Connect 66 Internet Announces Ribbon Cutting

Connect 66 Internet, a New Mexico broadband company, in collaboration with Cibola Arts Council, the Village of Milan, the City of Grants, and Grants-Cibola County Chamber of Commerce announces a public ribbon cutting on Friday, May 25 at 10 am at the New Mexico Mining Museum, 100 Iron Avenue (off of Santa Fe Avenue) Grants, New Mexico for a segment of an outdoor public art project titled “Native Basket Array”.

The Native Basket Array will consist of several large communications satellite dishes that will be re-purposed, wrapped with copies of Native basket paintings, and placed outdoors throughout the Village of Milan and the City of Grants in Cibola County. At least three dishes will be wrapped with copies of original art work.

“This project is a example of telecommunications technology blending with the artistic and Native cultures of the area, said John Badal, CEO of Sacred Wind Enterprises, the parent company of Connect 66 Internet. “We are noted for our contributions to the communities we serve, and we believe that this project will increase economic and tourism opportunities in the County.”

In addition, Connect 66 Internet announces a Call to Artists for original paintings of the interior of round tray baskets incorporating traditional designs emblematic of a New Mexico tribe or pueblo. Copies of selected paintings will be used to wrap large satellite dishes for the remainder of the outdoor art installation.  Each artist whose work is selected will receive $1,000. The submission deadline is Friday, June 29, 2018 by 5 p.m. For additional information and guidelines, download the Call for Artists and the Entry Form.

“The idea is to showcase the unbelievable unique art we have in the area,” said Robert Gallegos, Chairman of Cibola Arts Council. “Our plan is to have this be a major tourist attraction that will have people come to our area and explore all we have to offer.”

Connect 66 Internet serves several communities in Northwest New Mexico. It is an affiliate of Sacred Wind Enterprises, Inc., which also operates Sacred Wind Communications, a provider of telephone and Internet service to residential and business customers in, or contiguous to, 22 Navajo chapters in New Mexico. All project expenses are the responsibility of Sacred Wind Enterprises, Inc.

Cibola Arts Council provides the citizens it represents, especially youth, with experiences in the Arts by providing an educational resource, promoting area artists, and celebrating the region’s cultural diversity.

For more information contact John Badal at 505-908-2670 or jbadal@sacred-wind.com or Robert Gallegos at 505-287-7311 or cibolaarts@7cities.net