Portales, NM – November 15, 2024 – Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU) proudly announces the inaugural induction of art educators into the ENMU Art Educators Hall of Honors. This honor celebrates the extraordinary dedication, leadership, and impact of art educators who have significantly contributed to art education.

The ENMU Art Educators Hall of Honors, founded in 2024, will induct two to three honorees every three years, starting with the inaugural class this fall.

This year, ENMU is proud to induct two outstanding art educators as part of the inaugural class:

Kathy M. Craig – Fort Sumner Municipal Schools – ENMU Alumna
Jeanette Main – Roswell Independent Schools – ENMU Alumna

Inductee Profiles:

Kathy M. Craig (Fort Sumner Municipal Schools), an ENMU alumna, holds a Master of Art in Secondary Education and has served as a National Board-Certified Art Teacher. She has revitalized Fort Sumner High School's art program since 2015, using project-based learning to prepare students for success in creative fields. Her students have earned national and international recognition for their artwork, with projects displayed in prestigious venues. Craig's work extends beyond the classroom, where she is also a yearbook advisor and community mentor, inspiring her students to view art as a lifelong passion and career.

Jeanette Main (Roswell Independent Schools), another ENMU alumna, has over 13 years of experience in Roswell's art classrooms. She is known for her motto, "You're never too old to learn something new," which resonates with her students and colleagues. Main's influence extends beyond the classroom through initiatives such as the "Heart of Winter" art show, which unites various school departments, showcasing students' work and fostering school pride. She is also instrumental as a district lead mentor and has been recognized statewide as the New Mexico Art Educators Association (NMAEA) Middle School Art Teacher of the Year.

To honor the achievements of these inductees, ENMU will host an Art Educators Hall of Honors Exhibition featuring artwork by their students and select pieces from the educators themselves.

Exhibition Details:
Art Educators Hall of Honors: An Exhibition of Artwork from the Newest Inductees
Dates: November 11 – December 13, 2024
Location: Runnels Gallery, Golden Student Success Center (GSSC), ENMU Campus
Admission: Free and open to the public during GSSC hours

ENMU invites the public to visit this special exhibition and celebrate the inspiring legacies of Kathy Craig and Jeanette Main.

To be considered for the ENMU Art Educators Hall of Honors, art educators must meet criteria such as demonstrated leadership, artistic and scholarly contributions, mentorship, and commitment to equity. These honorees can be active or retired K-12 or higher education art educators, representing the highest art education standards.

A selection committee comprised of experienced educators and professionals reviews all applicants. To nominate someone for future consideration for the ENMU Art Hall of Honors, visit www.enmu.edu/ArtHallOfHonors.