Los Alamos APP reviews public‑art survey, considers moving mosaic and maintenance plan

At a recent meeting of APP (the Arts & Public Projects advisory group), members discussed results from a public‑art survey, several pending contracts and procurements, and next steps on maintenance and potential relocations for existing pieces.

The group reported that the main public‑art survey has received 179 responses to date; a secondary survey about seven specific artworks has 73 respondents and an image‑recognition question has 53 responses. Members said the most popular project types among respondents were murals and functional art (for example, improved bus stops), and the top themes were nature/environment, with whimsical/playful themes also ranking highly. Several respondents described the survey as too long.

APP staff said they had identified four finalist artists for a police‑station art/stipend program; one finalist, artist Carrie Quaid, withdrew after accepting another commission and citing rising bronze costs. One finalist waived a stipend because the work was already complete. Members said procurement and contract language for artist stipends and installations remain in process.

Staff updates reported multiple projects in procurement or legal review: a Justice Center wall mosaic contract has been drafted and sent to the county legal department for review; a Nature Center sculpture contract was sent to legal on Oct. 10; and a Senior Center security‑gate contract and a separate installation contract for gate installers are being prepared. Staff said timelines aim for installations as early as December (subject to contracting schedules and contractor availability).

APP members discussed Pollyanna (a library front improvement) and the Amanda Jaffe installation at the Leisure Lagoon, noting a small ribbon cutting and positive community response. A proposed relocation of the White Rock Pottery installation and other pottery items remains under discussion; staff will provide updates when available.

A recurring item drew extended discussion: a mosaic known locally as the “clowns,” currently sited at the library. One APP member proposed relocating the mosaic to the North Mesa ball fields to better match its original context in the town’s baseball history. Members discussed the need to research the work’s provenance and whether moving it would damage the piece. The panel agreed to create a working group to explore feasibility, consult the artist and conservators, and coordinate with County Parks & Recreation and any ongoing site redesigns for North Mesa Recreation Site. APP staff also said they had contacted the conservation contractor (referred to in materials as Pacific Coast/Conservation) and expect a written response next month about the potential effects of moving the piece.

On maintenance, APP reviewed a report prepared by a conservation consultant and noted that for at least one piece (referred to in meeting comments as “Tranquility”) the conservator recommended not performing an invasive full cleaning and instead allowing the piece to age unless APP directs otherwise. Members asked staff to request additional information from the conservator, including any estimated remaining life span and a breakdown of maintenance labor hours and costs per piece.

APP also discussed the county’s art archive software contract, which staff said expires in May 2026. Procurement has initiated a request for quotes; the archive vendor has been invited to submit a quote and staff will present results when received.

Administrative items: members moved and approved a motion to accept the minutes from the prior meeting (motion recorded on the meeting record; outcome recorded as approved by voice vote). APP confirmed meeting date changes for November and December: November will meet on Nov. 20 and December on Dec. 18 (third Thursdays), per the schedule announced at the meeting.

Members asked staff to return next month with: (1) a merged analysis of survey results and the conservation report to inform a maintenance/ deaccessioning plan; (2) updates from legal and procurement on the Justice Center mosaic, Nature Center sculpture and stipend contracts; and (3) the conservation contractor’s written assessment about the feasibility and risks of relocating the clowns mosaic.

The meeting adjourned at 6:28 p.m.