PUBLIC ART AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION: In New Mexico and Taos, Yesterday and Today
The public program posted below for today, Sat. Feb. 7, is being hosted by the Taos Arts Council Art and the Art and Artifact Committee of Taos County in the Mural Room of the historic County Courthouse on Taos Plaza. Nothing could be more appropriate than meeting in Taos County’s best example of the New Deal era, both the Historic County Courthouse and the historic frescoes, created by four famous Taos artists in 1935.
Despite the challenges of the “Depression Era,” Americans pulled together to rise up out of the economic downturn in a remarkable display of compassionate concern for the survival of the nation and the community. The historic WPA photos of the era, displayed during last year’s Fall Arts Festival, now shown at the Taos County Administrative Complex, document the dignity and endurance of the enduring Taosenos. Visitors today frequently remark on the ability of the Roosevelt Administration to “get it right.”
Today’s discussions offer insights and anecdotes not only about the period but tips for those who would continue to preserve historic art and artifacts as well as where to look for resources to fund projects.
PUBLIC ART AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION:
In New Mexico and Taos, Yesterday and Today
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2015
9:00 am Optional: Walking Tour of Historic Plaza Rachel Preston Prinz Meet at the Gazebo, Taos Plaza
10:00 Sign In, Viewing of New Mexico’s WPA Public Art photo exhibition and Welcome Upstairs, Mural Room, Historic County Courthouse, Plaza
10:30am Programs & Services, Historic Preservation Division Karla K. McWilliams, Department of Cultural Affiars, NM CLG & Grants Program Coordinator
Historic Preservation of Taos County Courthouse, 1934 David M. Henry, AIA
Henry Architects www.henryarchitects.com
Acequia Study and Preservation in Taos Rachel Preston Prinz.
Founder, principal and educator. www.archinia.com
11:30-12noon Q&A
12:30 LUNCH (on your own)
2:00pm “New Deal Art and Architecture in New Mexico” Kathyrn Flynn, Executive Director National New Deal Preservation Association
3:00 Public Art Today: In the Hands of State, City and Visionaries
Opportunities at NMArts Chuck Zimmer, Deputy Director NMarts, AIPP Manager
City of Albuquerque’s Public Art Program Sherri Brueggemann, Public Art & UETF Program Manager
The Parachute Factory – A Makers Space Success Mariano Ulibarri,
Director of Parachute Factory
4:00 Q&A
5:00 Thank you & Announcements
Questions: Paul Figueroa, VP, Taos Arts Council 575-779-8579 www.taosartscouncil.org
This project made possible in part by New Mexico Arts, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts.