Las Cruces artist selected to paint Visitors Center mural

Visit Las Cruces is proud to announce Anahy Nuñez as the artist chosen to paint a large-scale mural at the Las Cruces Visitors Center, 336 S. Main St.

Nuñez was among 65 applicants from across the United States who submitted designs, the City of Las Cruces said in a news release.

“Through an extensive selection process, Nunez’s artwork, titled “Con Amor,” a postage stamp-style concept, captured the colorful culture that draws visitors to the city,” the city said.

“Nuñez is widely known as a professional face and body painter, tattoo artist and multi-media freelance artist,” the city said. “Her passion for the area and its Hispanic culture can be seen in her creations and in the two businesses she co-owns with her fiancé and fellow artist, Aaron Valenzuela, Atom Bomb Studio and La Tiendita Gift Shop.” Both businesses are in downtown Las Cruces.

The title “Con Amor” translates to “With Love,” “befitting as Nuñez’ love for her hometown shines through in her mural concept,” the news release said.

“Born and raised in Las Cruces, I wanted to encompass everything that makes up the beauty of this city, the wonderful community, and its colorful landscape,” Nuñez said. “I poured my heart onto a canvas for this mural, and I created ‘Con Amor,' a visual love letter for the city that made me the artist I am today.

“I’m very proud to share this creation with everyone and hope that they enjoy becoming a piece of the artwork itself.”

Applicants for the mural project were asked to create a large, outdoor mural to fill approximately 860 square feet of space and that invited visitors to take photos as they immerse themselves in it, the city said. The mural will cover the exterior east wall of the Visit Las Cruces building, facing Main Street. The winning concept makes for a colorful representation of the city while also adding to the city’s growing collection of Insta-worthy murals.

“Las Cruces is a vibrant and culturally rich destination, known for its authentic and welcoming community,” said Visit Las Cruces Executive Director Rochelle Miller-Hernandez. “Our city is more than just one attraction or location. It is an abundance of diverse experiences that we invite visitors and locals alike to enjoy and fall in love with.”

In partnership with Valenzuela, Nuñez plans to have the art piece completed within 30 days from start. Work on the mural will begin in early spring and the finished art is expected to be officially unveiled at a ribbon-cutting ceremony in April 2023.