Alberta & 'Alphabet Soup': A look at five public art works to keep an eye out for this Memorial Day weekend

May 26—The city of Albuquerque's Public Art Program dates back to 1978, when the Art in Municipal Places Ordinance was passed.

The purpose of the "1% for Art Ordinance" is to "promote and encourage private and public programs to further the development and the public awareness of and interest in, the fine and performing arts and cultural properties; to increase employment opportunities in the arts; and to encourage the integration of art into the architecture of municipal structures."

Projects in the program shall include an amount for works of art equal to 1% of the total construction cost of the project.

In the nearly 46 years, the city's public art collection continues to grow with new pieces being purchased and installed.

With the unofficial start of summer on Memorial Day weekend, Shelle Sanchez, director of the city's Arts and Culture Department, gives a quick take on some pieces to stroll by as the weather warms up.

"Summertime is a busy time for our public spaces and cultural institutions," Sanchez says. "Along with recreation, education, and gathering — there is also great public art outside and alongside many of these great summer destinations!"

Here are a five pieces Sanchez suggests to check out.

1. Albertosaurus Sternbergii (aka "Alberta") at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science

Albertosaurus Sternbergii (aka "Alberta") by David Thomas sits in the front of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science, 1801 Mountain Road NW.

The sculpture was made by Thomas in 1987.

"Albertosaurus Sternbergii (aka "Alberta") at the Natural History Museum provides a popular selfie opportunity as well as a sneak peek into the 'dinosaur museum' as it is often identified by 5-year-old patrons," Sanchez says.

2. "Icarus Sundial" at Explora

"Icarus Sundial" at Explora, 1701 Mountain Road NW, is located across the street from the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science. The sundial was installed in 2004. It was created by Gino Schiavone.

" 'Icarus Sundial' at Explora is a work of art perfectly situated to teach about the movement of the sun so that art and science greet visitors before they enter the museum," Sanchez says.

3. "Stalking Her Prey" by Reynaldo "Sonny" Rivera

"Stalking Her Prey" is a 3-foot-tall bronze mountain lion — a species often seen along the Rio Grande.

Rivera added a six-foot pedestal for the sculpture to give it some height.

It was installed at Alamosa Park, 1100 Bataan Drive SW, in April.

The sculpture replaced "Star Chair" by David Wagner, which was moved inside Westgate Community Center to keep the piece safe.

" 'Stalking Her Prey' by Sonny Rivera was recently installed at Alamosa Park just in time for summer picnics and perhaps pretend adventures with bronze wildlife," Sanchez says.

4. "Art Fence" at Tingley Beach

Tingley Beach is a beautiful getaway inside the city. There's fishing and some small trails to see. Along the way, there are plenty of public art pieces to see.

"Art Fence" was installed at the Tingley Beach Aquatic Park, 1800 Tingley Drive SW, in 2005. It was created by Susan Wink.

" 'Art Fence' at Tingley Beach is an example of art that is both beautiful and functional," Sanchez says.

5. "Alphabet Soup" at Erna Fergusson Library

With letters stacked on top of each other, "Alphabet Soup" at the Erna Fergusson Library catches some attention quickly.

The sculpture was installed at 3700 San Mateo Blvd. NE in 2005. The piece is created by Pete Beeman.

" 'Alphabet Soup' at the Erna Fergusson Library greets library patrons and encourages the thousands of residents that participate in the Public Library's Annual Summer Reading Program," Sanchez says.