LAS CRUCES – Visitors to the East Mesa Public Recreation Complex are now being greeted by a new permanent public art installation celebrating movement, wellness and the connection between physical and emotional health.
The sculpture, titled Dance of Life, was created by artist James Moore and is the first public artwork installed at the city’s newest recreation complex. The project was funded through the City of Las Cruces’ 2% for Public Art program using $100,000 from the voter-approved 2022 General Obligation Bond initiative for the facility.
The artwork features three stylized aluminum figures mounted on weathered Corten steel pedestals. Each figure depicts a different pose representing balance, flexibility and movement, reinforcing the recreation complex’s mission of promoting healthy lifestyles while recognizing the importance of mental and emotional well-being.
Moore also drew inspiration from the East Mesa’s ancient history. The steel bases include laser-cut fossil imagery and words reflecting the region’s prehistoric past, when much of southern New Mexico was covered by water. Illuminated from within after dark, the sculpture takes on a different appearance as light shines through the cutout designs.
The commission attracted 155 artist submissions before Moore’s design was selected. During the project’s development, community members also helped shape the final concept by suggesting themes and ideas that were incorporated into the finished installation.
City officials say Dance of Life is intended to serve as the centerpiece of a growing public art collection at the East Mesa Recreation Complex as additional phases of the campus are completed.
By: John Krehbiel – Bravo Mic Communications News – John@bravomic.com
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