Public Art Brightens Rail Yards
Two new artworks accepted into City’s public art collection.
On Red or Green Day at the Rail Yards Market, Mayor Tim Keller and leaders from the City’s Department of Arts & Culture and Arts Board dedicated two new public art works by local artists and talented skilled workers.
The Lines that Connect Us – Tracks in Time and Corazón del Chile join the growing collection of public art along the Albuquerque Rail Trail, specifically at the historic Rail Yards, that reflect the city’s history, culture, and creativity.
“Public art goes beyond just adding beauty; it tells important stories,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “These new works honor the people and traditions that helped shape our city, and the neighborhoods and culture that help keep us going.”
Red or Green Day at Rail Yards Market features local chile-inspired foods, cooking demonstrations, and conversations around the state’s famous question. The market features up to 300 food vendors, growers, artisans, and musicians, and draws thousands to the Barelas neighborhood each Sunday morning during its season.
The Lines that Connect Us – Tracks in Time
Created by the Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 49 and commissioned by the Albuquerque Public Art Program, The Lines that Connect Us – Tracks in Time is the newest sculpture at the Rail Yards. It honors the generations of workers whose labor physically and culturally shaped, and continues to shape, Albuquerque while highlighting the value of skilled trades and workforce development. The steel sculpture at the eastern end of the Rail Yard plaza between the flue and tender shops includes etched imagery and welded metalwork. The collaboration brought together welders, apprentices, fabricators, and the community to foster professional growth while showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship found in Albuquerque.
“This is a great opportunity to honor the artistry behind our trade and the craftsmanship sheet metal workers bring to everything we build,” said SMART 49 Market Representative Erick Corona.
Corazón del Chile
Debuting at Rail Yards Markets’ Red or Green Day, Corazón del Chile by local artist Jade Cruz showcases New Mexico’s deep-rooted connection to chile as a symbol of identity, land, and community. The mural was commissioned by the City’s Public Art Program in partnership with the New Mexico Farmers’ Marketing Association’s Double Up Food Bucks Program and the Rail Yards Market on the northwest wall of the Pattern House building, welcoming visitors to the Rail Yards. The mural pays tribute to Barelas’ agricultural roots and car culture while also featuring neighborhood landmarks. Corazón del Chile celebrates local food, agriculture, and farmers markets that distinguish New Mexico.
“The imagery in the mural tells a layered story woven together by chile, community, culture, tradition, land, and resilience,” said Artist Jade Cruz. “With chile at its center, this mural affirms Barelas as both a historic and living neighborhood, and celebrates the power of chile bringing people together rooted in amor.”
These works join more art at the Rail Yards including five wall murals, six picnic table murals, and four sculptures.
Learn more on the Public Art Urban Enhancement website.