ON THE CUSP OF ITS 102ND YEAR, New Mexico Magazine took home a whopping 20 honors at the 44th annual International Regional Media Association (IRMA) Awards, held June 14 in Charlotte, North Carolina — including a gold award for Magazine of the Year.

America’s very first state magazine, New Mexico Magazine celebrated its centennial in 2023 with a bestselling cookbook and a well-attended exhibition at the New Mexico History Museum. An IRMA judge summed up the beloved magazine’s continuing excellence: “Each issue reads like a love letter to New Mexico's unique culture, diversity, activities, and places. I found myself daydreaming of visiting and looking up similar events and activities in my state. Great writing and beautiful, clean, elevated design.”

“I cannot express the pride I feel in hearing this news, and the appreciation that I have for the entire New Mexico Magazine team in earning this recognition,” said Acting Tourism Secretary Lancing Adams. “New Mexico Magazine truly sets a standard for quality, beauty, and enchantment in every issue.”

“It’s a privilege to continue the magazine’s legacy of excellence and share the heartbeat of New Mexico with our loyal readers,” said Editor in Chief Steve Gleydura. “I hope that visitors and longtime New Mexicans alike will continue to be inspired to explore all the richness that the Land of Enchantment holds.”  

Here’s the full list of winners:

100th Anniversary July 2023 New Mexico Magazine Cover

GOLD

Magazine of the Year – edited by Steve Gleydura and Molly Boyle, art direction by John McCauley

Margaret Sartor, Alex’s wife, made this picture of him at work in 1985.

GOLD

General Feature – “Coming Home” by Bill Shapiro

Delmas Howe strikes a pose in Truth or Consequences with "M-2," 2009, from his "Guys and Canyons" series.

GOLD

Profile – “Both Sides Now” by Molly Boyle

A pronghorn roams the grasslands near Cimarron.

GOLD

Nature and Environment – “To Catch a Runner” by Elizabeth Miller

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is celebrating its 51st year.

GOLD

Reader Service – “Up, Up, and Away,” edited by Steve Gleydura

100th Anniversary July 2023 New Mexico Magazine Cover

GOLD

Special Focus – 100th Anniversary issue, edited by Molly Boyle and Steve Gleydura

100th Anniversary July 2023 New Mexico Magazine Cover

GOLD

Cover – 100th Anniversary issue, art direction by John McCauley

2024 Artist Calendar

GOLD

Print Calendar – Artist Calendar, illustrated by Doug West

A horseback journey through Ghost Ranch illuminates the rugged landscape that Georgia O’Keeffe made famous.

SILVER

Writer of the Year – Molly Boyle

New Mexico Magazine cover for August 2023's issue "Night Skies"

SILVER

Overall Art Direction – John McCauley and Karin Eberhardt

Woman hiking La Vista Verde Trail near Taos.

SILVER

Recreation Feature – “Choose Your Adventure,” by Steve Gleydura, Julian Dossett, David Gomez, Elizabeth Miller, Jim O’Donnell

Soak in ancient mineral waters at Ojo Caliente.

SILVER

Editorial Package – “Calm, Cool, and Connected,” by Molly Boyle, Lynn Cline, Candolin Cook, Gwyneth Doland, Maria Manuela, Iris McLister, Jennifer C. Olson, and Cielo Rodriguez, photographed by Tira Howard

Nacha Mendez stands in Santa Fe’s San Miguel Chapel, the oldest church in the continental United States.

SILVER

Portrait Photo – “Keeping the Faith” by Minesh Bacrania

Timothy E. Nelson standing in the desert.

BRONZE

Department – Originals (Molly Boyle, Elizabeth Miller, Jim O’Donnell)

Rancho de Chimayo was the winner of the James Beard America’s Classics Award in 2016.

BRONZE

Food Feature – “¡Viva la Cocina!” by Molly Boyle, Lynn Cline, Julian Dossett, Karen Fischer, Gregory R.C. Hasman, and Jennifer C. Olson, photographed by Douglas Merriam

Zozobra does not go gently into the night. The marionette’s theatrics and pyrotechnics are all part of the drama.

BRONZE

Art Direction of a Single Story – “Burn, Baby, Burn!” by John McCauley

In the Gila Wilderness, the life and death of a raven tells a larger story of devotion.

BRONZE

Illustration – “In Relation to All Things,” by Shout

A massive structure in Chaco Canyon.

BRONZE

Historic Feature – “Ancient Enigmas,” by Kate Nelson

Elders are the keepers of tribal knowledge and have important wisdom, traditions, and history that can be shared at such a large gathering.

BRONZE

Photo Series – “Family Gathering,” by Tira Howard

Delmas Howe with his new abstractions.

MERIT

Art & Culture – “Both Sides Now” by Molly Boyle

To evaluate the achievements of member magazines, IRMA annually selects a panel of industry experts from outside IRMA who choose winners from the pool of submitted entries. The various award categories include editorial, design, and photography. Review more information about the 2024 IRMA award winners here.