First NMSU Art Student Accepted to Prestigious Summer Residency Program

Excerpt taken from NMSU Newsroom:

Studio art major Citlali Delgado is the first New Mexico State University student to earn a competitive spot in the Yale Norfolk School of Art’s Summer Residency Program. This summer, she will join 24 upcoming seniors from all over the country in an intensive six-week program. The cost of the program includes housing, meals and studio space as the students participate in the lecture series.

Attending college while staying close to home has been important for Delgado. Born and raised in El Paso, the self-described Chicana artist draws inspiration from the social, cultural and political issues she sees in the border region.

“NMSU has really allowed me to flourish with my work and sink into what drives me,” Delgado said. “Attending this university has allowed me to be where the issues are and authentically advocate for my community.”

Delgado showcased her artwork at the NMSU Art Museum’s Juried Student Show in March; where she was awarded Best in Show, the Dean’s Award and the Mary Lawbaugh purchase award. “Coatlicue,” is a 54-inch by 42-inch oil painting inspired by the Aztec goddess of the same name. El Paso-born artist Celia Álvarez served as juror of the show and personally chose Delgado’s “Coatlicue” as the 2024 Best in Show recipient. 

“Representation matters,” Delgado said. “As the first person from NMSU to be accepted, I know I’m there to represent my heritage, my hometown and my college. I want this to be a trend for future students because we deserve to be in these spaces.”