Our Local Treasure Awardees

Dahl’s prize-winning paintings have been exhibited in Mexico, New Mexico and across the US. His renderings of succulents and desert plants wonderfully capture their unadorned shapes and the play of light and shadow on their leaves. He is also recognized for his achievements behind the scenes in the theatre where he is known for his work on set design and lighting. As Art Director for several television series, he received two EMMY awards. Since moving to Albuquerque, he has shared his expertise in the classroom, teaching at Santa Fe University of Art and Design and UNM. He is resident designer for Landmark Musicals and Opera Southwest Theatre where he shares his time and expertise as a community service.

Lyla is a long-standing member of the Albuquerque community and a well-known figure in its art world. She is a signature member of the NM Watercolor Society, a member of the Society of Layerists and a member of the National League of American Penwomen. She is an accomplished artist, having won over 20 awards in statewide and national competitions including five Best of Show ribbons and an equal number of 1st Place ribbons. Most recently she was selected to judge miniature art works for the Masterworks Exhibition. After retiring in the 1980s, she established three framing and art supply stores where she provided support and materials to local artists and was a leader in creating small frames for miniature works. She has contributed much to the local community in a myriad of ways. Her work can be seen at Yucca Gallery in Old Town.

Renee is a highly regarded and long-standing member of the Albuquerque art community. Her medium is unusual, a combination of painting and quilting. She hand dyes and paints swatches of cotton and silk, then sews them together, quilt-like, into wall hangings that have the look of abstract paintings. The resulting works have the compositional character and structure of paintings but with a remarkable textural quality and luminescent color. Her work may be seen at Yucca Art Gallery in Old Town.

This year on February 26 we lost a true Local Treasure, Rod Groves. He was a tremendous asset to our arts community not only as an artist but also as a community leader. Rod served as an active member and board member of the First Unitarian Church and served on the board of The Albuquerque Art Business Association. Abstract Painter Rod Groves was born April 22, 1936 in Madison, Wisconsin. He held a PhD in Political Science with a specialty in Latin American Studies from the University of Wisconsin. He was a professor of political science before becoming the Chancellor of Administration at the University of Illinois, Illinois State University, and Northern Illinois University. In 1995 Rod retired and moved to Albuquerque with his wife, Judy, where he rekindled his passion for painting and became a prize-winning local artist.

Myra Gadson is passionate about creating unique, extraordinary jewelry, and has been doing so professionally for over 15 years. 

As a graduate of The University of New Mexico, Myra worked in the Engineering field with various roles in both manufacturing and product development.  In 2012, Myra hung up her technical hat and accepted a position as Design Manager at a local jewelry design and manufacturing company.   

In 2015, Myra retired and began focusing her energy on designing her own line of jewelry.  Myra has lived in New Mexico for most of her adult life and therefore, her jewelry designs are strongly influenced by multicultural diversity, ancient traditions, and modern originality common to New Mexico.  These elements bring together a unique blend of gemstones that offer an earthy yet refined harmony while capturing and celebrating the colors of the southwest.