The city of Albuquerque has unveiled a new mural and plant wall retreat space for Downtown workers. The project, a collaboration between the Municipal Development Department and the Department of Arts & Culture, aims to beautify and activate an area of the VSA Garage at 4th and Copper in Downtown.
A large mural by artist Eamon Quigley, which pays homage to a mural by Gilberto Guzman inside the VSA Garage, is a central feature. The addition of seating and greenery transforms the gated courtyard into a welcoming environment. This space offers an ideal spot for Downtown workers to enjoy their lunch breaks or unwind while appreciating the artistic surroundings.
Open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday, this retreat provides a refreshing break in the heart of Downtown. The plant wall includes 400 plants with individual irrigation systems, ranging from succulents to herbs. Several lush planters are also placed throughout the area.
“We’re fortunate to live in a place filled with so many creatives, and creators, who use their talents to beautify and enrich their city,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “It’s a quality that Burqueños just seem to have, to see the possibilities in the rough or mundane, and transform them into something beautiful that inspires all of us.”
Quigley's mural features Southwestern plants that echo those on the living plant wall. On one side are more native plants accompanying the plant wall; on the other side are depictions of crops and New Mexican laborers.
“We were inspired. We all want high-quality spaces in Downtown to enjoy our city’s urban core, and the Parking Division is doing its part to improve the look and feel of Downtown with this inspired mural and our new plant wall oasis,” said Parking Division Manager Maria Griego.