Taos County Art and Artifacts Plans: Slow but Steady
For the last 18 months, the Taos County Art and Artifacts Review Committee has met and organized around the objectives set out by the Taos County Commission. Commissioners authorized a set aside from the construction of the Taos County Administrative, Detention, and Judicial Complex for public art in the courtyard area. A request for proposals will be released later in February or early March. Currently the committee is seeking donations of art that meet commission criteria of quality and cultural significance for interior spaces at the Complex.
Visitors to the Taos County Commission chambers have seen the historic WPA 1940s era photographs of the county, enlarged, printed, and paid for by Commissioners last summer. The County Commissioners also authorized the exhibit of historic photos in the old County Courthouse as a pilot program as well as opening up the old courtroom on an informal basis with its historic frescoes, a program being monitored by volunteers. County staff continues to remodel and improve the upstairs offices in the old Courthouse, while providing space for community cultural organizations, including the Taos Historical Society, etc.
The Art and Artifacts Review Committee has prepared drafts for grants to seek funding for the expansion of the historic photograph project for more exhibits in the Complex, Old Courthouse, community and senior centers throughout the County.
See press releases below for contact information if you would like to donate art or get involved with the project.
Press Release
Taos County Seeking Donations of Art and Artifacts for Public Display
As adopted by resolution NO. 2011-54, Taos County recognizes that art and artifacts should be displayed on public property at the downtown Complex and throughout the County.
The Taos County Commissioners and the members of the Taos County Arts and Artifacts Review Committee have established an art and artifact policy that commemorates the historic and contemporary qualities of the greater community’s values and identity. Through the display of art and artifacts, including objects, images, and documents of cultural significance, the
County celebrates the multicultural people and historic place that is Taos.
The County Commissioners and the Arts and Artifacts Review Committee seek loans and donations, exhibitions and events related to art and artifacts that celebrate individuals, neighborhoods, villages and towns. The Commissioners and Committee believe the public arts and artifact program will enhance education and amplify the Taos experience for visitors and residents.
In addition to the Taos County Administrative, Detention, and Judicial Complex, the Commissioners and Committee acknowledge the need for exhibits of public artifacts and art in parks, community and senior citizen centers, and county facilities.
The Commissioners and Committee strive for excellence in presenting policies of transparency, public accommodation, ethical and professional standards, communication and accountability.
Contact Person: Jeanna Elam, 737-6322 (Taos County)
Contact Person: Richard Sanchez, 779-7922 (Taos County)
Contact Person: Bill Whaley, 776-4115 (Public member) bwhaley@newmex.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT:
Michael G. Trujillo, Taos County Public Information Officer 575.737.6301/michael.trujillo@taoscounty.org
Taos County Arts and Artifacts Review Committee
Date: February 1, 2014
Contact: Stephen P. Archuleta, Taos County Manager
Taos County is seeking letters of interest from residents of Taos County to serve on the Taos County Review Committee under its Arts and Artifacts Policy. The Review Committee will be appointed by the County Commission to review and make recommendations on the acceptance and display of all proposed donations, displays or exhibitions of art and artifacts at the new Taos County Administrative, Judicial and Detention Complex and other County facilities. Members of the Committee, to the extent possible, should be familiar with one or more of the following: 1) Local history, traditions and culture; 2) Traditional or contemporary arts or public art; 3) Photography; 4) Architecture or design; 5) The appraisal, authentication or documentation of art, crafts, or historical artifacts.
Letters of interest to serve on the Review Committee should be submitted on or before February 28, 2014 to Stephen P. Archuleta, Taos County Manager, 105 Albright Street Suite G, Taos, New Mexico 87571, or emailed to stephen.archuleta@taoscounty.org
Taos County Public Art
Vision and Mission Statement
Vision
Taos County, as adopted by resolution NO. 2011-54, recognizes that art and artifacts should be displayed on public property.
Mission Statement
The Taos County Commissioners and the appointed members of the Taos County Arts and Artifacts Review Committee have established an art and artifact policy that commemorates the historic and contemporary qualities of the greater community’s values and identity. Through the display of art and artifacts, including objects, images, and documents of cultural significance, the County celebrates the multicultural people and historic place that is Taos.
Policy Values
The Commissioners and Committee believe the public arts and artifact program will enhance education and amplify the Taos experience for visitors and residents.
The County Commissioners and the Arts and Artifacts Review Committee seek loans and donations, exhibitions and events related to art and artifacts that celebrate individuals, neighborhoods, villages and towns of Taos County.
In addition to the Taos County Administrative, Detention, and Judicial Complex, the Commissioners and Committee acknowledge the need for exhibits of public artifacts and art in parks, community centers, senior citizen centers, and other county facilities.
As public representatives, the Commissioners and Committee strive for transparent procedures, public accommodation, ethical and professional standards, communication and accountability.
The Commissioners and Committee aim at excellence in presenting artistic creativity and educational programs and responsible stewardship of art and artifacts.