the Governor's Arts Award Winners

Marian and Abe Silver, Jr.

Santa Fe

2010 Recipient, Major Contributors to the Arts

The Silvers have long served as tag-team ambassadors for the arts in Santa Fe and throughout New Mexico. The Silvers were recently named Santa Fe Living Treasures for their contributions to their home city. They have for decades served as volunteers, donors, and board and committee members for numerous organizations, including the New Mexico History Museum, Spanish Market, and Santa Fe Opera. Abe Silver joined the Board of Directors of the Santa Fe Opera in 1960 and has continued his association with the company for the past 50 years, including three three-year terms as treasurer. Marian Silver joined the Santa Fe Opera Guild in its early years and served as an officer from 1970 through 1979, chairing many special fundraising events. Abe Silver is a former member of the New Mexico Arts Commission and Marian Silver has devoted years of commitment to the Museum of New Mexico Foundation and other state museums. "Marian and Abe are the perfect pair, kindred spirits, art lovers, fun lovers, community lovers alike," said nominator Eileen Wells, herself a recipient of a Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts.