.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

Nazario Sandoval paints the panels used to board up the KiMo Theatre in Downtown on Sunday. Dozens of artists contributed to the project, which was spearheaded by OT Circus Gallery and Paint for Peace 505. (Adolphe Pierre-Louis/Journal)

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — For the past four days, artists have lined up on Central Avenue in Downtown Albuquerque bringing building aesthetics back to life.

Boarded-up businesses received a pop of color from more than 50 artists during the project, spearheaded by OT Circus Gallery and Paint for Peace 505.

Early June 1, many Downtown businesses were damaged when a riot broke out following a protest over the death of George Floyd.

According to organizers, the art will stay up until businesses finish repairs.

The boards will be auctioned off for charity once they are removed from the businesses.

A drive-through art show is planned for Friday, July 17, according to the organizers.

A passerby admires new murals in Downtown Albuquerque on Sunday. Artists painted the boards that were installed to protect businesses damaged in a riot in June. (Adolphe Pierre-Louis/Journal)