Honoring excellence: Raven Chacon, J.C. Cervantes, Judy Tuwaletstiwa among those recognized by governor
By Kathleen Roberts | Albuquerque Journal | August 20, 2024
The 2023 Governor’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts has recognized artists reflecting their people, communities and culture.
“I want to congratulate the 2023 Governor’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts winners,” Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said in a statement. “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.”
The artists, musicians, and contributors to the arts represent the entire state: Paula Castillo of Belén, J.C. Cervantes of Las Cruces, 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.
About the 2023 award recipients:
Paula Castillo, visual artist, Belén
The Indo-Hispanic artist holds a Master in Fine Arts 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.