Art in Public Places Advisory Board Chair Susie Schillaci updates the County Council at Tuesday’s work session on the board’s work as Community Services Director Brian Brogan listens at right. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com 

The Art in Public Places Advisory Board’s mission is to promote and encourage programs that develop public art, enhance the community’s awareness and interest of public art as well as visually enhance the community by bringing art into municipal structures. During the Los Alamos County Council work session Tuesday night at the White Rock Fire Station, Board Chair Susie Schillaci reported on what the board has recently done to bring its mission into fruition.

Recent additions to the County’s collection of public art include the Dichroic Glass Sculpture by Doug Czor, which was installed at the Los Alamos County golf course clubhouse. There will be a dedication of the sculpture Sept. 7.

Also, the Smart House artwork display at the Municipal Building is nearing completion. The display alcove is built and the artwork from the smart house is on display. It will soon feature three photos from Minesh Bacrania and informational posters about the Smart House. According to agenda documents, this project was in collaboration with the Department of Public Utilities. Another project in the works are two benches that will be placed outside the Community Building. Colig Selig is creating the pieces using recycled propane tanks. ​

Schillaci​ further reported the board is undertaking documenting online all the art in the County’s possession through a website, www.publicartarchive.org. Schillaci said the board has been working on improving the County’s public art presence and making sure there are plaques and photographs for every piece in the collection. She said the board also is working on getting artists’ permission to publish their art online. 

Looking to the future, Schillaci said upcoming projects include making recommendations in the Ashley Pond Park master plan regarding current and future sculptures. Also, Schillaci said the board anticipates pursuing some art for the roundabout that the New Mexico Department of Transportation will construct.

Many on Council said they were impressed with the board’s work. Councilor Pete Sheehey said the Art in Public Places Board has made Los Alamos more beautiful and more fun. Councilor James Chrobocinski added that he has enjoyed working with Schillaci, who will soon be stepping down from the board.

“You guys do a really outstanding job,” Chrobocinski said.

Council Vice Chair Susan O’Leary said the board has worked hard to find meaningful ways to get input from the public. She added that her favorite project is the sculpture relocated from the landscaped area in front of the former Hilltop Hotel to the golf course. She said that she also is impressed with the Smart House display in the Municipal Building.

Councilor Chris Chandler also commended the board on its work, which she said is sometimes not mentioned because everyone is so dazzled by the beauty of the art that the board is presenting.

Council Chair David Izraelevitz pointed out that the board has used a lot of creativity to get the public art to impact the community. He said he often sees people sitting beneath the solar tree in front of the Municipal Building, charging their phones.