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Nacha Mendez
Writers, book designers, publishers, and more literary lovers gathered for the annual New Mexico Book Association's Summer Gala on August 23rd at Las Campanas in Santa Fe.
The summer heat cooled as attendees mingled outside the Club Room under the portal, munching on assorted appetizers on a picture-book summer evening in Santa Fe.
Acclaimed guitarist and performer Nacha Mendez brought her quintessential song and musical talent to the Gala by playing for NMBA members and friends. Mendez, voted Best Female Vocalist in Santa Fe in 2009 and 2010 and the recipient of the New Mexico Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018, made sure the air sizzled with song.
The summer heat cooled as attendees mingled outside the Club Room under the portal, munching on assorted appetizers on a picture-book summer evening in Santa Fe.
Acclaimed guitarist and performer Nacha Mendez brought her quintessential song and musical talent to the Gala by playing for NMBA members and friends. Mendez, voted Best Female Vocalist in Santa Fe in 2009 and 2010 and the recipient of the New Mexico Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018, made sure the air sizzled with song.
But New Mexico's award-winning poet, memoirist, and screenwriter Jimmy Santiago Baca stoked the artistic passion of NMBA Gala attendees. Often described as both a "firebrand" and "inspirational," Baca is, in the main, a storyteller. Raised first by his grandmother and later sent to an orphanage, Baca was a runaway at age thirteen. After being sentenced to five years in maximum security prison, Baca learned to read and write, unearthing a voracious passion for poetry and what writing can bring to the human soul.
Baca described himself as notoriously anti-social saying. “I don't go out anymore. I’m devoted to work and have been for many years. I get some invitations from global publishers, which normally I turn down, but I'm always a sucker for regional publishers.” Weaving stories about being a robber gang’s lookout, stumbling upon a nine-bedroom house of his dreams that he would later own, and taking young teenagers from east Los Angeles into the hallowed library of Stanford University, Baca revealed the inner workings of his life and writing to gala attendees.
Baca described himself as notoriously anti-social saying. “I don't go out anymore. I’m devoted to work and have been for many years. I get some invitations from global publishers, which normally I turn down, but I'm always a sucker for regional publishers.” Weaving stories about being a robber gang’s lookout, stumbling upon a nine-bedroom house of his dreams that he would later own, and taking young teenagers from east Los Angeles into the hallowed library of Stanford University, Baca revealed the inner workings of his life and writing to gala attendees.
Jimmy Santiago Baca
Of particular interest to many Summer Gala attendees, the NMBA announced the finalists and winners of the 2023 Southwest Book Design and Production Awards (SWBDA) competition in twelve categories. Twenty-seven books, and by extension, their authors, book designers, and editors, were honored. Award winners are listed in this article’s sidebar.
The Association also revealed its 25th Annual Book-In-Hand Award, which recognizes individuals and entities for their diligent efforts to put books into the hands of readers. Jimmy Santiago Baca was recognized for his work with at-risk youth through the non-profit Cedar Tree, with the mission to help transform the lives of at-risk youth through workshops on writing and literature in prisons and community centers. Jean Devine, owner and operator of Garcia Street Books, was recognized for her collaboration with NMBA that showcases member authors and their books on the Garcia Street Books portal in Santa Fe the first Saturday of the month while the weather holds.
The Association also revealed its 25th Annual Book-In-Hand Award, which recognizes individuals and entities for their diligent efforts to put books into the hands of readers. Jimmy Santiago Baca was recognized for his work with at-risk youth through the non-profit Cedar Tree, with the mission to help transform the lives of at-risk youth through workshops on writing and literature in prisons and community centers. Jean Devine, owner and operator of Garcia Street Books, was recognized for her collaboration with NMBA that showcases member authors and their books on the Garcia Street Books portal in Santa Fe the first Saturday of the month while the weather holds.
