Municipal Building Art Plaza winner ‘Solar Tree’ by Eric Thelander. Courtesy/LAC

COUNTY News:

The Art in Public Places Board met Thursday night and voted unanimously to select “Solar Tree” from among the top finalists in the competition for an art piece to be installed in the west plaza of the Municipal Building at 1000 Central Ave.

“Solar Tree” was created by artist Eric Thelander who works out of an Albuquerque studio on large scale public art projects and private commissions. His “Solar Tree” piece is an 18’ x 12’ x 12’ steel and aluminum sculpture designed with solar components above the leaves to create a self-lighting electrically powered piece that encourages public participation through ports for electrical devices and tables and benches beneath the tree.

Artist Eric Thelander holds a model of his winning ‘Solar Tree’ steel and aluminum sculpture. Courtesy/LAC

As part of its process to select the winning creation, the Art in Public Places Board hosted a special event Jan. 15 to give the public the opportunity to view the work of three finalists in the competition. Members of the Board were on hand to discuss the artists’ maquettes, answer questions and take suggestions. Comment cards also were available for written comments.

Following the open house, the APP Board took additional feedback for a week through the County’s on-line Open Forum.

The Board’s recommendation, “Solar Tree”, will now be forwarded to the County Council for approval.