COUNTY News:

The Art in Public Places Board is asking the community to complete a brief survey to help select a design for a proposed bronze lion sculpture at the Los Alamos Police Station. The survey is available at https://polco.us/shez8d and will remain open through April 5, 2026.

The Los Alamos Police Department requested a lion sculpture because lions are widely used in law enforcement symbolism to represent strength, courage, protection, and vigilance. The artwork will complement site improvements planned as part of the Police Memorial renovation, though it is separate from the memorial itself. While the exact placement hasn’t been finalized, the location for the proposed sculpture is the area between the Justice Center and the Police Station facing the north parking lot.

The board is reviewing designs from two nationally recognized artists.

Jocelyn Russell, of Friday Harbor, Washington a wildlife sculptor with more than 30 years of experience, proposes “Mfalme,” an existing bronze sculpture offered with regional placement exclusivity. Dimensions: 5 feet, 5 inches tall; 8 feet long; 2 feet, 5 inches wide. Price: $55,000 (not including installation).

Daniel Borup, of Shelley Idaho – known for representational bronze work in civic installations – proposes a custom piece. Dimensions: 5 feet tall; 6 feet, 8 inches long; 2 feet wide. Price: $55,000 including installation.

The survey includes four short questions and displays images of both sculpture designs to help residents make an informed choice. Community feedback will guide the board’s preferred design recommendation to the Los Alamos County Council. The survey is available https://polco.us/shez8d

For more information, contact Chelsea Ashcraft at chelsea.ashcraft@losalamosnm.gov or 505.662.8261.