Alamosa Creates outlines certification plan; council approves public art purchase

Alamosa Creates chair Lattice Feliciano updated the council Jan. 21 on the committee’s 2025 activities and its plan to apply for certification as a Colorado creative district when the application opens in 2026.

Feliciano said Alamosa Creates led five community engagement sessions in 2025 (average attendance about 17) at venues including Adams State University, the Boys and Girls Club, the SLV Museum, City Hall and the Rio Grande Farm Park. Work in 2025 included drafting an action plan required for the state application; the committee also reviewed and placed art pieces downtown, supported Visit Alamosa’s Bridal program and added a youth art showcase to the Alamosa Creates Arts Festival. Feliciano asked council to complete a short community input survey included on the meeting handout; staff also said the city will add details to the new city website.

Later in the meeting, council considered a set of 13 new public art pieces (about 25 pieces are currently displayed in the Central Business District when purchases are included). Council narrowed candidates to two: Whimsical Heart (Kyle Cunnuff, $6,800) and Eternal Echoes (Charlotte Zink, $8,000). After discussion, council voted unanimously to purchase Whimsical Heart for $6,800 and to carry over the remaining art funds for future use.

Councilors praised the committee’s community‑driven process and noted the arts festival’s move to an outdoor block‑party format on San Juan as a highlight for 2025.