The Derrick Floor Sculptor
And Friends
“Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men’s blood.”
~ Daniel Burnham ~
Architect 1893, Chicago World’s Fair
We were driving in New Mexico, overcome by the need for ice-cream; we pulled over in Artesia, where I had the most perfect caramel Sunday, ever created by any McDonald’s.
Once in Artesia, we drove along Main Street, which has the traditional feel of Mani Street, U.S.A, 1950, including a theater with neon lights; however, it is also graced by a plethora of unexpected public art. I offer you a quick look.
“The Derrick Floor
Vic Payne, Sculptor
Eagle Bronze Foundry
Lander, Wyoming
Dedicated to the men and women who take the risks and do the work to find, produce and refine New Mexico oil and gas. This monument of a 1950s drilling rig is unveiled in celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Illinois #3, the first commercial oil well in southeastern New Mexico and the first oil well on state-owned lands in New Mexico.
April 24, 2004”
“Throwing the Chain”
“The Driller”
I love that such a small town would take on such a large public art project; and I highly recommend a stop in Artesia, if you are looking for a detour off the major highways and byways of the American road, long may she roll.
The Partners
Partners in the oil business, Johnny Gray and Mark Chase
“First Lady of Artesia”
Another fine sculpture in Artesia is the “First Lady of Artesia” which is “dedicated to the spirt of the pioneer woman.” The bronze of Sallie Chisum was sculpted by Robert Summers, to honor rancher, realtor, driller of the first artesian water well, author, established and operated the towns first post office, business woman, caregiver, and overall patron of Artesia.