Poetry and Punched Tin Shines in a New Exhibit at Gallery One

A celebration of Albuquerque culture shines in a new exhibit hosted by the City of Albuquerque’s Public Art Program at Gallery One. A year-long collaboration between six of the region’s top punched tin artisans and the City’s Poets Laureate reveal intimate recollections of nature, places, and people designed in tin and copper.

"The time-honored art of tin punching is an important part of our city’s heritage, and this exhibit gives it fresh spin by blending in the heartfelt words of local poets,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Together, they capture the city's spirit of family, community, landscapes, memories, and people in both poetry and metal."

Each of the poets carefully selected an excerpt from a poem in their collection that best reflects what Albuquerque means to them and then were paired with the artist that captured their words in tin. 

The pairings of artists and Poets Laureate are:

Justin Gallegos Mayrant – Hakim Bellamy (2012-2014)

Josh Bond – Jessica Helen Lopez (2014-2016)

Esteban Duran – Manuel Gonzalez (2016-2018)

Roberto Gallegos – Michelle Otero (2018-2020)

Richard Gabriel, Jr. – Mary Oishi (2020-2022)

Michael Worthen – Anna C. Martinez (2022-2024)

“Tin art is a highlight of folk art in our community, and so is storytelling and poetry,” said Public Art Manager Sherri Brueggemann. “Combining traditional artforms enriches and informs our understanding of what makes Albuquerque so unique.” 

The September 2024 episode of the Public Art Take Another Look Podcast will include punched tin artist Esteban Duran and 2016-2018 Albuquerque Poet Laureate Manuel Gonzalez. Learn more about the Public Art podcast at www.cabq.gov/publicart/podcast.

The opening reception for the Punched Tin and Poets Laureate exhibition is Thursday, August 15 from 5 to 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. The exhibition will be on view through September 20. Gallery One hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Gallery One is located on the first floor of City Hall at 1 Civic Plaza NW.