a member of CAB can be a wild ride with twist and turns, ups and downs, slow times and fast times, but man, the destination is so worth it.
If you are interested in applying to be on the City Art Board, go to the City Clerk’s Office website.
