Pajarito Plateau by Fran Stolvall. Courtesy photo
By JJ MAIER
Fran Stoval, local artist, volunteer, teacher, mentor, friend and Los Alamos resident since 1967, has been nominated for the coveted Governor’s 2013 Award for Excellence in the Arts.
The Governor’s Award was established in 1974 by the State’s New Mexico Arts to honor lifetime achievement in and support of the arts in New Mexico.
Stoval’s breadth of creativity has proven boundless, whether in stained glass, pastel painting, mosaics, sets, logos, murals, and especially teaching and mentoring.
She has energetically shared what she knows and what she sees, as well as her undying love of New Mexico, with everyone she meets.
Hundreds of people have eagerly taken the classes she teaches and a few have been fortunate enough to have her as their mentor.
Stoval has helped many discover the arts and pursue their own creativity and contributions to the artistic world that is New Mexico.
Countless fans requested to send letters of support for her nomination, these are excerpts from but a few:
“As former gallery manager and volunteer manager at Fuller Lodge Art Center, I feel fortunate to have been able to know Fran and benefit from her talent and volunteering time. Her local paintings, stained glass and glass mosaics are in demand and her classes have been excellent, as I have taken several. I also have several of her (original) pieces in my personal collection.” D. Jackson
“I first met Fran in 2008 when I became marketing director for the Fuller Lodge Art Center … it was easy to immediately respect her knowledge and enthusiasm for creating art, teaching art and supporting our local center … she has always been available to brainstorm fundraising ideas and help in almost any capacity. When we developed a new logo, Fran was the artist who produced the graphics.” N. Coombs
“ I wish to draw attention to the hundreds of hours Fran has dedicated to community theater in Los Alamos since 1992 to our Light Opera, Little Theater and local school productions … creating art in a community theater setting requires a range of technical and social skills beyond those normally asked of an artist … all a unique compliment to her artistic talents. For this service to her community, Fran is particularly deserving of commendation.” R. Klamann
“In addition to her teaching, Fran mentored high school students as they designed and painted theater sets for the Los Alamos Little Theater and New Mexico Dance Theater. Every year Fran contributes artwork to support the Los Alamos Public Access Channel (and Empty Bowls) in their annual fundraiser auctions. She participates in the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program to establish relationships with children in need. Fran Stoval is a superb New Mexico artist – who epitomizes New Mexico. Through her art and her giving personality, she has contributed beauty and appreciation for art to her community and her state. I am so proud to call Fran Stoval a mentor, a teacher and my friend.” C. Schoenberg
Works by Fran Stovall can be purchased at The Coffee House, Fuller Lodge Art Center or the Fran Stoval Gallery on Canyon Road; permanent collections of her art are available for visitors at the Betty Ehart Senior Center and Mesa Public Library; she is also available for commissions on custom work, see her website at www.franstoval.com.
