BY ADRIAN GOMEZ / JOURNAL ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
Public art has the power to inspire curiosity. It also encourages contemplation. Not to mention it facilitates dialogue. And it helps build community engagement by giving a sense of place.
This is the exact reason the Bernalillo County Public Arts Program continues to add to its collection. With over 450 public art pieces, the program’s purpose is to help energize public spaces, inspire thought, and transform live, work and play places.
As social distancing becomes part of the new normal, Kent Swanson, public art project coordinator, took some time to highlight five public art pieces around the county.
District 4
At Skyview Park, 1200 Andrea Circle NW, visitors will find “Gambel’s Quail.”
The bronze sculptures were installed in 2019 and were made by artist Tim Mullane.
Swanson says Mullane’s piece references Albuquerque’s diverse wildlife as Gambel’s quail are found throughout the Albuquerque area.
“You might spot a group of them when hiking the trails of the West Mesa or east mountains,” Swanson explains. “The work is playful and larger than life, and is perfectly situated in a small park just outside of Corrales. If you love bronze sculpture, this piece is a must-see.”
