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SSCAFCAPublic Art Selection
Winner
The winning design for public art has been chosen for the Unser Boulevard corridor that serves as an entry into Rio Rancho, New Mexico’s third largest city. Artists from across New Mexico were asked to submit designs. Albuquerque artist Erica Hoverter’s design was selected at the July 27, 2011, meeting of the Southern Sandoval County Arroyo Flood Control Authority (SSCAFCA).The selection committee praised Hoverter’s use of recycled materials in the mural designs. The murals represent New Mexico scenes, including flora and fauna. The artwork will cover approximately 220 square feet on three 11 to 14-foot tall monument structures and an additional 100 square feet of artistic work along a portion of the 400-foot long wall structure being constructed for flood control.
The murals will be made from recycled tempered glass and permanently sealed surfaces, materials that are weather resistant and easily maintained. The monuments should be completed by December 2011 and will be maintained by the City of Rio Rancho (CORR).
Partnerships
The project was in collaboration with the CORR and the Rio Rancho Arts Commission (RRAC). “SSCAFCA’s partnership with the community, the City, and the Arts Commission has provided our residents with a remarkable gateway for everyone who enters Rio Rancho,” said Mayor of Rio Rancho Tom Swisstack.“This project combines function with an art component, truly adding to our community,” said Jay Hart, Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services for the City of Rio Rancho.
"A flood wall can be remarkably plain, so we felt responsible for making it beautiful and emblematic of the surrounding New Mexico landscape, particularly since this location is a gateway into Rio Rancho," said SSCAFCA Chairman Mark Conkling. "SSCAFCA is grateful for the leadership provided by the Rio Rancho Arts Commission in selecting the artist."
“This was the first project for the newly-formed Rio Rancho Arts Commission to be involved in,” said Linda Laitner, “and we are very pleased to have a project such as this happen within our first year.
Selection Committee Members & Information
The selection committee’s members included Linda Laitner, Project Manager, RRAC; Mark Conkling and Steve House, SSCAFCA; Jay Hart, CORR; Margaret Oster, RRAC; Peter Smith, Public Representative; and Carol Tulenko, Presbyterian Rust Medical Center.SSCAFCA is the agency responsible for providing flood and erosion protection for people and property in Southern Sandoval County. Many of those flood control measures also include trails and recreational facilities which add to residents’ quality of life.
SSCAFCA oversees 200 square miles, or nearly 128,000 acres of land, bordered on the east by the Rio Grande River, and on the west by the escarpment, the dividing point that drains rainfall toward Rio Rancho, Bernalillo and Corrales, instead of the Rio Puerco.