Art by Manchego

While visiting New Mexico in October, I met Arthur Manchego at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque. I found his booth inside the interior courtyard at the IPCC and spoke with him about his work. Manchego is a man of few words. His work speaks volumes. One of the few purchases I made in NM is what Manchego referred to as one of his "quick sketches," and I loved this original drawing for the emotions reflected in the soft contours of the face, entitled "Horse Killer." (Top) The other portraits on display he had taken much more time to complete, and his skill as an artist highlights exacting detail.

"Red Earth" (above) is a giclee print I had to take home with me, as well. The motion of line and color pulsate to the rhythm in my head as the rich colors compete with one another to move forward and back on the paper, just like the dancers I watched perform in the circle of the IPCC while I spoke to Menchego.

Ka Whe Tewa ("here there is snow") borrowed the name Arthur Manchego. He was born in February, 1950, into the White Cloud Eagle Clan (Bald Eagle). Art Manchego has won numerous awards and his skill shows that he is in touch with the mystique of the Native American cutlural essence.