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Santa Fe County finalizes public art plan for 240 Grant lobby; artist William Clift selected
Summary
County staff detailed a three‑phase public art program for the 240 Grant administration building lobby, and a selection panel chose William Clift’s "Vestiges of the Road" as the winning installation; the project budget and schedule were discussed.
Santa Fe County public works staff presented an update and selection process for a public art installation in the lobby of the 240 Grant administration building and reported the selection of artist William Clift for a hanging sculpture entitled Vestiges of the Road.
Staff said a $100,000 budget was set by Resolution 2015-1539 during construction of the building, and phase one and two installations were already completed: contemporary Spanish‑market artist Omar Gonzo produced stair pieces installed in 2024, and two Native American glass artists completed planter installations funded by Public Works in June 2025. The third phase, a hanging sculpture for the skylight bay, carried an artist fee and fabrication budget of $75,000.
Robert Lambert, Public Works, described the selection process: the county received eight proposals in response to a January call for artists, paid finalists $1,200 each for slide presentations and interviews, and had a review panel that included county employees, the building architect (Southwest Studios) and the public arts administrator from New Mexico Arts. Following interviews and committee scoring, the panel selected William Clift’s two‑piece installation, which aligns overlapping historic trail maps — the Camino Real and the Rio Grande Pueblo Trail — so they visually intersect at a “keystone” viewing point.
Commissioners asked logistical questions about lighting and installation. Commissioner Justin Green asked whether the work would incorporate the lobby’s chandelier; Lambert said the department would remove or adapt the current fixture if needed and coordinate lighting with the artist. Commissioner Lisa Kakari Stone suggested producing postcards or didactic materials showing finalist proposals to preserve and publicize work that was not selected; Lambert said the county will provide didactic materials and plans for visitor engagement (including signage such as a small “look up” prompt).
Lambert said artist contract terms include studio visits and milestone reimbursements; the anticipated installation date is November 2025, pending final contract execution and fabrication. The board did not take additional action beyond accepting the update and confirming the procurement process.
