Call for Entry: 2026–2027 Art in the Heart Downtown Sculpture Exhibit

Farmington, NM – The City of Farmington announces that the Call for Entry is now open for the

2026–2027 Art in the Heart Downtown Sculpture Exhibit. Entering its fourth year, this growing

public art initiative continues to enliven Historic Downtown Farmington and celebrate the

creativity of artists from New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, and Utah.

Downtown Coordinator Karen Lupton shared “Each year, these sculptures bring new energy

and character to Main Street. They create moments of connection, encourage people to slow

down and explore, and contribute to the continued vibrancy of our downtown. It has been

inspiring to see how this program has helped enhance the overall experience for residents and

visitors alike.”

Program Details:

• Up to 25 sculptures will be selected by juror Rosemary Meza-DesPlas for a one-year

display along Historic Main Street.

• All selected pieces must be available for sale.

• Selected artists will receive a $1,000 honorarium following installation.

In addition, selected artists traveling from out-of-town will receive two nights of

complimentary lodging, and a public reception celebrating the artists will be held Friday, May

8, 2026.

Artwork Selection Criteria:

1. Quality: Emphasis on artistic excellence and originality.

2. Timelessness: Works should maintain relevance and artistic impact over time.

3. Permanence: Sculptures must be structurally sound, weather-resistant, and require

minimal maintenance.

4. Compatibility: Artwork should complement the character of Downtown Farmington and

appeal to a broad audience.

5. Public Safety: Works must not present safety hazards or liability concerns.

Meet the Juror: Rosemary Meza-DesPlas

Rosemary Meza-DesPlas is a multidisciplinary Latina/Coahuiltecan artist based in Farmington,

New Mexico. She holds a BFA from the University of North Texas and an MFA from the

Maryland Institute College of Art. In 2022, she received the Latinx Artist Fellowship from the

Mellon and Ford Foundations and a Fulcrum Fund Grant supporting new performance work.

Meza-DesPlas brings a dynamic and thoughtful perspective to this year’s selection process.

Application Details:

• Artists may submit up to three separate applications (three individual sculptures). Each

entry requires a $25 application fee.

• Applications must include:

o 3-5 images (and optional video) of each piece

o Artist statement about the submitted piece, resume/CV, and Artist headshot (for

use on the City of Farmington website)

o Sculpture information: title, materials, dimensions (height, width, depth, and

weight), special installation requirements, value, and sale price

• Applications are accepted exclusively at the CaFE website at callforentry.org

• Deadline for submission: January 31, 2026

Eligibility:

Open to artists residing in New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, and Utah. Selected artists will be

notified the week of February 22nd, 2026. For questions or additional information, please

contact Downtown Coordinator Karen Lupton at 505-599-8459 or klupton@farmingtonnm.gov

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