Also Monday night, City Councilor Dan Lewis responded to the voices of countless Albuquerque residents who traverse the Montaño Bridge daily as he championed the allocation of funds to revitalize the beloved public art piece “Bosque Rio Sunset” by artist Dave Dekker.
“Bosque Rio Sunset,” installed in 1997 during the bridge’s construction, is a unique mural composed of pixelated square color selections drawn directly from the Montaño Bridge’s surrounding environment. This expansive artwork, spanning the entire crossing of the Rio Grande, adorns the interior surfaces of the bridge barriers in both eastbound and westbound lanes. The mural features a gentle transition of greens, blues and reds, mirroring the natural beauty of the Bosque and Rio Grande.
“This artwork is a daily visual experience for thousands of our residents,” Lewis said. “It reflects the natural beauty that makes Albuquerque so special. However, after nearly three decades, Bosque Rio Sunset requires a refresh to maintain its vibrancy and continue to inspire those who cross the Montaño Bridge. By securing this funding, we are investing in the preservation of a cherished piece of our city’s cultural landscape.”
The revitalization project will address the aging mural, ensuring the 6,000 running feet of pixelated art, which stands three feet high, regains its original splendor and vibrancy, providing a memorable experience for commuters and pedestrians.
Voters will be able to vote on this project in November. As per city policy, 1.5% of each bond is reserved for public art initiatives, making this restoration a priority for community enrichment.