More Than a Tumbleweed: Las Cruces Seeks Artists for 2027 Art Stop

The City of Las Cruces Quality of Life Department and Las Cruces Public Art have opened submissions for Art Stop 2027 under the theme “More Than a Tumbleweed,” inviting artists to turn their attention to the distinctive plant life of southern New Mexico.

Source: Las Cruces Public Art (via Facebook)
Images: Courtesy

What does the Chihuahuan Desert look like when you take the Organ Mountains out of the picture?

Las Cruces Public Art is asking local artists to answer that question for the next edition of its Art Stop Bus Shelter Exhibit.

The City of Las Cruces Quality of Life Department and Las Cruces Public Art have opened submissions for Art Stop 2027 under the theme “More Than a Tumbleweed,” inviting artists to turn their attention to the distinctive plant life of southern New Mexico.

The annual Art Stop program places reproductions of original artwork in city bus shelters, turning an everyday part of the transit system into a rotating public art gallery.

2026 Art Stop Selections

For 2027, organizers are looking for vibrant interpretations of Chihuahuan Desert flora — from textures and thorns to the brief appearance of seasonal blooms.

There is one conspicuous restriction: no Organ Mountains.

Instead, artists are being challenged to make the region’s plant life the focal point, using figurative, symbolic or selective approaches as well as framing and perspective to tell a story about the desert.

A selection committee will choose 12 original works for the exhibit. The selected pieces will be reproduced from high-resolution digital files and installed at pre-selected bus shelters across all six Las Cruces City Council districts, where they will remain on display for approximately one year.

Each selected artist will receive a $500 stipend.

Artists may submit existing or newly created work using digital, photographic or traditional media, and photographs of three-dimensional artwork are also eligible. Each artist is limited to one submission, and concept proposals will not be considered; the artwork must be completed before it is entered.

There are some important dimensions to keep in mind before reaching for the paintbrush, camera or stylus.

Art Stop posters measure 62 inches high by 36 inches wide, and submissions must be vertically oriented. Horizontal and square artwork will be automatically disqualified.

Submissions must also be appropriate for public display to audiences of all ages. Mass-produced work and signage will not be considered.

And for this particular public-art competition, the artist has to be human: AI-generated images will not be accepted.

Submissions are due by midnight Monday, Sept. 14.

Artists can find complete requirements and application information through the City of Las Cruces Art Stop Call for Art page.