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My team and I just finished this “People Power Mosaic” mural at the Barelas Rail Yards in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The location has historical significance as one of the economic drivers that helped to build Albuquerque. I was educated by the city’s arts and culture team, as well as by stakeholders from several local communities, about the rail yards, the culture of Albuquerque, and symbols of New Mexico. A consistent point made was that the blue-collar workers at the rail yards, many of whom were Native and Latino, did back-breaking work that has not always been recognized for its contribution to building Albuquerque. The worker on the left of the mural is meant to convey the hard physical effort and dignity of those laborers. I did a good bit of research and found out that Albuquerque native Soledad Chavez de Chacón was the first Latina Secretary of State of New Mexico elected in 1922, 3 years after women won the right to vote. She was also the acting governor of the state for 2 weeks in 1924. I was excited to highlight an important figure in New Mexico’s progressive history. I also included symbols in the mural, many of which originate from Native American culture but are synonymous with New Mexico, such as the Roadrunner, turquoise jewelry, the Three Sisters mountains, and fabric patterning. All of these motifs connect to things that are meaningful to me spiritually, like respecting nature and the delicate balance of ecosystems on which all life depends. The Yucca bloom symbolizes beauty, sturdiness, and resilience in challenging environmental conditions. Based on many conversations with locals, the spirit represented by the Yucca bloom is represented everywhere. I’m incredibly grateful for the education and trust given to me to take on this mural and the kind welcome I’ve been given. Thanks to Mayor Keller, City of Albuquerque Arts and Culture,
Albuquerque Public Art, Rail Yards Market, Visit Albuquerque for their support and guidance. I also need to thank my team – Dan Flores, Rob Zagula, and Jon Furlong for their hard work alongside me for several long, hot days to complete this project. – Shepard
