Santa Fe, NM – Artists who reflect their people, their communities, and their culture are being recognized among the recipients of the 2023 Governor’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts. New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs (NMDCA), New Mexico Arts (NMA), and the New Mexico Arts Commission (NMAC) join in the Governor’s celebration of this diverse group of influential and impactful individuals.
"I want to congratulate the 2023 Governor's Awards for Excellence in the Arts winners," said Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. "This year's recipients come from every corner of the state, showcasing the immense possibilities of the arts across New Mexico. These artists are musicians, authors, sculptors and designers who push the boundaries of telling stories about the state and their lives through art. I am proud to recognize and show off such talent to the rest of the world."
It’s the 49th year for the awards which were created to celebrate the extensive role artists and their work play in New Mexico. This year’s recipients represent not only the extraordinary diversity of New Mexico’s rich cultural traditions, but the depth and generosity such diversity encourages. The artists work in a variety of forms and materials, ranging from visual art to writing to music to sculpture, while the major contributors work tirelessly in their communities to support the arts.
The artists, musicians, and contributors to the arts who earned the award represent the entire state: Paula Castillo of Belen, J.C. Cervantes of Albuquerque, Raven Chacon (Diné) of Albuquerque, Judy and Ray Dewey of Albuquerque, Jim Harris of Hobbs, Patricia Michaels of Taos, Mark Ian Saxe of Dixon, and Judy Tuwaletstiwa of Galisteo.
Paula Castillo, Visual Artist, Belén
Indo-Hispanic artist Paula Castillo holds an MFA from the University of New Mexico in 3D Studio, focusing on Contemporary Theory, Human Geography, and Relational Aesthetics. She is currently working on three monumental permanent public sculptures, Glyph, Equis, and Trestle, for the Denver Art Museum Campus, revealing Denver's deep Mestizaje narrative.