Art Stop Public Art Exhibit 2026

Las Cruces Public Art (LCPA) commissions and cares for a collection of contemporary public artworks, promotes community access to and engagement with public art, and supports the growth of public art practice in Las Cruces.

Art Stop is intended to make art accessible to the community by using city bus shelters as exhibit spaces. Regional artists living in Southwestern New Mexico, particularly Las Cruces and Dona Ana County, will have an opportunity to exhibit their artwork at one bus stop location for a full year if selected. Art Stop 2026 will feature animals "on the go"—artwork should show animals in motion, traveling, moving or going somewhere. Artwork may be stylized to evoke whimsy, humor, or fantasy, or may depict real-life natural scenes. Artwork should be eye-catching and attention grabbing.

The selection committee will select six digital versions of original work which will be printed and installed in pre-selected bus shelters in each of the six City Council districts. Each selected artist will receive a $500 stipend. Artwork will be displayed for 12 months. New artwork will be selected on an annual basis. Artwork can be previous work or new work, using digital, photographic, or traditional mediums. It must be completed artwork, not concept work. Only vertically oriented artwork measuring 62" H x 36" W will be accepted; all horizontally oriented artwork will be automatically disqualified. Submissions are limited to one per artist. Mass-produced work, signage, and AI-generated images will not be accepted. Eligibility is open to all artists living in Las Cruces, Dona Ana County, or surrounding areas in Southwest New Mexico who are 18 years or older. Previous winners are eligible two years from the year their artwork was exhibited. No member of the current City Art Board, Art Stop selection committee, or employee of the City of Las Cruces may apply.