Governor's Awards for Excellence in the Arts

Celebrating the Significance of the Arts in the State of New Mexico

The Governor's Awards for Excellence in the Arts were established in 1974 by then Governor Bruce King and First Lady Alice King to celebrate the significance of the arts to the State of New Mexico. Nominations are accepted from interested individuals and art organizations statewide culminating in an exhibition and awards ceremony each year when the Governor acknowledges the extraordinary achievements and contributions of New Mexican artists, arts organizations, and arts supporters.

2023 Governor's Arts Awards

The New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs (NMDCA) and New Mexico Arts (NMA) are proud to recognize a diverse group of worthy individuals for the 2023 Governor's Awards for Excellence in the Arts.

2023 Award Recipients:

• Paula Castillo, Visual Artist, Belén
• J.C. Cervantes, Author, Las Cruces
• Raven Chacon (Diné), Musician, Composer and Artist, Albuquerque
• Judy and Ray Dewey, Major Contributors to the Arts, Albuquerque
• Jim Harris, Major Contributor to the Arts, Hobbs
• Patricia Michaels (Taos Pueblo), Fashion Designer, Taos
• Mark Ian Saxe, Stone Sculptor, Dixon
• Judy Tuwaletstiwa, Visual Artist, Galisteo

2023 Awards Celebration

The State Arts Commission and New Mexico Arts look forward to finally celebrating our honorees at an in-person celebration in October of 2023. We are planning to recognize the 2021 and 2022 honorees at this celebration as well since they were not able to have a public ceremony to recognize their achievements. Details about the event will be forthcoming.

In addition, there will be an exhibition of work and information about the 2023 Governor's Arts honorees in the Governor's Gallery at the New Mexico State Capitol opening on October 16, 2023.

2021 and 2022 Governor's Arts Awards

The New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs (NMDCA) and New Mexico Arts (NMA) were proud to recognize a diverse group of worthy individuals for the 2021 and 2022 Governor's Awards for Excellence in the Arts.

2022 Award Recipients:

• Julia M. Barello
• Eva Enciñias
• Arthur López
• Beverley Spears
• Tom and Bev Taylor
• Rosemary Wilkie
• Karen Yank
• Angie Yazzie

2021 Award Recipients:

• Edward "Gus" Foster
• Ricardo Caté
• Susan Contreras
• Dave Grusin
• Kathleen Wall
• gallupARTS
• The Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts

View a complete list of past Governor's Arts Awards recipients here.