EARLIER THIS MONTH, THE INTERNATIONAL REGIONAL MAGAZINE ASSOCIATION (IRMA) honored the top magazines in North America at its 41st Annual Awards. New Mexico Magazine is pleased to announce that our team of writers, editors, designers, photographers, and illustrators have earned 16 IRMA Awards, including six gold awards (1st place), four silver, four bronze, and two awards of merit.
Of special note, Managing Editor Kate Nelson was named Writer of the Year for her stories "Corner of the World," "Quintessentially New Mexico," "Grounds for Remembrance," "Hidden Jewels," and "Sacred Space." The judges said of her work: "This writer tells me what I need to know, but does it in such a seamless way that I almost don't even know it's happening. She makes subtle observations and weaves them flawlessly into the writing. Superb storytelling." On three previous occasions, Nelson has earned a silver award in this category.
In addition, Art & Photography Director John McCauley was recognized with a silver award for Overall Art Direction. "New Mexico Magazine hits the sweet spot between regional-traditional and cosmopolitan-contemporary in its art direction," the judges praised. "It sits perfectly between past and present tense—honoring the state's history and celebrating its present through the art direction. Beautiful covers. Sharp photographs. Yet more than beauty and high-quality from a technical standpoint—the content means something—it means everything New Mexico stands for."
“These awards are a testament to the incredibly talented team at New Mexico Magazine,” Tourism Secretary Jen Paul Schroer said. “Despite the seismic challenges we have faced throughout the pandemic, New Mexico Magazine continues to tell immersive stories through world-class writing, illustration, and photography.”
Historic Feature 35,000 or more circulation – Bronze
Grounds for Remembrance, by Kate Nelson
The Historic Fairview Cemetery tells stories of wealth, power, tragedy, and anonymity. Photographs by Gabriella Marks.
Nature and Environment Feature 35,000 or more circulation – Silver
Bloom Town, by Christina Selby
In Santa Rosa, the rare Pecos sunflower inspires botanists and residents to preserve the spirit of the ciénega. Photographs by Christina Selby.
Art and Culture Feature – Bronze
Maisel's Legacy, by Gwyneth Doland
For 80 years, a storefront on old Route 66 has sheltered murals by a who’s who of Native American artists. Image courtesy of Historic Albuquerque.
Recreation Feature – Gold
Sand Blast, by Elizabeth Miller, Diana Alba Soular, and Maria Manuela
There's so much to discover at White Sands National Park, and scientists are just now beginning to uncover its secrets. Photographs by Tira Howard.
General Feature 35,000 or more circulation – Gold
Corner of the World, by Kate Nelson
Since 1934, a lone business on an empty plain has stopped traffic with nearly all the necessities—and quite a few oddities. Photograph by Gabriella Marks.
Profiles 35,000 or more circulation – Bronze
Nature the Navajo Way, by Andi Murphy
Botanist Arnold Clifford is on a scientific mission to document life—ancient, modern, and endangered. Photograph by Jeremy Wade Shockley.
Reader Service Article – Award of Merit
Powder Play, by Elizabeth Miller, Ashley M. Biggers, Daniel Gibson, and Courtney Holden
This ski season may look different, but the slopes are just as inviting—and exciting. Photograph courtesy of Santa Fe Ski.
Writer of the Year 35,000 or more circulation – Gold
Kate Nelson
Kate Nelson has been discovering New Mexico’s stories, towns and restaurants since 1989 as a Midwestern transplant. Today, she serves as New Mexico Magazine’s managing editor and enjoys hearing from our longtime readers.
Photo Series 35,000 or more circulation – Award of Merit
Passion Fruit, by Douglas Merriam
New Mexico chile fuels a global love affair. We dive into the science, the romance, the flavors, and the recipes. Photograph by Douglas Merriam.
Illustration – Gold
Voices in the Dark. by Juan Bernabeu
Inspired by his childhood on the Río Puerco, folklorist Nasario García tells ghost stories of rural New Mexico. Snuggle up with the family and read them out loud. Illustration by Juan Bernabeu.
Art Direction of a Single Story 35,000 or more circulation – Silver
Powder Play, by John McCauley
This ski season may look different, but the slopes are just as inviting—and exciting. Photograph courtesy of Santa Fe Ski.
Overall Art Direction 35,000 or more circulation – Silver
John McCauley
Art & photography director John McCauley crafts beautiful covers, sharp photographs, and powerful feature stories that honor the beauty and history of the state of New Mexico.
Department – Silver
Destinations, by John McCauley, Steve Gleydura, and Kate Nelson
The monthly Destinations department offers a window into the world of travel across the state of New Mexico. Photograph by Stefan Wachs.
Food Feature – Gold
Passion Fruit, by Kate Nelson, Maria Manuela, Andi Murphy, Steve Gleydura, Elizabeth Miller, Diana Alba Soular, Douglas Merriam, and John McCauley
New Mexico chile fuels a global love affair. We dive into the science, the romance, the flavors, and the recipes. Photograph by Douglas Merriam.
Travel Package – Gold
Sand Blast, by Elizabeth Miller, Diana Alba Soular, Maria Manuela, Tira Howard, Jameson Simpson, John McCauley, Steve Gleydura, and Kate Nelson
There's so much to discover at White Sands National Park, and scientists are just now beginning to uncover its secrets. Photographs by Tira Howard.
Cover 35,000 or more circulation – Bronze
The Chile Issue, by Steve Gleydura, Douglas Merriam, John McCauley, and Kate Nelson
Photograph by Douglas Merriam.