"Artesia: Public Art Surprise in So. New Mexico" Artesia by TooTallFinn24

When you drive in from the west into Artesia it appears to be just a small highly industrial and ugly community in New Mexico. However that image changes rapidly as you approach the main street of town.

Starting at the intersection of the two main highways (US 82 and 285) there is a most impressive display of public art. The New Mexico cowboy is depicted in three large sculptures. Further down Main Street there is a great piece of public art that celebrates the men and women that work in the oil fields around Artesia. The works are large and very impressive.

The 11,000 or so odd residents of Artesia have a right to be proud of their art and well preserved downtown. There is a nice older movie theater and several older buildings that are well preserved. The Artesia City Hall is just a block off Main Street and is a nice building as well.