Title
Approval of Recommendation from the Art in Public Places Board to Deaccession the “Aquatic Figures” Mural at the Larry R. Walkup Aquatic Center and to Authorize the Use of Art in Public Places Funds in an Amount Not-to-exceed $45,000 Plus Applicable Gross Receipts Tax, to Return the Wall To Its Original Condition
Recommended Action
I move that the Council approve the Art in Public Places Board’s recommendation to deaccession the “Aquatic Figures” mural located at the Larry R. Walkup Aquatic Center from the Los Alamos County Public Art Collection, and further authorize the use of Art in Public Places Funds in an amount not-to-exceed $45,000 plus applicable Gross Receipts Tax to return the wall to its original condition.
County Manager's Recommendation
The County Manager recommends that Council approve the motion as presented.
Board, Commission or Committee Recommendation
The Art in Public Places Board voted at its May 28, 2026, regular meeting to recommend that the County Council deaccession the “Aquatic Figures” mural by Richard Lange and authorize the use of Art in Public Places funds in an amount not-to-exceed $45,000 plus applicable Gross Receipts Tax, to return the wall to its original condition.
Body
The “Aquatic Figures” mural (attachment A), created by artist Richard Lange and acquired by Los Alamos County in 1988 for $50,000, has been housed in the Larry R. Walkup Aquatic Center for 38 years. County art audits dating back to 2014 document progressive paint deterioration, flaking, and structural decline. With an expected lifespan of approximately 20 years, the mural is now well beyond its intended service life, and restoration is no longer practical or cost effective.
Public input gathered through the November 2025 County Public Art Questionnaire indicated low overall awareness of or attachment to the mural. Of the 99 respondents, approximately 60 reported being “not familiar” with the piece, expressed indifference (“take it or leave it”), or felt it “doesn’t add value to the collection.” Additionally, 40% stated they would “not be disappointed” if the mural were removed, and another 25% were “unsure,” suggesting minimal perceived significance within the community and limited concern regarding its deaccession.
Aquatic Center staff report that the deteriorating paint is falling onto the pool deck and is further damaged during swim meets when tape is applied to the wall. Staff have also noted that the mural’s presence restricts their ability to use the wall for safety equipment and storage that would help reduce deck clutter.
Following the 2024 internal art audit completed by Board members, the Art in Public Places Board (APPB) initiated a formal review in 2026 (attachment B) and evaluated the mural under the County’s disposal criteria (attachment C). The mural meets the criterion that allows a work to be considered for deaccession when it “is damaged irreparably or to an extent where repair is unreasonable or impractical,” as long-term paint failure, material deterioration, and site assessments all indicate that restoration is not feasible.
Attempts were made to contact the artist and any potential relatives, including outreach through the website believed to be associated with the artist and preparation of a formal notification letter. No responses were received, and staff were unable to identify additional reliable contact information. At this time, the County has no confirmed means of reaching the artist or his family.
At the May 28, 2026 meeting, APPB determined that deaccessioning the mural is the most appropriate course of action. Because the artwork is painted directly onto the wall, relocation is not possible, and ethical disposal by painting over the mural is recommended.
The timing of this request aligns with the current pool resurfacing project, which required closure of the Aquatic Center. This closure creates a practical opportunity to repaint the entire pool area before the facility reopens to the public. Coordinating this work during the renovation ensures consistency across all painted surfaces, avoids repeated closures, and aligns with other scheduled facility improvements.
The cost to cover the mural wall will be higher than standard interior painting because the entire pool area, including the mural wall, must be coated with a specialized catalyzed water-based epoxy paint. This material is required throughout the Aquatic Center to ensure a uniform appearance and to withstand the high-humidity, chlorinated environment of the facility. In addition, applying this type of coating in an indoor aquatic space requires extra preparation, including protecting the new pool plaster, ensuring proper ventilation, and maintaining appropriate curing conditions. Because of the height of the mural wall, a lift will be required to safely access the surface. Using this equipment also necessitates additional safety measures and coordination, further contributing to project costs.
All work will be procured in accordance with proper purchasing procedures, and a qualified third-party vendor will be contracted to perform the painting.
APP funds are available and allocated for maintenance, care, and deaccession activities.
.Alternatives
Council could deny the deaccession and/or use of APP funds and suggest an alternative solution for the wall or for the future of the mural that differs from the current recommendation.
Fiscal and Staff Impact/Planned
Approval authorizes expenditures not-to-exceed $45,000 and applicable GRT from the Art in Public Places Fund. There are sufficient funds in that account to cover this expense. The APPB staff liaison will coordinate the mural disposal process.
Attachments
A - Image of “Aquatic Figures”
B - Decommission Report for “Aquatic Figures”
C - Disposal section of Art in Public Places Policies and Guidelines document