This project was made possible through the LeVert W. Hoag Foundation and State of Colorado Regional Tourism Act funding.
Pueblo, Colo.- Apr. 26, 2023 – The Pueblo Urban Renewal Authority (PURA) is hosting a Dedication Ceremony for the Walk of Legends, a public art installation that honors three Pioneers and their enduring contributions during the 1800’s to the establishment of Pueblo, Colorado, and surrounding areas.
This community event takes place Saturday, May 6 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. and will begin at the Pueblo Convention Center located at 320 Central Main. Ceremonial activities include Mariachi Serna-Flores, a Native American blessing provided by the Thundering Earth singers, and refreshments.
The Walk of Legends Park features three remarkable, lifelike sculptures of Charles Autobee, Marcelino Baca, and Teresita Sandoval that were brought to life by nationally acclaimed artists Huberto Maestas, Dustin Payne, and Deon Duncan respectively.
About the Pioneers and Artists
Charles Autobee (1812-1882) was born in St. Louis, Missouri then traveled to Taos, New Mexico where he began his trading business of carrying whiskey barrels and fur pelts along the Santa Fe trail. Autobee was known to speak seven languages and became an interpreter and scout for the military. He became a justice of the peace, a county commissioner and leader of one of the First Mexican settlements in Colorado. His artist, Dustin Payne, a third-generation sculptor, is known for his western portrayal of history in bronze sculpture. The “Charles Autobee” sculpture earned Payne a Gold Medal at the 2021 Cowboy Artists of America show (source).
Marcelino Baca (1808-1862), born in Taos, New Mexico was known to be the best fur trapper and hunter along the Santa Fe Trail and Arkansas River area. The Pueblo Trading Post was his primary location for trading fur pelts. The artist, Huberto Maestas, specializes in the realm of human form, wildlife, and inanimate objects. One of his best-known sculptures, the Stations of the Cross Shrine, in San Luis, CO awarded Maestas the rare honor of a private audience with Pope John Paul II.
Teresita Sandoval (1811-1894) born in Taos, New Mexico and was a builders and manager of the El Pueblo Trading Post with her companion, Matthew Kincaid. Sandoval was a mother, farmer, rancher and entrepreneurial trader throughout Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado. The artist, Deon Duncan, a Master graduate from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago is responsible for the beautiful representation of Sandoval. Although Duncan’s journey began as a painting and post-modern critical theory student, she found her passion in sculpting (source).