Shirley Melis- co-president, outlined the year's activities and accomplishments. Co-president Miguel De La Cruz announced the names of newly elected board members, effective August 2023. Treasurer Paula Lozar recognized two long-time NMBA members, Shanti Banwart and Art Tucker, who passed away this year.
Once the program and awards portion of the Gala ended, NMBA members were treated to a book signing by Jimmy Santiago Baca, including collections of poetry, memoirs, and short stories. NMBA purchased fifty copies of two books by Baca, and the author himself brought a stack of titles for NMBA members.
Once the program and awards portion of the Gala ended, NMBA members were treated to a book signing by Jimmy Santiago Baca, including collections of poetry, memoirs, and short stories. NMBA purchased fifty copies of two books by Baca, and the author himself brought a stack of titles for NMBA members.
NMBA Board Members
Photos by Bill Frej & Pat Galagan.
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NMBA Board Members
by Paula Lozar
The New Mexico Book Association held their annual meeting and Summer Gala on August 23 at the Clubhouse at Las Campanas. We were fortunate to have a beautiful clear evening to better appreciate the lovely surroundings. (Thanks to Shirley Melis for arranging the venue!) After gathering for “heavy hors d’oeuvres,” drinks, and conversation, the attendees heard a brief presentation from President Jordan Jones about NMBA’s history and mission, as well as our plans for upcoming workshops and book selling opportunities.
The Book in Hand Honors were presented to three recipients: Carly Newfeld for her podcast “The Last Word: A Place for Writers” on KSFR 101.1 FM; and Sandi Wright and Jared Gann for managing the Southwest Book Design and Production Awards (SWBDA) for three years after Jim Mafchir’s retirement.
Paula Lozar read a brief memorial to Jim Mafchir, who passed away in November 2021. Jim was a
founding member of NMBA from its earliest beginnings in 1994, served as President for multiple terms, and established and ran the SWBDA awards program for seven years.
The New Mexico Book Association held their annual meeting and Summer Gala on August 23 at the Clubhouse at Las Campanas. We were fortunate to have a beautiful clear evening to better appreciate the lovely surroundings. (Thanks to Shirley Melis for arranging the venue!) After gathering for “heavy hors d’oeuvres,” drinks, and conversation, the attendees heard a brief presentation from President Jordan Jones about NMBA’s history and mission, as well as our plans for upcoming workshops and book selling opportunities.
The Book in Hand Honors were presented to three recipients: Carly Newfeld for her podcast “The Last Word: A Place for Writers” on KSFR 101.1 FM; and Sandi Wright and Jared Gann for managing the Southwest Book Design and Production Awards (SWBDA) for three years after Jim Mafchir’s retirement.
Paula Lozar read a brief memorial to Jim Mafchir, who passed away in November 2021. Jim was a
founding member of NMBA from its earliest beginnings in 1994, served as President for multiple terms, and established and ran the SWBDA awards program for seven years.
Jordan then presented this year’s SWBDA awards:
WINNER, Trade Book, non-illustrated:
Stargazer: A Leaphorn, Chee & Manuelito Novel by Anne Hillerman (HarperCollins Publishers; Jarrod Taylor, designer; Sarah Stein, editor).
FINALIST, Trade Books Non-Illustrated:
Little Hours: A Novel by Lil Copan
WINNER, Trade Book, illustrated:
The Nature of Lake Tahoe: A Photographic History, 1860–1960, by Peter Goin (University of New Mexico Press; Felicia Cedillos, designer; Elise McHugh, editor).
FINALIST, Trade Books Illustrated:
Mud, Space and Spirit: Handmade Adobes by Alan MacRae and Virginia Gray
WINNER, Trade Book, non-illustrated:
Stargazer: A Leaphorn, Chee & Manuelito Novel by Anne Hillerman (HarperCollins Publishers; Jarrod Taylor, designer; Sarah Stein, editor).
