‘Luz es Vida – Light Is Life’ art banner created by local Toas students. Courtesy photo
Taos students stand by their art. Courtesy photoRTD News:
On Thursday, May 14, banners by local students were installed in four RTD (Blue Bus) shelters along its Questa route in support of the students and the “Luz es Vida – Light is Life” youth education program in Questa and the surrounding area.
During March and April, more than 220 students from Alta Vista, Costilla Academy, and Roots and Wings Community Schools, as well as some local homeschooling families, began painting 4’ x 9’ banners in workshops facilitated by LEAP (Land, Experience and Art of Place). Students were allowed to determine the content of their art and asked to create in the spirit of the “Luz es Vida – Light is Life” theme.
The art pieces were unveiled at an Earth Day, youth-centered celebration at OCHO Art + Event Space.
“We are honored to be able to be able to provide a platform to showcase the talent and creativity of these young artists,” stated Jim Fambro, NCRTD Board member and Taos County Commissioner. “A drive up NM522 is now even more beautiful with the addition of these creative works of art!”
“As our future Earth Stewards, the students were excited to use Earth Day and LEAP’s 2015 theme “Luz es Vida” to inspire the creation of these beautiful pieces. We are proud of them and excited that we have a venue to share these works of art with the community,” LEAP Director Claire Coté said.
Currently, four banners are in place with a fifth banner to be hung shortly. Locations include the RTD shelters at the Questa Chevron, Gonzales Road at NM 522, La Lama Road at NM 522, and Arroyo Hondo at NM 522 and Old Highway 3.
“Luz es Vida” is a themed series of events, projects and youth education programs in Questa and the surrounding areas. It is collaboratively organized by LEAP, US Forest Service Questa Ranger District, BLM Taos Field Office, Village of Questa Tourism, and other partners. The event series highlights and celebrates local knowledge, creativity, talent, and the natural and cultural heritage of our area.
For more information about LEAP or the “Luz es Vida” event series, visit, www.leapsite.org.
