The Los Alamos County Arts in Public Places Advisory Board has made a significant decision to move forward with the installation of a new public art piece titled "Birds and Big Skies of Los Alamos," designed by artist Jay Musacs. During a meeting held on July 24, 2025, the board voted to recommend that the county council approve the purchase of the glass tile mosaic for the south-facing wall of the Justice Center, with a budget not to exceed $70,000. This amount covers all associated costs, including materials, installation, and community engagement activities.

The decision follows a community survey that garnered enthusiastic feedback, with 116 respondents expressing support for the second design, a notable increase from the initial survey of 170 respondents. Board members highlighted the importance of community involvement in the project, noting that the artist plans to engage residents in the creation of the mural through a tile-painting event. This event will allow participants to contribute to the artwork, fostering a sense of ownership and connection to the piece.

The artist's team is prepared to facilitate this community engagement, with plans to map the mural into 12 by 12 grids, allowing individuals to place tiles in a paint-by-number style. While the timeline for installation is still being finalized, it is anticipated that the project will take place in early summer, contingent on weather conditions suitable for installation.

The board's decision reflects a commitment to enhancing public spaces through art that resonates with the community's identity. The project not only aims to beautify the Justice Center but also to create a collaborative experience for residents, particularly children, who will have the opportunity to contribute to the mural and take pride in their work.

In addition to the main project, the board discussed potential collaborations with local organizations, such as summer camps and the library board, to further engage the community in the arts. The motion to approve the project passed with a vote of 4 in favor and 1 against, indicating a strong consensus on the importance of this artistic endeavor for Los Alamos.