the Governor's Arts Award Winners

Eugene Newmann

Santa Fe

2008 Recipient, Painting

Eugene Newmann has long been regarded as one of the pioneering artists in the Santa Fe art scene.

Newmann was born in Czechoslovakia, raised in Columbia and schooled in Brooklyn and Chicago. He has made New Mexico his home since the 1970s. "In addition to the sheer accomplishment of his work, Newmann has been an exceptionally generous presence in New Mexico's community, curious about the work of others in whatever medium; always eager to talk painting and esthetics; pleased to share his insights into the creative process; willing to serve as an informal tutor to those coming up," said nominator Frederick Turner. "In all this it helps that he is as brilliant verbally as he is with a brush in hand."

Artist Sam Scott said in his supporting letter: "Gene Newmann is the real deal, a very special person who has brought laughter, intelligence and grace, the higher standard, the greater light to the art community of Santa Fe and New Mexico for more than 35 years."

Linda Durham said: "Of all the artists I know and have known - in New Mexico and beyond - none impresses me more than Eugene Newmann. And, in my opinion, none is a more worthy recipient of this award."