On Saturday, the Town of Pagosa Springs welcomed the newest additions to the Weeminchue Meadows — a public art installation that blends history, culture and community partnerships.
The project came to life through collaboration between the Town of Pagosa Springs, Archuleta County, the Public Arts Committee and the Pagosa Springs Arts Council, with additional support from Colorado Creative Industries and other partners.
Artist Chad Haspels created the bronze sheep featured in the installation, while Ryan Curley designed the aspen tree displays that showcase local amateur historian Peggy Bergon’s arborglyph collection.
These pieces complement Haspels’ Weeminchue Meadows sheep herder statue, which was unveiled last year.
Cultural connections and representation were provided by Pagosa Springs Town Council member Leonard Martinez and Lillyan Vega, who, together with the Spanish Fiesta royalty, honored the cultural importance of the sculpture and its ties to the community’s diverse heritage.
This installation location is within proximity of one of the previous train stations of the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad.
“This unveiling is about more than introducing a work of art — it’s about honoring our shared history, celebrating our cultural connections, and adding something meaningful to our community,” said Amanda Gadomski, Town of Pagosa Springs Public Arts Committee liaison, during the ceremony.
In addition to the artwork at the unveiling site, more of Bergon’s arborglyph collection can be viewed at the Ross Aragon Community Center Monday through Friday.
Visitors can also listen to Vega’s recorded stories of the Cattleman–Sheep Wars at VisitPagosaSprings.com.
The Weeminchue Meadows installation now stands as a lasting piece of public art, created through partnership and community vision for residents and visitors alike to enjoy for generations to come.
The installation is located at 211 Aspen Village Drive on the Town-to-Lakes Trail adjacent to Pagosa Peak Open School and Walmart.
>
