Silver City MainStreet has been awarded an AARP Community Challenge grant to create a vibrant public space and increase social connections between older adults and all residents of Silver City and Grant County.
The project titled “Why are the Sidewalks so High?” includes large interpretive photographs of historic flooding in downtown Silver City. Alongside of the interpretive panels will be painted checker games and tablecloths do denote space to meet, have lunch or hang out. The project will be located on the 300 block of Bullard Street in downtown Silver City.
An RFP was sent out to solicit local artists to paint the checkerboards and tablecloths. Susie Quintanar Gonzales and Dena Quintanar were selected based on their colorful submissions.
“We just love the colorful work that the sisters Susie and Dena are doing on the project” said Evangeline Zamora, board president of Silver City MainStreet.
“The colors and patterns we are using were inspired by our grandmother’s handmade aprons and her embroidery and crochet designs,” Quintanar Gonzales said.
“The Silver City project is very unique in design and art and will draw residents as well as tourists to the downtown historic areas,” Dave Lynch of the Las Cruces Chapter of AARP New Mexico said. “I look forward to seeing the project completed."
