ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – A pair of unauthorized murals that popped up on an Albuquerque overpass were supposed to be removed. Now, the state may allow them to stay.
“This was a very extenuating circumstance,” said Public Information Officer Kimberly Gallegos for NMDOT District 3.
The two murals are along the concrete walls under I-25 at Lead Avenue.
On one side is a painting of large potted plants and a window. On the other, there are more potted plants and a polar bear. In April, NMDOT told KRQE the agency did not commission the art, and crews would be removing them.
“From working with maintenance in the past, I know that our rules are to paint over something like this, and it would be treated as graffiti for the maintenance handbook at NMDOT,” said Gallegos.
After the public rallied around the art, NMDOT decided to see about keeping it in place.
“We feel this is a good opportunity to work with local artists.”
NMDOT said the murals don’t contain any offensive images and meet the department’s criteria for showcasing natural and cultural imagery. They said if the artist can get support from a local government agency, and is willing to take responsibility for the maintenance, they will issue a permit.
“If it’s weathered or if it’s graffitied or painted over, it’s on the artist to actually get that maintained and back up to par.”
In the meantime, NMDOT said they will not remove it, and if the artist secures that permit, there is room to expand the art.
“We’re working together to be able to keep the mural so that the community can still see his wonderful artwork.”
Once the artist submits the necessary documentation, the permit will still need to be approved by the state traffic engineer.
NMDOT said this is the first time they have considered issuing a permit like this after an artwork is in place. The department added artists should always get permission beforehand if they are interested in creating public art.
Officials said the artist plans on sending in the proper paperwork soon.
