street sculptures

Stuck in snow and couldn't continue road trip. Sculptures were worth the walk through the cold. Best one is of the oil workers, quick time killer.

Statues scattered around downtown are fantastic! Saw them both at night and during the day, skillfully done.

The town has really done a nice job adding art works to the medians and corners. They are trying to make the main drag look better.

We were just staying in Artesia for one night while traveling from the Caverns to White Sands, so I didn't expect anything special in this small oil town. But the street sculptures are wonderful! We picked up a brochure that describes a walking tour, which was helpful not only for the sculptures but also to explain the oil history. The sculptures tell the history of the town, and the kids liked the oil rig sculpture the best. Very nice diversion!

The history told through the sculptures was very interesting. It was great information and the kids loved it.

If this is the big attraction to this city then they are indeed a hurting city. The smell of cow poop and oil refineries is enough to make you speed as fast as you can through this town and get out.

Was amazed by these We only stayed here by accident and thought it was a great little town Sculptures were amazingly lifelike and topical for the area.Loved the Heritage Inn and the Chinese restaurant.Were on our way to Carlsbad Caverns which were also amazing

We used Artesia for a base to meet up with my cousin and his wife, for 2 reasons. Firstly, to stay in a good hotel, then go south to visit Carlsbad Caverns. Secondly, to visit Artesia Library where Peter Hurd's large mural is the centre point. Featured in this mural is our distant cousin David Poindexter, and we met his sons 2 days later. After visiting the library, we walked the trail, looked at each sculpture in turn and gained an impression of oilfield and earlier life in the town, which is very different to life where we live. They are beautifully made and it is wonderful that some folks have used their own money to set these up for visitors to enjoy. So thanks for giving us the opportunity to walk the town trail - it was better than just using the Heritage Inn as a base and having nothing to see in the town other than a refinery!

Traditional western scenes of the area are beautifully depicted. Derrick Floor is an accurate look at the historical aspect of the area's involvement in energy exploration and day to day life in the oil patch. The freedom eagle is set as a tasteful centerpiece at the military memorial near city hall. Ms.Chisum and the kids captures the period of earlier days. Each one of the sculptures offer great detail that enhances the experience...everything within walking distance, free parking, local restaurants and shops...no fees.

There are several sculptures to see and they are scattered throughout the town. The "Derrick Floor", on West Main Street is a must see. Plan to spend some time walking around it to enjoy all the details, right down to wrist watches, wallets and shoe laces on the people. It is worth your time.

We found the series of three sculptures, as well as the sculpture/water feature of the oil rig. We loved all of them, but the oil rig one was our favorite, and encouraged visitors to walk around it, through it, and learn about it as an interactive experience.

The street sculptures are figures which represent the history of Artesia, from Ms Chisum who started one of the first schools, to the cowboys, rustlers and other ranchers who made the town all the way to the largest, the Derrick Floor depicting an actual oil rig drilling scene, the lifeblood of the modern community. There is also a tribute to the school mascot, the Bulldog. All in all, this town is working hard to show its civilized side, and does well.

The enormous sculpture of the oil derrick on Main is very impressive. I usually don't fawn over sculptures, but this one is worth it to slow down and check out.

Awesome Vic Payne artwork and historic stories about the region are encapsulated within these sculptures. A few locals took great time and money to think this out and it is awesome...unlike many big cities you wont find anything this nice in many places. Its a great way to walk the city and explore these great treasures.

Take a short walk downtown and see these art installations. Be sure to stop in the little courtyard and view the history of Artesia and the various fountains.