LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KFOX14) — A Las Cruces man voluntarily looking to clean up a local mural plastered with graffiti at La Llorona Park was shut down by the City of Las Cruces.
Bobby Azure Jr. decided to take matters into his own hands after seeing the graffiti and vandalism done to local artwork.
“I’ve seen the wall and the condition it was in and I wanted to do something about it,” Azure said.
The original mural was done by artist Anthony Pennock in 1995.
But after seeing the vandalism, Azure thought it needed a touch-up.
“The bad stuff that was on there is gone now,” Azure said. “I tried to preserve as much of the artwork as I could.”
However, the City of Las Cruces said because the original mural was contracted by the city, Azure vandalized city property.
“Unfortunately, that’s not the way that we do things,” Ceci Vasconcellos, Las Cruces Public Art Coordinator, said.
Something Azure said he was unaware of.
“I didn’t know that it was a contracted wall for the city per se,” Azure said.
Vasconcellos said out of respect for the original artist’s work, she shut down Azure’s revitalization project.
“I was told he was out there painting. We went out there and talked to Bobby and he was understanding,” Vasconcellos said.
Vasconcellos told KFOX14 that the city is working with Pennock, the original artist, to restore his artwork.
“Unfortunately when these kinds of things happen, it does cost the city a lot of money to restore the artwork. But it’s important to us, so we will work with the artist to get it done,” Vasconcellos said. “It could be anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000.”
Some people in Las Cruces said they are happy with how the updated mural looks.
“I like it. I think it looks modern and up to date, yet reflects the past,” Priscilla said.
“It’s nice artwork it brightens up the bridge,” Patrick Ramirez said.
However, not everyone agreed with Azure cleaning it up without permission.
“He should check with the authorities in charge of maintenance and painting if not it’s technically graffiti,” Ramirez said.
But one woman told KFOX14, it’s the thought that counts.
“I think they ought to be appreciative that someone wants to revitalize and make something look nicer,” Priscilla said.
If anyone has any concerns about public art, Vasconcellos said to report it to the City of Las Cruces Public Art for further consideration.
The email is publicart@lascruces.gov and the phone number is 575-541-2780.
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