New Mexico residents are well-represented in this distinguished group of talented artists, especially given the size of the state’s population. The Museum of International Folk Art holds examples of the works of all the Fellows from New Mexico in its collections, from weavings, colcha embroidery and silversmithing, to pottery, tinwork, straw appliqué, hide painting, retablos, and woodcarving.
“The quality and range of artworks created by New Mexico’s National Heritage Fellows is impressive. The exhibit will stand as testimony to the dedication and skill of these talented artists;” said Dr. Joyce Ice, former Director of the Museum of International Folk Art.
A Century of Masters opened September 27, 2009 and closed January, 2011, and celebrated the Museum of New Mexico’s 100th Anniversary. National Heritage Fellowship Artists from New Mexico featured in this exhibition:
George López (artist, woodcarver, deceased) 1982
Margaret Tafoya (Santa Clara potter, deceased) 1984
Cleofes Vigil (storyteller, singer, deceased) 1984
Helen Cordero (Cochiti potter, deceased) 1986
Emilio & Senaida Romero (artists, tinwork and colcha embroidery, deceased) 1987
Frances Varos Graves (colcha embroiderer, deceased)1994
Ramón José López(artist, santero and silversmith) 1997
Roberto & Lorenzo Martinez (musicians) 2003
Charles M. Carrillo (artist, santero) 2006
Esther Martinez (San Juan storyteller, deceased) 2006
Eliseo & Paula Rodriguez (artists, straw appliqué) 2004
Irvin Trujillo (Rio Grande weaver) 2007. The exhibition closed January 31, 2011