By Andrea Vasquez
The Bernalillo County Commission, East Mountain High School (EMHS), and the grassroots non-profit organization East Mountains Protection Action Coalition (EMPAC) have joined forces for a design project to create a welcome sign for Sandia Park.
The “Here’s Your Sign” project is a collaboration to give the East Mountain community the chance to be part of the region’s history by creating the sign for Sandia Park. The name is a nod at comedian Bill Engvall’s famous quip, “Here’s your sign.”
This new public art contest was proposed after the announcement and recent installation of new signage for Edgewood in sectors of Bernalillo County.
Sandia Park did not want to fall behind and created this contest, where the sign “Welcome to Sandia Park” will ultimately be placed along scenic highway 14, right at the entrance of the area.
The call is made to artists, students and locals to let their creativity flow for a sign that is fun, distinctive and welcoming for highway 14, also known as the Turquoise Trail.
“We’re calling it ‘Project Here’s Your Sign,’” said Dennis Kellogg, president of the non-profit advocacy group EMPAC.
This project was made possible through Kellogg’s initial reaching out to BernCo District Five Commissioner Eric Olivas for permission and support.
Competition’s Rules
- The designs’ dimensions must be: 34” wide by 36” high
- Concepts can include cultural, landscape and environmental characteristics
- No AI-generated projects will be accepted; must be original artwork
- The selected designs will become the property of Bernalillo County as a donation of time and creative effort invested
- If artwork is submitted, it is important to note that permission for the name is granted for announcement and publication purposes, whether in print or online
- The final version of the selected artwork must contain the BernCo logo
- The winner will be decided through online public voting
The deadline to submit designs is May 16 at midnight. Files must be submitted in either PDF or PNG format to Adam Jones at ajones@eastmountainhigh.net.
“We cannot thank Mr. Jones at East Mountain High School enough for agreeing to take on this project. His willingness and enthusiasm reflect the incredible staff that the East Mountain communities are fortunate to have in the lives of our youth,” Kellogg said.
To learn more about the project or for more details, contact:
- EMPAC: www.theEMPAC.org
- Commissioner Eric Olivas: www.bernco.gov/district-5/about-the-commissioner/
- East Mountain High School: www.eastmountainhigh.net
- Charlene Smith: YouWillGetResultsFromMe@gmail.com or (505) 288-5022
BernCo reserves the right to use the county’s logo in the final product. EMPAC will announce dates and the voting website in the days to come.