ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.–Sandia Area Federal Credit Union has opened a new 40,000 sq. ft. operations center in the heart of Albuquerque's Journal Center.
Among the bright lights and fresh décor, the work of four local New Mexico artists is highlighted and celebrated.
“We knew we wanted a new space our employees would be naturally drawn to, that centers them and would complement how they want to work. A space that was functional and modern,” said CEO Kevin Todd. “The art in this space is a great point of connection from our employees to our community.”
Among the artists whose work is featured:
- Noé Barnett. His piece for Sandia Area, Give Life, is a series of canvases featuring a hidden message that appears only as light strikes from different angles. Barnett said he wanted to bring the vibrancy of street art and murals indoors.
- Jodie Herrera Herrera's artwork for Sandia Area, titled “Connect and Blossom,” captures transformation and connection with two central butterflies. To the right, the yellow prickly pear cactus flower embodies the resilience of New Mexico's people, blossoming beautifully despite challenges. The colorful arch signifies the diversity of our communities converging, while the black circle, formed by combining all color pigments, symbolizes our unity.
- Reyes Padilla. His piece for Sandia Area is titled Cicada Vision. Reyes said of the piece, “Having synesthesia allows me to see sound. This painting is based on the sounds of cicadas ringing through the piñon trees during the summer months.”
- Larry Bob Phillips. Phillips puts together optically charged puzzle-type images that, while challenging, are comments on traditional themes. Eternal Now depicts the individual standing in a river (the flow of life) in a canyon with trees (ancestors) and companions (contemporary society) on the bank, highlighting movement and enlightenment.
The works of art are displayed in the Sandia Area operations center in Albuquerque, now home to more than 100 credit union employees with enough space to more than double that workforce over the next 20 years.
“It’s been fantastic, growing at the pace we have,” said Todd. “We work to serve our members every day. Our teams, for years, have worked separately at locations across the city. Now, this operations center has brought our employees together under one roof, offering a more efficient, streamlined, and consistent experience for our members.”