FINALIST, Trade Books Non-Illustrated:
Little Hours: A Novel by Lil Copan
WINNER, Trade Book, illustrated:
The Nature of Lake Tahoe: A Photographic History, 1860–1960, by Peter Goin (University of New Mexico Press; Felicia Cedillos, designer; Elise McHugh, editor).
FINALIST, Trade Books Illustrated:
Mud, Space and Spirit: Handmade Adobes by Alan MacRae and Virginia Gray
WINNERS, Art and Photography:
Maya Ruins Revisited: In the Footsteps of Teobert Maler, by William Frej (Peyton Wright Gallery Press; William Frej, photographer; David Skolkin, designer; Elizabeth C. Hadas, editor).
Fire Ghosts by Philip Metcalf and Patricia Galagan (George F. Thompson publishing; Philip Metcalf and Patricia Galagan, photographers; David Skolkin, designer; Joanna Hurley, editor).
FINALISTS, Art and Photography:
Seasons of Ceremony: Rites and Rituals in Guatemala and Mexico by William Frej
Fragments of Spirit: 60 Years: A Photographer's Recollections of Taos Pueblo, the Region and its Arts by Sara Frances (Photo Mirage Books)
Maya Ruins Revisited: In the Footsteps of Teobert Maler, by William Frej (Peyton Wright Gallery Press; William Frej, photographer; David Skolkin, designer; Elizabeth C. Hadas, editor).
Fire Ghosts by Philip Metcalf and Patricia Galagan (George F. Thompson publishing; Philip Metcalf and Patricia Galagan, photographers; David Skolkin, designer; Joanna Hurley, editor).
FINALISTS, Art and Photography:
Seasons of Ceremony: Rites and Rituals in Guatemala and Mexico by William Frej
Fragments of Spirit: 60 Years: A Photographer's Recollections of Taos Pueblo, the Region and its Arts by Sara Frances (Photo Mirage Books)
WINNER, Guides:
Hiking Trails in the Valles Caldera National Preserve, by Coco Rae (University of New Mexico Press; Felicia Cedillos, designer; Stephen Hull, editor).
The Mexican Chile Pepper Cookbook: The Soul of Mexican Home Cooking, by Dave DeWitt and José C. Marmolejo (University of New Mexico Press; Mindy Basinger Hill, designer; Stephen Hull, editor).
WINNER, Poetry:
Walking Uphill at Noon: Poems by Jon Kelly Yenser (University of New Mexico Press; Mindy Basinger Hill, designer; Elsie McHugh, editor)
WINNERS, Children:
Albuquerque Gerdy by Sandi Wright (Art Academy de los Niños; Jared Gann, designer; Paula Lozar, editor).
Playful Prairie Dogs by Neecy Twinem (Roman & Littlefield/Muddy Boots; Neecy Twinem, designer).
Hiking Trails in the Valles Caldera National Preserve, by Coco Rae (University of New Mexico Press; Felicia Cedillos, designer; Stephen Hull, editor).
The Mexican Chile Pepper Cookbook: The Soul of Mexican Home Cooking, by Dave DeWitt and José C. Marmolejo (University of New Mexico Press; Mindy Basinger Hill, designer; Stephen Hull, editor).
WINNER, Poetry:
Walking Uphill at Noon: Poems by Jon Kelly Yenser (University of New Mexico Press; Mindy Basinger Hill, designer; Elsie McHugh, editor)
WINNERS, Children:
Albuquerque Gerdy by Sandi Wright (Art Academy de los Niños; Jared Gann, designer; Paula Lozar, editor).
Playful Prairie Dogs by Neecy Twinem (Roman & Littlefield/Muddy Boots; Neecy Twinem, designer).
WINNER, Body, Mind, Spirit:
Whispers in Sound: A Profound Healing Journey through Sacred Vibrations and Meditations by Laura Penn Gallerstein (Sedona Sacred Sounds Press; Diane Rigoli, cover design; Janise Witt, cover photography; Arlene Matthews and Jeff Braucher, editors).
