NMDCA News:
The New Mexicans: 1981-83, documenting celebrated photographer Kevin Bubriski’s two-year stay in New Mexico, is a finalist in photography. “This book is a gift to New Mexicans, holding up a mirror for us to see ourselves back in the day,” according to Don J. Usner, New Mexico photographer and author of Sabino’s Map.
A pair of titles have been recognized in In the art category. In Horizons: Weaving Between the Lines with Diné Textiles, leading Diné weavers, scholars, and visual artists discuss historic textiles and contemporary artworks. This landmark publication primarily features pieces from the collections of the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture. Also recognized is Printing the Spirit: Gustave Baumann’s Santos, which revives an unpublished project of the acclaimed Gustave Baumann. Along with his drawings of bultos, retablos, and the original Baumann proofs, the book includes new perspectives by Santa Fe authors Thomas Leech and Carmella Padilla, who highlight an overlooked area of Baumann’s work and illuminate the vibrancy of New Mexico’s santero tradition.
All three titles were designed by David Skolkin, former Art and Production Director for the MNMP. Skolkin guided the press’ design for almost thirty years, until his retirement in 2024.
“David Skolkin’s fine work has been at the heart of the Museum of New Mexico press for years, and we’re excited that his work for these books has been so well received,” MNMP Director Erin Adair-Hodges said. “They represent the range of subjects and approaches MNMP has long championed — the art, culture, and history of New Mexico, and we deeply appreciate our community’s continued support of this mission.”
These nominations demonstrate the Press’ commitment to preserving and celebrating the unique culture and arts of our state. The Southwest Book Design Awards aims to raise standards of book design and production in the region by showcasing excellence in the field throughout the Southwest.
The winners will be announced at the New Mexico Book Association Summer Gala on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at the Santa Fe Las Campanas, 132 Clubhouse Drive, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87506. Find these works and other recent publications from the Museum of New Mexico Press’ website, and at your local bookseller.
About Museum of New Mexico Press
Founded in 1951, the Museum of New Mexico Press is an award-winning publisher of finely designed and crafted books that reflect the collections of the Museum of New Mexico and explore the culture of the Southwest. Specializations include fine art and folk art, photography, Native Americana, the Hispanic Southwest, nature and gardening, and architecture and style. Museum of New Mexico Press is a division of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs.
