“Sandstorm,” a sculpture by Justin Deister, is made from metal, industrial polymer sheet, concrete and electronics. (Courtesy of city of Farmington)
“Sandstorm,” a sculpture by Justin Deister, is made from metal, industrial polymer sheet, concrete and electronics. (Courtesy of city of Farmington)

The year-round open-air gallery of Historic Downtown Farmington received a fresh look this month with the official arrival of the 2026-27 Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition, according to a news release.

Now in its fourth consecutive year, this annual rotation introduced 20 brand new, unique pieces to the downtown corridor, revitalizing the city’s cultural landscape while highlighting the talent of the Four Corners.

All pieces in the collection are available for purchase and will remain on public display through May 2027.

The call for artists opened in November 2025, drawing a diverse and competitive pool of submissions from across New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona and Utah.

“Wind Hand,” is a bronze sculpture by Jacob Harvey. (Courtesy of city of Farmington)
“Wind Hand,” is a bronze sculpture by Jacob Harvey. (Courtesy of city of Farmington)

This year’s collection was curated by guest juror Rosemary Meza-DesPlas, a Latina and Coahuiltecan artist based in Farmington. She holds a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the University of North Texas and a master’s degree in fine arts from the Maryland Institute College of Art. She is a recipient of a Fulcrum Fund Grant and the 2022 Latinx Artist Fellowship, which is supported by the Mellon and Ford foundations.

Under her guidance, submissions were evaluated for the downtown corridor. The 2026-27 exhibition features a mix of returning artists and new participants to the program.

Returning artists:Bill Bunting – Springfield, COAnesah Jo Clark – Kirtland, NMTamie Cottrell – La Plata, NMJustin Diester – Louisville, CONathan Johansen – Provo, UTJerry Severns – Denver, COReven Swanson – Denver, COChristopher Thomson – Ribera, NMCharlotte Zink – Berthoud, CO

New artists:Kyle Cunniff – Pagosa Springs, COJacob Harvey – Greeley, COJonathan Hertzel – Santa Fe, NMCordell Taylor – Salt Lake City, UTMark Rane – St. George, UTDimitry Domani Spiridon – Santa Fe, NMDoug Stearns – Aztec, NMD.L. Zartner – Aztec, NM

“Rogan,” is a sculpture by Reven Swanson, is made from mild steel, powder coat and enamel paint. (Courtesy of city of Farmington)
“Rogan,” is a sculpture by Reven Swanson, is made from mild steel, powder coat and enamel paint. (Courtesy of city of Farmington)

“This program continues to elevate Historic Downtown Farmington as a premier cultural destination,” said Downtown Coordinator Karen Lupton. “By transforming our sidewalks into a gallery, we are not only supporting the incredible artists of the Four Corners but also creating an engaging, beautiful experience for everyone who walks through our downtown.”

The public can take a self-guided walking tour of the 20 new installations. To learn more about the artists, view the full 2026-27 collection or inquire about purchasing a sculpture, visit the program website at farmingtonnm.gov/sculptures. Application for the 2027-28 exhibition will open in November.

“Bubble Gum Ice Cream,” a sculpture by Kyle Cunniff, is made from foam covered in mesh with a concrete coating. (Courtesy City of Farmington)
“Bubble Gum Ice Cream,” a sculpture by Kyle Cunniff, is made from foam covered in mesh with a concrete coating. (Courtesy City of Farmington)