A collaboration of artists and partners will unveil the first in a series of murals to commemorate the 50th year of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) at 3 p.m. Friday, May 19, at 135 Joe Gutierrez St. in the Village of Doña Ana.
The event will feature a community celebration with creative activities for youth and opportunities to watch the mural, “Migration: A Natural Act,” in progress, according to a news release from the Wolf Conservation Center (WCC).
The mural focuses on imperiled animals of southern New Mexico, the news release said, including the Boreal owl, Gila monster and the Chihuahua Chub and Roundtail Chub endangered fish species.
“Migration is a recurring theme of the artwork, with the river symbolizing the innate movement of humans and animals across the landscape,” ESA said. “The river depicted in the mural is a potent force, breathing new life into the terrain and restoring its vitality. In the mural's corners, one can observe the towering cottonwood trees, which are indigenous to the Doña Ana community and serve as a poignant reminder of the region's rich natural heritage.”
“Despite the obstacles faced by the endangered species depicted in the mural, the artwork's
overarching message is one of hope,” artist Raquel Madrigal said. “It conveys that through diligent effort and unwavering commitment, it is conceivable to re-establish equilibrium in the ecosystem and revive the region's vitality. The mural is a beautiful tribute to the significance of preserving the natural world and its diverse fauna.”
“Madrigal is an interdisciplinary artist with a degree in fine arts, who is widely known for her captivating murals, posters and zines that incorporate her unique poetry,” ESA said.
The Endangered Species Act 50th Anniversary mural series will spotlight regional ecological and cultural diversity within the US by highlighting plants and animals that are protected by ESA, the news release said. Murals will be installed throughout 2023 across the United States.
The Endangered Species Coalition is partnering with the Doña Ana Village Association (DAVA) on the mural. DAVA was founded in 2021. Visit donaanavillageassociation@gmail.com.
WCC is based in South Salem, New York. Visit nywolf.org.
Contact Jeanne Dodds of the Endangered Species Coalition at jdodds@endangered.org and Israel Chavez of the Doña Ana Village Association at donaanavillageassociation@gmail.com.
Visit www.endangered.org.
