Community Input Needed for Senior Center Security Gate Art Selection
Published on March 14, 2025
The Art in Public Places Board (APPB) is seeking valuable community input on the semi-finalists for a new security gate art installation at the Betty Ehart Senior Center. This commissioned artwork will not only serve a functional purpose—helping to secure the Senior Center's west stairwell—but will also enhance the aesthetics of the space, making it a unique public art piece that reflects the values and qualities that help make Los Alamos special.
In November 2024, the APPB put out a call for art proposals and received submissions for a security gate design that balances beauty and function. The selected artwork will be installed on the west side of the Senior Center, facing the proposed future site of the Mesa Public Library outdoor classroom.
Three semi-finalist proposals have been selected for community review and feedback. Your participation is crucial in helping APPB choose the final artwork that best represents the spirit of Los Alamos. We invite you to explore these designs and provide your thoughts via an online survey, which will remain open until Friday, March 28th, 2025.
Semi-finalist Proposals:
1. "Woven Land"
Price: $26,500
Artist: Celestino Crowhill (Albuquerque, New Mexico)
This piece features a set of forged rammed earth cubes on a pivoting hinge, creating an optical illusion of floating cubes. The rammed earth is a mixture of concrete, nontoxic adhesive, and soil from various New Mexico locations.
2. "Messengers"
Price: $23,000
Artist: Doug Czor (Albuquerque, New Mexico)
This design uses a stainless steel frame to support a perforated steel screen. Sandhill Cranes, welded onto the screen, depict the bird's life cycle, from chick to V-formation.
3. "Los Alamos Heritage Gate"
Price: $15,504.15
Artist: Jonathan Watson (Georgetown, Texas)
Made from steel tubing and plate with plasma-cut designs, this piece highlights the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Los Alamos. The design will feature three distinct layers that evoke the local landscape. We invite you to view the semi-finalists and complete the survey online. QR codes and links to the survey are available at the Senior Center, both Libraries, and on the APPB website. Your feedback will be invaluable in helping the board make an informed, community-centered decision.
Survey Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FQSBWQP
Thank you for your participation and support in bringing meaningful public art to our community!
For more information, please contact Chelsea Ashcraft at chelsea.ashcraft@lacnm.us or 505-662-8261.