VSA North Fourth Arts Center

Doorways to Imagination was created in collaboration with apprentice artists and teachers at VSA North Fourth Art Center in Albuquerque. The idea for the doorways came from the apprentice artists, who felt that doorways were an important metaphor because the Center had opened so many doors for them to live better lives – artistically, emotionally, and physically.  The population served by the Center is diverse, so we created an artwork which reflects the many cultural roots of New Mexico.  The pottery and architecture of Chaco Canyon, Pueblo painting, Northern New Mexico churches, and Islamic tilework became the reference points for different sides of these two doorways.  I worked very closely with three classes to design and make the tiles.  In addition, every apprentice and staff member at the Center made at least one tile for the sculpture.

Assistant artists on this project were Angelica Lucero and Jesse Williamson.  The project was funded by the City of Albuquerque Urban Enhancement Trust Fund.