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”), o...
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