The McDuffie-Twin Park Neighborhood Association dreamed of murals on the south walls of Constitution Avenue from east of Carlisle to Avenida Manana. The hope was to create a corridor of color and whimsy for the enjoyment of all driving, biking or walking by these walls. We hoped to provoke a smile and a sense of place. (As well as replace a patchwork of paint splotches over tagged/graffitied areas and maybe slow down traffic!)In the Spring of 2024 we contacted neighbors whose walls would be painted for their participation, announced a theme for submissions for mural ideas, and started fundraising for the project.
Andy Young's "The Neighoors" was one of the first two murals to be painted on a previously unadorned wall, often filled with graffiti. A close up of Andy's mural gives you a glimpse of just who those neighbors are. Andy's day work is first/second graders. But you can find his art work in galleries from Albuquerque to Madrid. [email protected]
"The Rider" came rolling along as another of the first two murals. This cruiser, by Kelsey Rust, is riding to pick up a copy of Kelsey's book of poetry (One Life) while Kelsey works daily as a public-school educator. [email protected]
Don Bremner came all the way from New Zealand to learn to garden in the desert. In "Contagious Color", Don has created a perfect garden for the desert, no water needed. Don transferred his acrylic on canvas talents to stucco and opened ThingsOnTheWall.com to
share his talents with neighbors and Albuquerque residents.
Constitution Ave is no Route 66 but, one look at Derrick Montez's " '57 Corvette with Dalmatian on the Mesa" and you can relive those '60s vibes. Derrick learned mural painting in LA and has dedicated his time to sharing his talents in the Duke City since 2021. [email protected]
You can hear the stream and feel the joy of catching that fish when you pass "Pops in Valle Caldera". Marian Berg, an award winning artist, shared her talents in memory of Edgar Ausden, Marian has been deemed a Local Treasure by Albuquerque Art Business Association as an artist who gives back to her community. [email protected]
"The Sandias" mural puts the watermelon mountains right here on our street. The iconic Sandia profile has been captured by Isaac Burleigh and Kiran Bhail. Residents of the McDuffie neighborhood, Isaac is an experienced community arts artist. Isaac and Kiran had a large canvas to fill and did an amazing job of bringing the Sandia energy to our neighborhood.
[email protected]
How can a simple mistake bring such pleasure? "Moonrise", sketched on an incorrect wall, was
painted by Cathy Drake. The sketch was by artists Isaac Burleigh and Kiran Bhail, from the Constitution Ave mural fame, "The Sandias"
What a couple of bums - "Sandia Ski Bums" - that is. Wiley Coyote and Roadrunner are taking up Conor Drake-Lavelle's favorite sports: skiing and snowboarding. A tattoo inspired painting, Conor and Cathy Drake, with technical & artistic advice from Kim Lerohl, brought these guys down the slopes to Constitution Ave. [email protected]
A 2025 graduate of Albuquerque High, Bowie Parnall, painted her first mural for the Constitution Avenue Project. Bowie is no stranger to art with jewelry experience and several youth awards. Bowie shared "Divine Feminine" just before she left for NYC to attend Pratt Institute for further study in art. [email protected]
"Neon Enchantment" by Michelle Ramos seems as if it might just light up a path on the avenue for neighborhood walkers. The colors are reminiscent of Central Avenue in its heyday with neon welcoming travelers. Michelle says she grew up where the streets had many stores and some chaos, but her mural brings a certain peace as you visit it on Constitution. [email protected]
Vivianne Chang, a psychiatry resident at UNM, is a self-taught artist. Vivianne explores creativity as a personal expression and healing. "The Sequel" represents the hope passed from one generation to another and communicates the enduring nature of mother's love.
Although Paige Alexander is self-taught in physical medium, her formal training in digital arts is from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Referencing Jim Harter's Plant Kingdom Compendium_, Paige created "New Mexico Botanicals" for her Constitution Avenue Mural. [email protected]
"Zeroproof {7.P} x MG" started the ball rolling. This mural by Monika Guerra is found near Avenida Mañana. A B.S. from the Institute of American Indian Arts gave Gurrera the opportunity to explore painting, photography, and print. Monika has a mural installation at Harwood Arts
Center and had an artist residency Ghost Ranch.
Instagram @monika guerra; monkiaguerra.art/@outlook.com
"Land of Mañana" means to live in the present moment, whatever worries you have, it's for tomorrow. It is the whole idea that we never know our last day and to appreciate the now. Hold your mama's hug for a while more, kiss your friend's cheek a little longer, appreciate the beauty of now and romanticize the little moments that seem small now, but that you will remember forever. The mural was created by a Hispanic with only love for my culture. A phrase that my abuelito, mom, father, everyone used. Hasta manaña. Manaña será otro dia. Para manaña. Tierra de manaña.
[email protected]
Ginger Sharpe is a multi-medium artist, a single mother, a survivor of both domestic violence and addiction, and an advocate for peoples rights. She has a degree in computers, graphic design and is certified as a Peer Support Specialist. She has resided in NM for 25 years.
For more information about her and her work please visit her website at
https://www.ggsgraphix.simdif.com or via email at [email protected]
Wendy Stephens makes art for fun, friends, and craft fairs out of recycled and repurposed materials. She particularly likes folksy colorful works done on scrap wood with acrylics and oil pastels. [email protected]
Many, many thanks to the 18 neighborhood families and big kudos to their 34 children for participating in the MTPNA Children’s Mural Project “KidzWall”! From ages 1-14, youngsters and their parents collaborated to create a beautiful patchwork quilt of imagination and individual expression. May the neighbors and those who cruise by enjoy these youthful efforts for many years to come!
This project has only been possible thanks to the generosity of you, neighbors! Please HELP us finish the last few remaining walls. Donate via Venmo link or mail a check (see address in Membership). Please indicate on your Venmo or check memo that the funds are meant for murals!