John Waters, Courier-News Editor
ALAMOSA — Downtown Alamosa was abuzz Thursday with a block party celebrating the creation of three murals. The event was hosted by the Alamosa County Chamber of Commerce and Jade Communications.
The Alamosa Adventurer mural featured at the block party at 407 State Ave. was sponsored by Jade.
Alamosa Mayor Ty Coleman told the Valley Courier, “Murals are beautiful works of art that make people want to stop and observe. Murals are fascinating to me. I love looking at murals and the stories they tell.”
“We are fortunate to have talented artists who are willing to use their creativity on the mural project, and we encourage residents and visitors to come and see the murals. Our city appreciates the beauty the artists are creating in our Alamosa community,” Coleman said.
During the creation of the Alamosa Adventure mural, Shay Vanderbilt said, “It’s a great opportunity to work on this art that represents so much of Alamosa and the valley.”
The mural is part of the 100 Year Mural Project, which the Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring to paint 10 murals in Alamosa. Each mural represents a decade highlighting the work of local artists. The murals are intended to create a collage that will teach people about the history of Alamosa and the San Luis Valley.
According to Americans for the Arts, “Cities gain cultural, social, and economic value through public art. Public art is a distinctive part of our public history and evolving culture. It reflects and reveals our society, gives meaning to our cities, and gives our communities a sense of identity. Public art humanizes the built environment and enlivens public spaces. It provides an intersection of past, present, and future, disciplines, and ideas. Public art is freely accessible.”
Alamosa’s murals tell the city’s history from the last century, provide arts and entertainment for locals, and draw tourists who come to enjoy downtown.
The Public Arts Commission for the City of Amherst, Massachusetts, cites some compelling reasons why murals and other art benefit people and communities:
Public art belongs to the public. Everyone has access to public art. Public art is directly in the public realm and is not limited to galleries and museums. Public art enriches our physical environment, bringing vibrancy to streetscapes, squares, town buildings, and schools. Public art is a great tool for civic engagement, building social capital, and encouraging civic dialogue. It provides professional opportunities for artists and fosters an environment in which the creative class can thrive. Public art boosts local economies. Businesses supply materials and labor, and restaurants, hotels, and transportation companies benefit from places that attract visitors. Public art is an investment in placemaking that is measured in livability and quality of life, and it also creates community pride. Public art connects citizens to their neighbors and shared histories through documentation and celebration, making cultural heritage a tangible community asset. Public art can enliven the places where people work, increasing employee morale, productivity, and respect. Public art creates supportive learning environments. Public art opens eyes and opens minds. Engage students in an environment conducive to both learning and fun. Raise public awareness of important community issues such as environmental stewardship and respect for diversity.
The Valley Courier will report on when work begins on the remaining seven murals in a series of 10 murals depicting 100 years of Alamosa history.
