Twenty years ago, Sam Leyba, a 75-year-old, native Santa Fe artist, created a breathtaking 12-foot glass mosaic of the Aztec calendar at Santa Fe’s Community College (facing South on the art department building).
Made from thousands of 1-inch venetian glass tiles, including brilliant gold and silver-plated pieces, this public artwork has inspired students, teachers, and visitors for two decades.
But after years of weather damage, the foundation of the mosaic began to tear. The wire-backing, once held by nails, loosened from the wall and caused a large crack to form through the center.
Sam, without any pay or funding, immediately took on the challenge of restoring it himself. Driving hours to and from his home, buying all the materials, and even paying for assistance out of his own pocket.
We’re raising $5,000 to help cover restoration costs, materials, and Sam’s travel. Every contribution helps preserve this incredible piece of local art and honors Sam’s lifelong dedication to community and creativity.
Sam has murals throughout Santa Fe and Albuquerque that you may not have realized were created by him. He is vital to the art community here in Santa Fe, NM. I also included photos of some of the other murals.
Please donate or share to help us finish this restoration and keep this piece of Santa Fe's history shining. Read more about his story and this project below.
A lifetime of giving back through art...Sam isn't just an artist, he's an advocate, sculptor, musician, counselor, and mentor. When he first created this mosaic 20 years ago, he invited young artists from the community to help him, teaching them the craft and spirit behind public art. This has been a pattern throughout his life. Every mural Sam creates becomes a collaboration and a lesson, a way for him to give back and keep art alive for future generations. Today, Santa Fe is dotted with his murals, each one a colorful piece filled with cultural pride and history.
This particular mural, the Aztec Calendar, is rightfully one of Sam’s proudest creations. Since late September, Sam and I have been working side by side to bring it back to the living history of culture that it is.
Restoration includes:
- Removing loose and broken tiles
- Prepare fresh mortar and replace missing pieces
- Reinforcing wire foundation with screws
- Clean and reseal the surface
- Move materials, tools, and glass tiles to and from the site
Sam insists on paying his assistant $140/day and covering lunch, out of his own pocket. He is also covering all the material and travel expenses himself. He drives an hour each way, twice a week, to make sure this piece is cared for properly
Why we’re asking for help:
Sam is not asking for compensation. He expects nothing in return for his work, only the satisfaction of seeing his art restored. But, I believe his dedication deserves recognition. I want to gift him this support, to relieve the financial strain, to thank him for his generosity, and to honor the countless hours he has spent giving back to the community through his art.
The community college that houses the mosaic reached out asking Sam to restore it, but offered no compensation. Despite that, Sam continues to give his time, energy, and money to save this important piece of public art and truly does not expect anything in return.
This GoFundMe will help cover:
- Labor and assistance ($140/day x 16 days)
- Materials and supplies (glass tiles, mortar, sealant, tools
- Sam’s travel expenses
- A small contingency fund for unplanned repairs
Our goal is $5,000, enough to cover restoration costs and help Sam complete this project without bearing the financial burden himself.
Every day at work, people stop to admire the mosaic. Sam greets every passerby with the same question:
“Do you know what this is?”
He then tells the story of the Aztec calendar, its symbolism, and the cultural importance behind the artwork. To the Natives it was "Teoilhuicatl Apaluaztli Ollin Tonal Machiotl", meaning the Great and Venerable Mechanism of the Universe.
This restoration isn't just about fixing a mural—it’s about preserving a piece of Santa Fe’s artistic and cultural soul, and honoring an artist who has spent a lifetime giving to others.
Please consider donating or sharing this campaign. Your contribution preserves this incredible public artwork, supports a generous local artist, and ensures his legacy of mentorship and beauty continues to inspire future generations.
Thank you for helping us keep Sam’s Aztec Calendar Mosaic, and his spirit of generosity, shining bright.
More photos of his art:
Organizer
