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Commission approves $50,000 murals for MLK Soccer Complex; artist Jesse Melanson selected
Summary
The commission approved a $50,000 public art project for two murals at the MLK Soccer Complex, funded from the city's public art allocation. Daniel Russell and the Hobbs Public Arts Advisory Committee described the murals and protective coatings; commissioners supported the installation as a South Hobbs initiative.
The Hobbs City Commission approved Resolution 77‑39 to install two murals at the MLK Soccer Complex, a project presented by Assistant City Manager Todd Randall and Daniel Russell, chair of the Hobbs Public Arts Advisory Committee. The commission heard that funding for the $50,000 project is available within the city’s reestablished public art allocation and that the artist, Jesse Melanson, is expected to complete the work in about a month, weather permitting.
Daniel Russell described the murals’ placement on two buildings—one featuring a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., "The time is always right to do what is right," and the other using a soccer goal motif and local imagery intended to celebrate community and unity. Committee members said the murals are highly visible at the MLK complex and could create a community entry point and a selfie destination. Russell and committee members noted that the artist has experience in Hobbs and intends to apply protective coating to mitigate vandalism; the committee said they will return for approval of additional phases.
Commissioners thanked the committee and emphasized the artwork’s potential to beautify South Hobbs and support community identity. Commissioner Fields moved to approve the resolution; Commissioner Mills seconded; the commission voted unanimously to adopt the project.
City staff said no additional procurement exception was required beyond the public art exemption in the city's procurement policy, and that the $50,000 cost is within the committee’s available funds. The committee described plans to coordinate schedule and weather windows and to bring future phases back to the commission for approval.
