Alamogordo MainStreet Celebrates Alley 2 Mural Project

Friday night saw a celebratory crowd come and honor the artists that created the works of art now featured as a part of the new alley 2 art walk in the Alamogordo MainStreet district.  Residents and visitors lined up to take selfies with the artworks, meet the artists, and cast their votes both in person and online. The alley’s  new murals help transform a once-neglected backstreet into an open-air history gallery, visible from White Sands Boulevard that adds to the cultural and historical landscape of the historic New York Avenue arts and history district. The district which runs from 13th Street of New York Avenue to 8th Street is going through a transformative makeover on the 800 to 900 Block, but will eventually include every block. 

The Alamogordo Chamber of Commerce joined for a ribbon cutting and celebration of the artists.

Representatives from Otero Arts the leading artist support organization in Otero County was on site as well lending their support. Special recognition was given to 100 Women that Care Alamogordo with several members on hand also showing their support. This special art project was funded by grants to include the largest grant from the 100 Women that Care Alamogordo.

The people choice selections were voted for online and in person. 1st Place went to Mia Calsi with Ranching Stories, 2nd Place – John Graham & Lava Khonsuwon with Pioneer Women of Alamogordo, 3rd Place – Drew Gaines with The Start of Holloman.

A special thank you was also extended to Samantha Oddomn for Celebrating Chihuahuita, Oliver Zemaitaitis, Imonee Martinez, Anthony Bricker & Emannuella McKee for Footprints of the Past and Taylor Ojeda for Buffalo Soldiers.

In a celebration of collaboration and friendship between the artist awards that were supposed to tiered were divided evenly between the artist. The 3 winning artists agreed to an even split of the prize money in respect of each other’s talents and a show of the collaborative spirit versus competitive spirit of the local arts community. 

Special recognition was also paid to the student artist whose work was featured but not a part of the competition. A more detailed story on the student arts collaborations to Alamogordo MainStreet will be featured in a separate upcoming story.

Special recognition was also bestowed upon the artist Taylor Ojeda who created the artwork in honor of the Buffalo Soldiers featured on the wall at Victoria Alamogordo. Mrs. Ojeda was not a part of the competition as she led the project and didn’t want any perception of a conflict of interest…

The Alley 2 Community Art project adds to the continuing enhancements to the MainStreet district. Planning is already underway for Phase 3, which will extend the gallery in early 2026. Alamogordo MainStreet is seeking sponsors for future installments—local businesses interested in supporting alleyway beautification are encouraged to reach out.

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