By EMIL WHITIS
Daily Press Staff Writer
A massive Peter Hurd mural painted on a wall which currently supports part of the Texas Medical Center’s old Prudential Life Insurance Building in Houston will soon find a new home in Artesia, following a pledge from an anonymous local benefactor.
According to Director of the Artesia Chamber of Commerce Hayley Klein, Hurd and his work have strong historical ties to Artesia and the region.
She said he built the Adobe Rose, now a bed and breakfast located on North 13th Street, and used it as a studio for years. The artist was known for his representations of western pioneers and their way of life.
“Many people in the community still remember Hurd and his work,” said Klein.
The convex-shaped 16-foot-by-46 foot piece of art, weighing in at 13 tons, is being rescued from demolition through the benefactor’s assumption of an estimated $500,000 cost to preserve and relocate Hurd’s creation.
Klein said several prominent institutions were interested in the piece but backed out after doing studies on the effort and funds demanded by the endeavor. … For the rest of the story, subscribe in print and on the web.
