COUNTY News:

Los Alamos County’s Art in Public Places Board (APPB) invites you to take a quick survey on the proposed theme for the public artwork planned for the new Fire Station #4: https://lacnm.com/FS4_survey.

The survey will be open until midnight on June 21.

The APPB—partnering with the Los Alamos Fire Department and the Public Works Department—is developing a theme that will guide the selection of an artist for the project. The proposed theme centers on the community’s relationship with wildfire and highlights how Los Alamos prepares for, lives with, and recovers from fire.

Proposed Theme

A community-centered, educational, and therapeutic artwork that tells the story of Los Alamos’ relationship with wildfire while highlighting the principles of fire adaptation- how communities and ecosystems can prepare for, live with, and recover from fire. The piece should incorporate interactive or functional elements, demonstrate the beauty and practicality of fire-adapted landscaping, and offer space for reflection, resilience, and learning for both the public and the firefighters who serve at Station #4.

The goal is to create a meaningful, educational, and reflective piece that honors firefighters and resonates with residents. The artwork may include educational elements, spaces for reflection, interactive features, and fire‑adapted landscaping.

Community input will help refine the theme before the County issues a Call for Art to identify qualified artists. The APPB has heard strong community interest in involving local talent, and when the Call for Art is released, New Mexico artists will be actively encouraged to apply. Final artist selection will be based on qualifications and alignment with the approved theme.

Direct questions to Chelsea Ashcraft at chelsea.ashcraft@losalamosnm.gov.