Constructed 2004.
Artesia MainStreet commissioned sculptor Vic Payne to create a life-size sculpture of a “Derrick Floor” drilling rig featuring a four-man crew. The 125 percent life-size sculpture puts the emphasis on the individuals who built the oil patch. A landscaped plaza, featuring a relaxing fountain, trees, decorative brick work, benches, and educational plaques was created to compliment the monument. The $1.637 million project was funded entirely by private contributions to AMS. Simultaneously, three families commissioned sculptures of oilfield pioneers. Mary and Martin Yates commissioned “Woman’s Intuition,” and Van Welch commissioned “Pioneering Endurance”, sculpted by Robert Summers. Mack Chase and Johnny Gray, are featured in the work “Partners”, created by Vic Payne. The pioneers and their stories now add to the history of the Oil Patch Plaza.
Artesia, NM
