Arts Commission

Commissioner Nancy Cooper is a dedicated supporter of the arts as evidenced by her nine years of service as a volunteer docent at the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, where she also served as the Chair of the Docent Travel Committee and is currently serving as the Coordinator of the Sculpture Garden Docents. She is an appointed member of the Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council. Additionally, she is a Menaul School Board Trustee and a member of both the Museum of New Mexico and the Albuquerque Museum Foundations. She practiced dental hygiene for over 20 years, taught the subject at the University of New Mexico and was the first hygienist appointed to the New Mexico Board of Dentistry in 1979. Her extensive experience in state government covered the areas of legislative analysis, government relations, staff development and grants coordination.

Commissioner Wren Prather-Stroud is a multidisciplinary artist who studied dance and music from childhood. She loves all forms of art, but discovered her true passion in sculpture. Prather-Stroud has become known for her figurative bronze sculptures that are in noted public and private collections. She is a member of the Carlsbad Mayor’s Fine Art and Vetting Committee that has overseen the transformation of the park around the Carlsbad Municipal Library and the Carlsbad Art Museum into the Halagueno Arts Park. The project has been in progress for over 10 years and there are 16 sculptures, two fountains, and stages for outdoor performances. She has served on the board of the Carlsbad Arts and Humanities Alliance and is a founding member of Creative Carlsbad, a 501(c)3 organization that is an arts advocacy and education organization. Prather-Stroud continues to create sculpture and always looks forward to the next one.

Commissioner Terri Salazar is passionate about the intersection of art and history. Salazar actively promotes visual and performing arts to ensure that all New Mexicans, especially children, have access to the richness and diversity that arts education provides. She has been a docent at the Albuquerque Museum of Art & History and a member of their Historical Review Committee. At the National Hispanic Cultural Center, Salazar has volunteered in both the visual and performing arts departments and supports music.

Known as a champion of the arts, especially Native American arts, Commissioner JoAnn Balzer is fascinated by the connection of art and science, and passionate about nurturing creativity. Balzer currently serves on the boards of the Lensic Performing Arts Center and Santa Fe International Folk Art Market. She was development director for the Western States Arts Federation (WESTAF), museum campaign director for the Spanish Colonial Arts Society, executive director of the Institute of American Indian Arts Foundation, and interim president of SWAIA, the Santa Fe Indian Market.

Bio coming soon.

Bio coming soon.

Commissioner Glenn Cutter grew up with a passion for music and professional experience as a rock band drummer from the age of 14. He majored in drama at the University of Arizona. Cutter owns jewelry, antiques, and art gallery businesses in Las Cruces, and is a member of Las Cruces and state arts organizations. He has received the Papen Award from the Doña Ana Arts Council and the 2002 New Mexico State Capitol Arts Legislative Recognition Award.

Bio coming soon.

Bio coming soon.

The performing arts have a starring role in Commissioner Mary Lyle’s life. She holds a BFA in theatre arts from the University of New Mexico, taught theatre and speech at the University of the Southwest and New Mexico Junior College, acted in and directed many plays, created the Summer Children’s Performing Arts Camp in Hobbs, and is vice president of the Community Players of Hobbs. Lyle is Education and Events Coordinator for the Western Heritage Museum Complex and Lea County Cowboy Hall of Fame, and a founder, president, and board member of the Lea County Commission for the Arts.

Among many arts activities, Commissioner Mary Peña Noskin owned an art gallery in Albuquerque’s Old Town, and helped local children attend performances of the Santa Fe Opera. She was chair and board member of the National Hispanic Cultural Center Foundation, board member of the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra, and docent at the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History for 23 years. Peña Noskin previously served a term on the New Mexico Arts Commission. She currently volunteers at the National Hispanic Cultural Center.

Bio coming soon.