GRANTS, NEW MEXICO.- The Cibela County Beacon reported that Coyote gets new art. Art in Public Places is expanding in Grants. In addition to art exhibits at New Mexico State University, Northwest New Mexico Visitors’ Center, Grants City Hall and 7 Cities Productions, more and bigger artistic showcasing is planned for the newly renovated Coyote del Malpais Golf Course. The state-funded program is supported by the Cibola Arts Council and Double Six Gallery.

They provide paintings, sculptures and other media by local artists to government buildings and private businesses, both to help advertise the artists and to let the public know about what art is available in the area. All of the displayed artwork is available for sale. Manny Martinez said Art in Public Places, and local artists, have been a part of the golf course clubhouse for several years, but that nothing as ambitious as the new exhibits has yet been tried. "We’re looking forward to it," he said.

Gallery conservator George Salvador said the first of the new golf course exhibits will consist of 50 to 60 artworks by Warren Smart. They will be scattered throughout the conference room, hallways, dining room and cafeteria of the clubhouse. Flat white paint on the walls has been replaced by grey-blue, according to Salvador, "to enhance the beauty of the artwork."

Finally, a combination of Sandoval’s Spanish and Native American designs will be added to doorways and windows. Arts Council director Elyse Angel said she is very happy with the reception Art in Public Places has garnered in Grants. In addition to allowing artists a venue to show their talents, she said, it also helps them continue working. "We’ve sold four artworks from NMSU, two from city hall and one from the visitors’ center just in the last few months," she said. "People are definitely noticing."

Angel also noted that Cibola Arts Council and Double Six Gallery will be happy to display Art in Public Places at businesses as well.

"This is not just for government buildings," she said. "We can put the artwork anyplace the public can see and enjoy it."

In addition to expanding Art in Public Places, Double Six Gallery is planning an expansion of its own. Volunteers are set to move the gallery into a new building on Santa Fe Avenue in less than a year, while continuing to offer new programs in the old location. Two murals have been added to the current gallery’s walls, along with an invitation for Cibola County residents, both adults and children, to add their artistic impressions.

Sandoval and other artists are set to offer classes in everything from water colors and weaving to chainsaw art and carving. Finally, April is Children’s Art Month at the gallery. A small gala is planned for Saturday to kick off the month-long exhibit of students’ work from throughout Cibola County.