Today, the newest mural in Albuquerque’s Public Art Program’s collection, La Puesta del Sol by local artist Roberto Lara, was dedicated by Chief Administrative Officer Samantha Sengel, leaders from the City’s Department of Arts & Culture and Arts Board, and community members.

The mural, located on the Rail Yards Pattern House in downtown Albuquerque, came about as a professional development opportunity with the artist engaging with the Public Art Program in developing the largest mural proposal he has done so far. Lara is an Albuquerque-based artist who specializes in contemporary mixed media paintings with a street graffiti influence.

“Today, we celebrate a beautiful new mural and a powerful story about Albuquerque’s spirit,” said City of Albuquerque Chief Administrative Officer Dr. Samantha Sengel. “La Puesta del Sol marks the beginning of our Rail Trail’s artistic journey, transforming a historic space that once employed a quarter of our workforce and opening up new possibilities for art along this transformative route.”

La Puesta del Sol, commissioned by the Albuquerque Arts Board, is a brightly colored mural composed of abstracted features of Albuquerque’s cultural and natural landscape including downtown’s iconic buildings and depictions of the Sandia mountains. Lara captures the sunsets that New Mexico is renowned for, with the vivid array of pink, red, and yellow hues symbolizing warmth, hope, and the vibrant spirit of the City.

“I’m very thankful for the opportunity to paint at the Rail Yards as it was a place where I’d paint and explore when it was abandoned. Now years later being involved in the revitalization of the Rail Yards is something I will forever cherish,” said Roberto Lara. “The power of art and creativity will continue to motivate me as this project is just the beginning of many more to come.”

The mural was both designed and painted by Roberto Lara.