NEW MEXICO MAGAZINE brought home 16 awards from the International Regional Magazine Association's recent conference in Ottawa, Ontario. The awards recognize excellence in writing, photography, art direction, and digital presence among such magazines as Texas Highways, Arizona Highways, and Down East. New Mexico Magazine’s awards included two golds:
- Best Food Feature, “How We're Eating Now,” a compendium of ways that the pandemic changed our restaurant and home-cooking options, by Mark Oppenheimer, Gwyneth Doland, Maria Maneula, Andi Murphy, Johnny Vee, Douglas Merriam, and John McCauley. Said one judge, “It truly honors New Mexico's rich and varied food culture while also being very timely. It’s a joy to read.
- Best Portrait Photo, freelance photographer Kate Russell’s image of Amber-Dawn Bear Robe for the story “Fashion Plate.” “Photos that allow the reader to hear the inner dialogue of the subjects in them are rare,” said a judge, “and this hits it spot on.
Other honorees included Art Director John McCauley’s silver for Best Overall Art Direction; a silver for website to Editor in Chief Steve Gleydura, former Digital Coordinator Mary Robnett, and Art Director John McCauley; and Senior Editor Molly Boyle’s bronze for Writer of the Year.
"It's an honor to work with so many talented people and share the stories of this amazing state," says Editor in Chief Steve Gleydura. "New Mexico Magazine has such a rich history, and I'm excited about what's ahead as we kick off our yearlong 100th anniversary celebration."
Here’s the full list of winners:
Historic Feature 35,000 or more
Bronze –New Mexico Magazine
Good Haunts by John Mulhouse, Julian Dossett, Kelly Koepke, Kate Nelson, and Jenny Parsons
"This is a fun package."
Nature and Environment Feature 35,000 or more
Silver – New Mexico Magazine
Take Flight by Jim O’Donnell, Maria Manuela, and Christina Selby
Travel Feature
Silver – New Mexico Magazine
Grinding It Out by Molly Boyle
"A well-crafted history lesson built around an appealing slice of local heritage."
Art and Culture Feature
Silver – New Mexico Magazine
Makers' Place by Lynn Cline, Ungelbah Dávila-Shivers, Julian Dosett, Karen Fischer, and Kelly Koepke
"A nice compendium that probably inspired some holiday shopping."
General Feature 35,000 or more
Silver – New Mexico Magazine
In Search of Bigfoot by Elizabeth Miller
"A delightful read. Elizabeth Miller's depiction of Bigfoot believers' quest to find the beast is vivid, entertaining and memorable."
Reader Service Article
Bronze – New Mexico Magazine
Fall in Love by Elizabeth Miller, Kate Nelson, Jim O'Donnell, and Christina Selby
"The copy is well crafted, a pleasure to read."
Writer of the Year 35,000 or more
Bronze – New Mexico Magazine
Molly Boyle
"Molly is a wonderful writer. I really appreciate the way she includes small descriptions that bring details to life. Wonderful work!"
Photo Series 35,000 or more
Bronze – New Mexico Magazine
Good Haunts by Andrew Kornylak
"Interesting subject matter. A nice mix of architectural and portrait photography."
Portrait Photo
Gold – New Mexico Magazine
Fashion Plate by Kate Russell
"Photos that allow the reader to hear the inner dialogue of the subjects in them are rare and this hits it spot on."
Photographer of the Year 35,000 or more
Award of Merit – New Mexico Magazine
Minesh Bacrania
"Brings a well-honed studio eye to the environmental portrait world."
Art Direction of a Single Story 35,000 or more
Bronze – New Mexico Magazine
Out of Site by John McCauley
"Good cohesive design packaging of LOTS of information. I like the mix of photographs and illustration."
Food Feature
Gold – New Mexico Magazine
How We're Eating Now by Mark Oppenheimer, Gwyneth Doland, Maria Maneula, Andi Murphy, Johnny Vee, Douglas Merriam, and John McCauley
"This feature felt rich and illuminating—I feel like it truly honors New Mexico's rich and varied food culture while also being very timely. There is so much information here, and yet it doesn't feel dense -rather it's a joy to read."
Travel Package
Silver – New Mexico Magazine
Good Haunts by John Mulhouse, Julian Dossett, Kelly Koepke, Kate Nelson, Jenny Parsons, Andrew Kornylak, and John McCauley
"Amazing little vignettes that make you feel the passion all these people have for their seemingly forlorn places."
Cover 35,000 or more
Award of Merit – New Mexico Magazine
Makers by Stefan Wachs and John McCauley
"Visually arresting with a clear connection to the tone and authenticity of the content. Incredibly memorable and hard to shake!"
Digital Presence
Silver – New Mexico Magazine
New Mexico Magazine Website, John McCauley, Mary Robnett, and Steve Gleydura
"A beautiful website with a minimalist aesthetic yet full of helpful articles and an activity calendar for New Mexico locals and visitors."
Overall Art Direction 35,000 or more
Silver – New Mexico Magazine
John McCauley
"Beautiful design. All elements work well together."
The International Regional Magazine Association (IRMA) announces its 42nd annual magazine awards highlighting accomplishments in editorial, photography, art direction, design and overall publication.
IRMA is a non-profit association composed of 25 regional magazines from across North America. Since its founding in 1960, IRMA has provided an unparalleled environment for open communication, support and trust among member magazines.
Our members are: Acadiana Profile, Adirondack Life, albemarle magazine, Arizona Highways, Arizona Wildlife Views, Avenue Calgary, Big River Magazine, Bucks County Magazine, Cottage Life, Delaware Beach Life, Discover Concord, Down East: the Magazine of Maine, Downhome, KANSAS! Magazine, Louisiana Life, Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors, Mountain Home, New Mexico Magazine, Oklahoma Today, Saltscapes, Texas Highways, Texas Parks & Wildlife Magazine The Bermudian, Wyoming Wildlife, and Yukon, North of Ordinary.