Seven individuals and one organization have been selected for the 2025 Governor’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts, announced by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. These awards honor those who contribute significantly to New Mexico's cultural and artistic landscape.
Governor Lujan Grisham said, "Each of these artists tells a part of New Mexico’s story—our Indigenous heritage, our Western traditions, our multicultural identity." She added that together they create a tapestry reflecting the state's beauty and complexity.
The awardees include Peter "Amahl" Amaral, a musician from Albuquerque known for co-founding The New Mexico Jazz Workshop in 1975. Amaral has worked with renowned artists like Natalie Cole and continues to contribute to the jazz scene at 83 years old.
Kevin Box, a sculptor from Cerrillos, is recognized for his innovative work transforming paper into sculptures using materials like bronze and aluminum. His creations are displayed in galleries across North America.
Painter Alden Timothy Cox from Bloomfield captures contemporary cowboy life in his art. He recently received the Desert Caballeros Western Museum’s 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Keshet Dance Company & Center for the Arts in Albuquerque is honored as a major contributor to the arts. Founded by Shira Greenberg in 1996, it focuses on dance education and community engagement.
Cannupa Hanska Luger from Glorieta is an interdisciplinary artist known for integrating Indigenous innovation into his expansive practice. His work promotes cultural continuity and ecological repair.
Nacha Mendez, also known as Margarita Cordero from Santa Fe, is celebrated for her music contributions and efforts to empower young girls through her scholarship program.
Poet Connie Voisine from Las Cruces has been acknowledged for her literary works published in notable magazines like Poetry and The New Yorker. She has been teaching at New Mexico State University since 2001.
New Mexico Arts and the New Mexico Arts Commission will host events on October 16 to honor this year's recipients. The awards ceremony will take place at St. Francis Auditorium at the New Mexico Museum of Art, followed by a public reception. An exhibition featuring works by the awardees will open on the same day at the Governor’s Gallery in the Roundhouse.
The awards are presented by New Mexico Arts Commission and New Mexico Arts with support from various contributors including Thornburg Investment Management and others. They highlight both traditional and innovative artistic expressions while acknowledging supporters who make arts accessible in their communities.
Information from this article can be found here.
