Honoring excellence: Raven Chacon, J.C. Cervantes, Judy Tuwaletstiwa among those recognized by governor

Aug. 20—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.

J.C. Cervantes, author, Las Cruces

Cervantes is a New York Times bestselling author. She has published 10 books across multiple age categories in more than 12 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 New Mexico Book Award.

Raven Chacon (Diné), musician, composer and artist, Albuquerque

Chacon is a composer, performer and installation artist. A recording artist over the span of 22 years, Chacon has appeared on more than 80 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

The Deweys 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 live in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque.

Jim Harris, major contributor to the arts, Hobbs

Harris' honors include those from the New Mexico Association of Museums, New Mexico Humanities Council, New Mexico 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

Michaels is a world-renowned fashion and textile designer. She studied at the Institute of American Indian Arts and the Art Institute of Chicago. Michaels 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

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 the University of California, 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.

This marks the 49th year for the awards created to celebrate the extensive role artists and their work play in New Mexico.

An exhibition of work from the 2023 recipients will open in the Governor's Gallery in the Roundhouse.

The Governor's Awards for Excellence in the Arts are presented by the New Mexico Arts Commission (NMAC) and New Mexico Arts, the state arts agency and a division of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs. This year's awards were made possible in part by contributions from Thornburg Investments, the Chihuly Foundation, and the Gale Family Foundation, as well as the members of NMAC.