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Spotlight
On September 4, 2008, paintings conservator Steven Prins and muralist Zara Kriegstein assessed Multi-Cultural Progression, a mural located on the on Empire Builders Supply Company at 1802 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, New Mexico. The mural was painted by Ms. Kriegstein in 1981 and depicts the historical movements of the diverse peoples of New Mexico and how they have learned to live together. Because of its markedly faded and cracked condition, this 15’ x 80’ mural has been threatened twice with removal. The meaningful imagery and importance of the artist to the Santa Fe community have been powerful arguments to save the mural in the past, however, the time has come to address the mural’s deterioration before it is irretrievably lost.
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The mural was recommended by the New Mexico committee of Rescue Public Murals and chosen for an assessment because it is among the most important murals in New Mexico. Multi-cultural Progression is seen every day by passing cars and was once referred to as “a welcome billboard to the city of Santa Fe” by a local council member. It was the muralist’s second largest outdoor mural and demonstrates technical expertise and complexity rarely seen in community-generated works. It is also the first one designed and directed by Ms. Kriegstein and executed together with the multi-cultural mural group that she founded in 1980. The restoration of the mural is intended to be done in the same spirit, involving young artists and students and providing an opportunity for the muralist to share her knowledge of techniques.
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Along with the artist, the assessment was conducted by Steven Prins, of Steven Prins & Company, a Santa Fe conservation firm that specializes in the examination and treatment of easel paintings and murals. The Rescue Public Murals assessment involves a team approach so that the mural’s history, techniques used to create it, and current physical condition are all thoroughly documented. With this information in hand, the artist and conservator will determine the most appropriate way to restore the mural. Their findings will aid in planning and raising funds for the mural’s restoration.