Prospectus #218 University of New Mexico Los Alamos

Commission Project by Nick Gadbois

Budget: $57,000

The University of New Mexico Los Alamos is a branch of the University of New Mexico, the largest four-year university in the state. Offering 14 certificates and 18 associate degree programs; community education and customized training courses; small business development seminars through its Small Business Development Centers; Adult Basic Education programs including General Education Development and English Language Learners; and bachelor and graduate degree programs through UNM's Distance Education Program.

The Local Selection Committee (LSC) at UNM Los Alamos sought to commission artwork that connects the campus to the Los Alamos community and conceptually relates to science, technology, engineering and math. The LSC selected finalists for the project in March 2012.

Nick Gadbois from Santa Fe, NM was awarded the commission. The artwork was installed in the fall of 2013.

Gadbois's bas relief mural is inspired by symbols of science, technology, engineering, math and the ancient practice of inscribing messages into stone. The terra cotta tinted mural will be fabricated from glass fiber reinforced concrete embellished with iridescent glass tiles and handmade ceramic discs. Nighttime illumination will be provided by night sky compliant LED fixtures set on a timer. The project will also include a quarry stone retaining wall and a flagstone walkway. Native grasses and drought tolerant plants will be used in the landscaping.