Old Town Art

 

When most people think of Old Town in Albuquerque few things usually come to mind. Of course, there is the church, the plaza, lots of souvenir shops, and an abundance of restaurants. While there is nothing wrong with any of those, I enjoy Old Town for other reasons, and one of those aspects is all the art that is all over the place. Whether it is beautiful murals, or sculptures there is beautiful art hidden all around in the small walkways, or also visible large murals. So in between enjoying what Old Town has to offer always keep an eye peeled, it seems like every time I’m down there I find something new. But some pieces stand out more than others, so here are some of my favorite pieces of art in Old Town. 

Welcome to Old Town: Depending on where you park this mural might elude you, but even if you park elsewhere make it a point to see this stunning mural. This mosaic type mural shows the transition from day to night with flowers and vines as the focal point across the length of it. The colors are vibrant, and the mosaic allows different shades of the same color to be featured creating a gorgeous contrast. The size of it instantly draws the eye, and you find yourself staring at all the little details within it. Factor that right below it is a sign that says, “Welcome to Old Town,” making it a must see to anyone visiting the area. It is a beautiful, unique piece that pictures don’t do justice, it needs to be seen in person. 

The Mariachis: Church Street Café is a great building on its own with so much history being one of the oldest residences in Albuquerque, and it also happens to feature one of my favorite artworks in Old Town. The Mariachi sculptures. Easy to walk by, but if you are at the café look up on the roof to see three metal sculptures of a mariachi band. The only way to describe these sculptures is just fun, and quintessential New Mexico. The colors of the band are a terra cotta, with pops of color from the instruments they are playing. The other reason this is a must see is that sometimes they do change, like this past holiday they were all wearing Santa Hats and beards. It’s another fun and unique piece that is worth finding. 

The Cactus and Butterfly: Even public restrooms need great pieces of art, right? Well, that is exactly what is painted on that building, and it is bold, colorful, striking, and gorgeous. It starts with a cactus blooming a flower that is so vivid and detailed it draws in the eyes right away. The details on the cactus are so prominent with each thorn, and the flower blooming is beautiful and lifelike. The shading adds such depth, and each pedal was beautifully painted that each one is unique. Then as you look the right you will see a stunning Monarch Butterfly. The orange and yellow pop with the black, and it looks incredibly realistic. In between are geometric shapes that are bright, vibrant, and bridges the whole painting together. The first time I saw this I was awe struck at how beautiful it is, and again one I always make a point to see when I am there. 

Now while those are some of my favorites, there are many honorable mentions that I also enjoy. The metal flower sculptures are fun to seek out in one of the off the beaten path walkways. The Mary carved into the tree outside of the church is so subtle it is easy to miss like I did multiple times before finally seeing it. Also, there are subtle paintings and murals all over the place that I am sure there are some I haven’t even discovered yet. There’s something relaxing about just walking around Old Town and finding all the great hidden gems that are in the area. It just adds another level of greatness to a place I love, now hopefully I can find some more great art. 

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