Photos/Videos/B-roll/Interview with artist Jason Younis y Delgado: Denver Light Rail Train Wraps (credit to “VisitABQ.org” if applicable)
Albuquerque’s Authentic Arts and Culture Showcased on Denver Light Rail Train Wraps
Train wraps encourage exploration and discovery of Albuquerque
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – (March 27, 2023) – Now through January 2024, commuters in the Denver metro area will have an opportunity to ride on light rail trains that showcase Albuquerque’s rich culture and some of its most treasured traditions.
Visit Albuquerque, the nonprofit organization that promotes Albuquerque as a travel destination, wrapped five light rail trains in the Denver Regional Transportation District with vibrant, engaging artwork that gives riders and passersby a closer look at what makes Albuquerque distinctive and special.
“Albuquerque is recognized as one of the most culturally diverse cities in the country, and the city’s ethnic tapestry is reflected in everything from its architecture and art to cultural traditions and cuisine,” said Tania Armenta, President & CEO of Visit Albuquerque. “We are excited about the opportunity to use train cars on the Denver light rail system as large canvases that highlight what makes Albuquerque such a unique destination. Albuquerque is just a short flight or drive from Denver, and we encourage Denver residents to explore Albuquerque on their next trip.”
Each of the five trains highlights an authentic Albuquerque experience:
- When passengers board a train wrapped with photos from the world-famous Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®, they will feel like they are stepping into the gondola of a hot air balloon.
- Another train is wrapped to resemble the exterior of adobe houses like the ones found in Albuquerque’s Old Town neighborhood. The design replicates the texture of sunbaked adobe and features the bright red chile ristras (arrangement of dried chile pepper pods) and turquoise doors that decorate many Albuquerque homes.
- The Spanish Colonial art of punched tin is showcased on another train, with intricate scalloped borders and floral motifs created by Jason Younis y Delgado, a fifth-generation New Mexico tinsmith.
- Whimsical dragonflies, butterflies and bees buzz around flowers on a train wrap designed by Michael Toya, an award-winning contemporary Indigenous artist.
- A train wrap that honors traditional Pueblo pottery designs was developed in collaboration with the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque. New Mexico is home to 19 Native American Pueblos, each with its own artistic styles and traditions.
The 11-month project, titled “Authentically Albuquerque,” immerses people in the artwork with the message “Being This Close Doesn’t Even Come Close.” The train wraps are designed to spark curiosity about visiting Albuquerque and inspire people to learn more. Printed on each train is a QR code that links to information about the artist, the artwork and the city of Albuquerque.
“It was a pleasure to work with the Visit Albuquerque team on this project,” said Albuquerque tinsmith Jason Younis y Delgado. “They understood the importance of creating designs that are distinctive and authentic, and they treated my artwork and its cultural relevance to New Mexico with respect.”
The project was made possible with additional marketing funds generated by overnight stays at lodging properties located in the Albuquerque Tourism Marketing District.
About Visit Albuquerque
Visit Albuquerque is an accredited destination marketing organization (DMO), and a private, not-for-profit organization [501(c)(6)]. The mission of Visit Albuquerque is to stimulate economic growth by marketing Albuquerque as a convention, sports and visitor destination. For more information, go to www.VisitABQ.org.
###