ABQ Times

Art student Angel Estrada from The University of New Mexico is collaborating with children at Lew Wallace Elementary School on a project to enhance the streets of Albuquerque. Estrada, who will graduate in December with a bachelor’s degree in Arts Education, moved to New Mexico in 2021 following the advice of his mentor, Santa Fe potter Romig Streeter.

Working alongside art teacher Tanya Silva at Lew Wallace Elementary School, Estrada is involved in an Albuquerque Public Schools initiative supported by the City of Albuquerque. The project aims to beautify the downtown landscape through unique student-created designs that will be displayed along a trail throughout the area.

“I am interested in the lenses of visual culture and community-based art education when thinking about my teaching style, so this project is right up my alley,” Estrada stated.

Estrada became involved with the project when UNM paired him with Silva. “We were a great fit after meeting,” he said. Last year, Lew Wallace collaborated with Amy Biehl High School and local artist 516 Arts to create encaustic works featured at Castle Coffee for September’s Art Walk. This year’s project continues this collaborative spirit but includes additional support from the City of Albuquerque regarding funding and city council advice.

Silva encouraged Estrada to take the lead to deepen his student teaching experience. He devised a presentation introducing students to Downtown Albuquerque's geography, existing artworks, and symbolism. Using a questionnaire, he helped students brainstorm their thoughts about downtown and sketch their ideas on templates.

Initially, the project intended for student designs to be applied as decals on downtown waste bins. However, plans have shifted towards using sidewalk decals to create a trail from the two schools down to Central Avenue. Decal testing could result in both bins and sidewalks featuring student art.

The next session with the city council is approaching, where Estrada hopes to finalize designs for an October or November unveiling. “However, we are flying the plane as we build it, so we need some flexibility as we move the project along,” he noted.

Silva praised Estrada's contributions: “Angel has brought such energy, engagement, and excitement to my art classroom. His eagerness to challenge students and himself is truly inspiring.”

Estrada's favorite medium is clay but he has expanded his skills at UNM into woodworking and metalwork. He plans to learn 3D printing this semester under UNM sculpture faculty member Welly Fletcher and hopes to showcase his work in December.

Expressing gratitude for his education at UNM, Estrada said: “My professors are world-class... Being in such a small department has also allowed for camaraderie between my cohort... UNM has primed me in many ways... I am optimistic that connections through my program will lead to excellent career opportunities.”

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