City Encourages Residents to Explore Public Art Through “Made You Look” Challenge

The campaign, organized by the City of Las Cruces Public Art Program, invites residents and visitors to take selfies with public art installations throughout the community and share them on social media using the hashtag #MadeYouLook.

Source: City of Las Cruces
Photos: Courtesy

Las Cruces residents are being encouraged to take a closer look at the city’s public art collection this month through the “Made You Look” Public Art Selfie Challenge.

The campaign, organized by the City of Las Cruces Public Art Program, invites residents and visitors to take selfies with public art installations throughout the community and share them on social media using the hashtag #MadeYouLook.

Participants can enter by posting a selfie with a public art piece, tagging @LCPublicArt, sending the image through direct message, or emailing it to PublicArt@LasCruces.gov. Entries submitted through June 30 will be eligible for a drawing for a “Made You Look” car sun shade.

The challenge also serves as a reminder of the wide variety of public art located throughout Las Cruces. Residents can find artwork locations using the city’s online Public Art Map.

Among the community’s most recognizable installations are the colorful palm sculptures located near the intersection of Missouri Avenue and Espina Street. Earlier this spring, the city’s Quality of Life/Public Art Program completed restoration work on the artwork as part of its public art maintenance plan.

According to the city, the palm tops were refinished with colors designed to closely match the original installation, while the trunks were repaired with galvanized metal coverings and waterproofing materials intended to protect the structures from future weather damage.

The restoration returned the palms’ bright colors and distinctive appearance, helping preserve one of the city’s most familiar public art landmarks.

City officials say the selfie challenge is intended to encourage residents to engage with public art and discover pieces they may pass every day without noticing.

Additional information, including a map of public art locations throughout Las Cruces, is available through the City of Las Cruces Public Art Program.