Los Alamos arts board declines to recommend purchase of Jeff Siegler painting

At a special meeting called by the Art in Public Places Advisory Board, members voted 0-4 not to recommend that County Council purchase Jeff Siegler’s oil painting "Boys of Pajarito Plateau," which the artist offered at a reduced price of $45,000.

The item drew several hours of public comment and board discussion. Staff member Chelsea presented the item’s history and said she had contacted the artist for a best-and-final price and compiled public comments; she told the board Siegler reduced his price to $45,000. Dozens of emailed comments and written responses were placed before the board, Chelsea said.

Why it matters: supporters argued the painting would help interpret Los Alamos history for visitors at Fuller Lodge and serve the board’s mission of building a local art collection. Opponents pointed to the cost and to community concerns about the painting’s visual association with Boy Scouts and with past abuse cases linked in public comment.

Public comment: Irene Powell, a docent at the Los Alamos Historical Museum, urged the board to buy the work and suggested a specific placement: "From where I stood, I looked across and could see an empty space above the fireplace in the Curtis room. I think this location above the fireplace would be perfect for the painting." David Hampton said he supported acquisition but recommended an appraisal as a prudent step: "I think that's good due diligence." Several other residents and local historians — including Stacy Gony, Mrs. Hall, Georgia Strickfadden and Nancy Bartlett — spoke in favor of the purchase, saying the painting helped tell the story of the Los Alamos Ranch School and belonged in Fuller Lodge.

Opposition and cost concerns: Resident Greg White questioned using taxpayer money for the work and urged private fundraising: "Do you wanna please the 10 to 12, or do you wanna please the 17,000 somewhat other residents of the county and not spend their taxpayer money on something..." He said those who favored the painting should contribute financially rather than ask the county to pay the full amount. Several written comments compiled for the board also referred to ties between the painting’s imagery and scouting organizations; one board member summarized having reviewed "over 35 comments" that objected specifically to those associations.

Board debate and vote: Board member Tim Foley moved that the Art in Public Places Advisory Board recommend County Council purchase the painting for $45,000; Jasmine Stevens seconded the motion. Board member Anna (last name not specified) said she had repeatedly opposed the painting and raised concerns about the timing and associations, saying in part that selecting the painting now "would be choosing, at this moment, while they are doing auctions to raise money for the abuse cases, to support Boy Scouts." After discussion, board members Anna, Tim Foley, Jasmine Stevens and Chair Andy (last name not specified) each voted no, and the motion failed.

Outcome and next steps: Because the board did not approve a recommendation, County Council will not receive an official purchase recommendation from the Art in Public Places Advisory Board. The board did not set additional follow-up actions during the meeting; staff compiled public comments and the artist’s revised price in the meeting materials.

The meeting also included unrelated public comment that was ruled off-topic by the chair; no additional agenda items were taken up at the special meeting and the chair closed the session after the vote.