Constructed 1976.
Heritage Walkway took shape after a building fire left the lot vacant circa 1962. In 1976, the Artesia Junior Women’s Club created two murals, with the assistance of a local art teacher, in celebration of our country’s bicentennial year. The Artesia Garden Club maintained the Walkway for years until the work became too much for the club members. In 1999, Artesia MainStreet began renovating the area, including the installation of the water fountain series and thousands of hand-crafted tiles created by ceramics artist Shel Neymark of Embudo, New Mexico.
The original murals were retouched with improved paints. New gates were created and installed by welder and artist Debbie Rottman of Carlsbad, New Mexico. In 2004, a third mural was added on the north end of the Walkway by local muralist Noel Marquez. The murals and tiles within the Walkway represent the community’s heritage. Detailed descriptions are featured on plaques displayed along the walkway.
320 W Main St. Artesia, NM
photo by Gary Cascio.
