ALBUQUERQUE, NM - Mayor Richard J. Berry, the Albuquerque Arts Board and the Albuquerque Convention Center announced the kick-off of a 2,500-plus square foot monumental fresco at the Albuquerque Convention Center by New Mexico artist Frederico Vigil on Tuesday, Nov. 28. 

The announcement took place in the Convention Center at the fresco site, the 2nd Street sky bridge curved stairwell between the West and East Complex just outside of the Kiva Auditorium. 

Frederico Vigil has completed frescos throughout New Mexico, California and Spain.    

Vigil is one of only a handful of master fresco artists in the southwest specializing in the ancient art of buon fresco. Vigil has completed frescos throughout New Mexico, California, and in Alburquerque, Spain. His smaller scale, two-dimensional works have been exhibited throughout the United States and Spain, with a set of his "cartones" currently on display in Rapid City, S.D.

"Mr. Vigil's exceptional talent will certainly enhance the artistic value of the Convention Center," Mayor Berry said. "I look forward to seeing the fresco once it is complete."   

The Convention Center fresco's imagery will depict the agricultural and viticultural history of the Rio Grande Valley, celebrating ancient and contemporary agricultural techniques and New Mexico's wine-making history. The artist's models and preliminary sketches will be on display to allow attendees to envision the expansive views of the valley landscape design interspersed with agricultural and wine-making artifacts.

Mayor Berry proudly proclaimed November 4, 2010, as "Frederico Vigil Day" in celebration of the completion of Albuquerque's first monumental fresco by Vigil and numerous apprentice artists in the National Hispanic Cultural Center Torreon.   

The new fresco, a four-year project, will also provide apprenticeship opportunities for artists interesting in working with and learning the fresco technique from Vigil. Artists, businesses and others interested in supporting the apprentice program can contact the Public Art Program at 768-3833. Supporting partners and organizations that have helped champion the project to date include the Friends of Public Art, New Mexico Wine, Sister Cities and Visit ABQ. 

Albuquerque City Council approved the Arts Board's recommendation to award Vigil with the project on Monday, Nov. 6, 2017.      

The City of Albuquerque's Public Art Urban Enhancement Program, one of the oldest in the country,began in 1978, with the passage of the Art in Municipal Places Ordinance. This forward thinking initiative set aside 1% of the City of Albuquerque's construction funds derived from the general obligation bond program and certain revenue bonds for the purchase or commission of works of art. 

For additional information on all of the public art installations in Albuquerque, visitwww.cabq.gov/publicart or call 311. For additional information on the Urban Enhancement Trust Fund visit www.cabq.gov/uetf. TTY Users call 711.