June 4, 2025

Take Another Look:

"Appreciation and Appropriation in Public Art: Inspiration + Intention + Respect"


Join us for the second of 3 episodes about Appreciation and Appropriation in Public Arts in New Mexico. 


In this episode, host joni palmer is joined by artists Chris Martinez and Oliver Pope to discuss their artistic practices, community work, and how they are engaging in this conversation.

Listen and watch Take Another Look on:

Apple Podcasts

Amazon Music

Audible

Spotify

YouTube

Meet the Guests

king dikorim pka Oliver Pope, is a multidisciplinary artist whose work focuses on black, queer identity, idiosyncrasies, and the interactive space.


He is currently working at the New Mexico Black Leadership Council focusing on their Cultural Vibrancy area of impact.

Connect with king dikorim pka Oliver Pope:

Instagram  Email

Chris Martinez was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, a place rich in beauty and artistic tradition. Growing up in this environment nurtured his love of art. As a child, Chris was obsessed with drawing, a passion that led him to earn a Bachelor's in Studio Art from the University of New Mexico.


As an emerging artist, Chris most enjoys using his work to explore reality and the human condition. He is especially drawn to examining both the flaws and accomplishments of our species and how they intersect with the forces of nature. Chris primarily uses acrylic paint, aerosol, and digital software. He enjoys the challenge of painting realistically and intricately rendering subjects while also exploring themes such as beauty, place, and purpose.


Curiosity is at the core of Chris’s practice. He is compelled to ask difficult questions, investigate, and reflect. Through his work, Chris aims to foster that same curiosity in others. He creates art to study humanity, contribute to the visual world, and spark inquiry—one piece at a time.

Get more information about Chris:

Web

Learn More About the People, Places, and Projects Discussed in Episode 21

New Mexico Black Leadership Council (NMBLC)

The New Mexico Black Leadership Council is an organization that supports the expansion and implementation of a public health approach designed to build long-term community resilience within historically excluded and marginalized communities by providing behavioral health resiliency and culturally responsive support services to children, youth and their families. NMBLC creates arts and events based engagement opportunities to facilitate the dissemination of these resources to their constituents and communities.

NMBLC works in 5 areas of impact: Positive Youth Development, Advocacy & Civic Engagement, Workforce & Leadership Development, Health (Behavioral, Financial, Physical) and Cultural Vibrancy.


Learn More about NMBLC's Programs:

  • New Mexico Black History Festival & Events
  • True New Mexico
  • Health (Physical, Behavioral & Financial) Workshops
  • Annual Leadership Conference
  • Chisholm Table
  • Black Voters Collaborative
  • UPLIFT
  • Roots Conservatory

Reach out to Oliver Pope at NMBLC at oliver.p@nmblc.org.

International District Park Art Restorative Design Workshops

In 2024, the City of Albuquerque Public Art Program, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Friends of the Orphan Signs released a call for artists to work within the International District community.


Four artists were selected to facilitate workshops, in partnership with Albuquerque nonprofit community partners, to engage the community in the design process for a public artwork for the International District Park, located just east of the ID Library. These workshops took place in April and May 2025.


The artists are now working on developing their design proposals for the ID Park Art project with community input and feedback from the design workshops.

Selected Artist-Facilitators:

  • Billy Joe Miller
  • Christian Michael Gallegos
  • Denise Weaver Ross
  • Samuel Sisneros

Nonprofit Community Partners:

  • New Mexico Black Leadership Council
  • East Central Ministries
  • United Voices for Newcomer Rights
  • Together 4 Brothers

Chris Martinez and Alchemy Walls

3rd and Central Mural

In May 2025, Chris completed the painting of an asphalt mural at 3rd and Central in Albuquerque, NM. The mural, "Neon Legacy: Celebrating 100 Years of Route 66" kicks off celebrations of the centennial of Route 66 in 2026.


Check out KRQE's article "New street mural on display in downtown Albuquerque" to learn more about Chris' Route 66 themed mural.







Chris Martinez, "Neon Legacy: Celebrating 100 Years of Route 66", mural, 3rd and Central, photo courtesy of www.chrismartinezart.com

Alchemy Walls

Alchemy Walls is a dynamic collective of muralists who mesh their diverse artistic backgrounds and creativity to engage with communities through public art. As a collective, Alchemy Walls strives to support each others' individual artistic growth including personal and professional challenges.


Follow and learn more about Alchemy Walls on Instagram: @alchemy_walls

Gallery One Exhibition: "Echoes of Albuquerque: A Collective Dialogue"

August 28 - October 3, 2025

Alchemy Walls' exhibition "Echoes of Albuquerque: A Collective Dialogue" will be on view at Gallery One at 1 Civic Plaza NW from August 28 to October 3, 2025.


Alchemy Walls needs your help to inform the mural in Gallery One.


Complete the questionnaire to help inform the mural!



Resources and Additional Information




Upcoming Episode

Stay tuned for the next episode and last in this series - "Appreciation and Appropriation in Public Art: Authenticity + Responsibility."

City of Albuquerque Public Art Urban Enhancement Division | cabq.gov/publicart

Youtube  Instagram  Facebook