Tucumcari MainStreet is excited to announce the selected artists for the TMS Route 66 Reimagined Mural Project, a community-driven initiative designed to highlight the historical significance of U.S. Route 66 in Tucumcari through public art.
The four artists selected for the project are:
· Richard Martinez
· Tatyana Owen
· Franchesca Velasquez
· Monica Owen
These artists were chosen through a competitive selection process to create murals that will honor the cultural legacy of Route 66 while reimagining its impact on the community. The project is aimed at enhancing Tucumcari’s historic downtown and continuing to promote tourism through visual art.
The mural project is made possible by a grant from the New Mexico Resiliency Alliance, a program dedicated to supporting projects that strengthen community resilience and foster cultural expression across the state.
“Tucumcari is proud of its Route 66 heritage, and these murals will help share that story in a fresh and creative way,” said Connie Loveland, Executive Director of Tucumcari MainStreet. “We are excited to work with such talented local artists who will bring their unique perspectives to these vibrant public art installations.”
In 2022 Tatyana Owen moved to Quay County, New Mexico and graduated with an Associate’s of Fine Arts degree from Mesalands Community College. She is currently working towards getting licensed to be an Esthetician and Nail Tech, and has plans to open up her own salon right here in Tucumcari. In her free time she enjoys sketching, dabbling with oil pastels, and crocheting. Through metal casting, ceramics, painting and drawing she continues to build her own voice that depicts her favorite genres, nature, surrealist themes, and still lifes.
Monica Owen’s works at Mesalands Community College in the silversmithing/metalwork department. She is an up and coming artist who has worked in many mediums including silversmithing, oil and pen & Ink. She has designed community garden signs in Albuquerque and is excited to be considered for a public installation in Tucumcari.
Richard Martinez is a proud resident of Tucumcari with a deep love for his hometown and the history of U.S. Route 66. Inspired by the town’s vibrant murals and community spirit, he enjoys expressing his appreciation through art and painting. Richard hopes to one day see his own artwork displayed on a wall in town, contributing to Tucumcari’s growing creative landscape. Passionate about community programs and local pride, he believes initiatives like these inspire younger generations to get involved and help the city continue to grow and prosper.
Franchesca Velasquez of Karma Creations is a passionate artist and community advocate dedicated to celebrating the culture and history of Tucumcari through public art. After completing the Route 66 Centennial mural behind the chamber building, she witnessed how murals can transform spaces and inspire community pride. Through projects like Route 66 Re-Imagined, Franchesca hopes to continue to honor the legacy of U.S. Route 66, using creative storytelling to highlight its history, resilience, and cultural impact while helping position Tucumcari as a vibrant and welcoming creative destination