WINNER, LGBTQ:
Ashes to Ink: A Memoir by Lisa Lucca (JuJu House Publishing; Lisa Lucca, cover design; John Edgar Harris, interior design; Magdalena Bartkowska, copy editor).
FINALIST, Memoir:
What Cannot Be Undone: True Stories of a Life in Medicine by Walter M. Robinson (University of New Mexico Press; Mindy Basinger Hill, designer; Elise McHugh, editor).
See all winners here.
During the time that Jim Mafchir ran the program, one of the awards we presented was always “Jim’s Choice.” We have continued this tradition by renaming the top award each year as the “Jim Mafchir Best in Show Award.”
Whispers in Sound: A Profound Healing Journey through Sacred Vibrations and Meditations by Laura Penn Gallerstein (Sedona Sacred Sounds Press; Diane Rigoli, cover design; Janise Witt, cover photography; Arlene Matthews and Jeff Braucher, editors).
WINNER, LGBTQ:
Ashes to Ink: A Memoir by Lisa Lucca (JuJu House Publishing; Lisa Lucca, cover design; John Edgar Harris, interior design; Magdalena Bartkowska, copy editor).
FINALIST, Memoir:
What Cannot Be Undone: True Stories of a Life in Medicine by Walter M. Robinson (University of New Mexico Press; Mindy Basinger Hill, designer; Elise McHugh, editor).
See all winners here.
During the time that Jim Mafchir ran the program, one of the awards we presented was always “Jim’s Choice.” We have continued this tradition by renaming the top award each year as the “Jim Mafchir Best in Show Award.”
The Jim Mafchir Best-in-Show award went to two titles:
- Maya Ruins Revisited: In the Footsteps of Teobert Maler by William Frej.
- Fire Ghosts by Philip Metcalf and Patricia Galagan.
The election of board members was conducted by paper ballots distributed to all the members in
attendance. All current board members were re-elected.
The board met after the party to vote on officers for the coming year. Jordan Jones announced that work
pressures prevent him from serving another term as President, but he is willing to stay on the board and
run the SWBDA awards program; we are grateful to him for his leadership and support for the past two
years of unprecedented difficulty. Vice President Miguel de la Cruz will serve as co-President for the
coming term. Jordan will remain as co-President through the end of 2022, after which Shirley
Melis will replace him as Miguel’s co-President. Anna Sochocky will serve as Vice President, in charge
of programs and outreach. Secretary Connie Nelson and Treasurer Paula Lozar will remain in their
current positions.
Our gala was featured on The New Mexican, you can read it here.
attendance. All current board members were re-elected.
The board met after the party to vote on officers for the coming year. Jordan Jones announced that work
pressures prevent him from serving another term as President, but he is willing to stay on the board and
run the SWBDA awards program; we are grateful to him for his leadership and support for the past two
years of unprecedented difficulty. Vice President Miguel de la Cruz will serve as co-President for the
coming term. Jordan will remain as co-President through the end of 2022, after which Shirley
Melis will replace him as Miguel’s co-President. Anna Sochocky will serve as Vice President, in charge
of programs and outreach. Secretary Connie Nelson and Treasurer Paula Lozar will remain in their
current positions.
Our gala was featured on The New Mexican, you can read it here.
- Published on
On Tuesday, April 17, NMBA hosted an evening workshop about book reviews with Art Tucker and Mari Angulo of Artotems Co. at the UU Congregation in Santa Fe.
Whether it’s word of mouth, blogs or review sites like Goodreads.com or Amazon, feedback is essential for compelling new readers to pick up a book. Authors and publishers attended the event, where Mari and Art shared tips and tricks about the world of book reviews. Attendees learned about the different types of book reviews, websites that can help books get discovered, and received instructions about how to write effective reviews and post them on popular review sites.
