Bernalillo County has named six finalists for the New Mexico COVID Memorial Public Art Project. The announcement follows a multi-phase public art selection process.
The artists chosen to design six perforated metal panels for the memorial are Honor Heindl, Daniel Olivas, Lea Anderson, Sean “Rising Sun” Flanagan, Joe Ray, and Ben Harrison.
Maquettes created by each finalist are currently displayed at BernCo @ Alvarado Square, located at 415 Silver Ave. SW. The public can view these designs until January 28. The Bernalillo County Commission is scheduled to consider the project on January 27.
Once approved, fabrication of the memorial panels will begin soon after.
The selection committee included members from the New Mexico COVID Memorial Committee, Mesa del Sol Neighborhood Association Board, Bernalillo County Arts Board, as well as the project’s landscape architect and Parks and Recreation staff involved in the project.
According to officials, “The New Mexico COVID Memorial Public Art Project honors lives lost during the COVID-19 pandemic and recognizes the collective impact of the pandemic on New Mexico communities.”
For more information or to see photos of the winning maquettes, visit the memorial’s website here.
In related news about county affairs, the District Attorney of Bernalillo County has expressed frustration regarding suspects who violate GPS monitor rules and return to the streets despite court orders. One recent case involved Jawid Yaqubi in Albuquerque who was accused of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon but was released pending trial after a judge’s decision.
