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.

J.C. Cervantes, Author, Las Cruces J.C. is a New York Times best-selling author. She has published ten books across multiple age categories and in more than twelve countries. Her books have appeared on national lists, including the American Booksellers Association, Barnes and Noble’s Best Books, and Amazon, and Apple Books of the Month. She has earned multiple awards and recognitions, including the NM Book Award.

Raven Chacon (Diné), Musician, Composer and Artist, Albuquerque Raven Chacon is a composer, performer, and installation artist from Albuquerque, NM. A recording artist over the span of 22 years, Chacon has appeared on more than eighty releases on various national and international labels. In 2022, he was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in Music for his composition Voiceless Mass.

Judy and Ray Dewey, Major Contributors to the Arts, Albuquerque Judy and Ray Dewey have been actively involved in the arts in New Mexico since the early 1970s. They have been art gallery founders and trustees of multiple boards. They are collectors, supporters, and donors to arts organizations and publications. They raised their two sons Adam and Justin in Santa Fe, and currently reside in Los Ranchos, New Mexico.

Jim Harris, Major Contributor to the Arts, Hobbs Jim Harris’ honors include those from the NM Association of Museums, NM Humanities Council, NM Department of Agriculture, and as a New Mexico Eminent Scholar. He spent 31 years teaching college literature and writing, 21 years as a museum director, and has written more than 1,500 weekly newspaper columns on art and history.

Patricia Michaels (Taos Pueblo), Fashion Designer, Taos Patricia Michaels is a world-renowned fashion and textile designer. She studied at the Institute of American Indian Arts and the Chicago Art Institute. Patricia has designed and created costumes for opera and theater productions, custom resort uniforms, and red-carpet gowns. Her groundbreaking participation as a contestant on “Project Runway” garnered national awareness and recognition for Native designers.

Mark Ian Saxe, Stone Sculptor, Dixon Mark Saxe was born in Chelsea, Massachusetts, served his country in Vietnam, and while traveling in Europe, discovered his love of stone. Completing his MFA on the GI Bill, he became an apprentice stonemason before moving to New Mexico to open his stoneyard and begin his long career as a sculptor.

Judy Tuwaletstiwa, Visual Artist, Galisteo Judy Tuwaletstiwa is a visual artist, writer, and teacher. After earning degrees in English literature from U.C. Berkeley and Harvard University, she discovered the power of visual art to connect us to the deepest part of ourselves. She has spent her life exploring and expressing this, using different media.