ENMU inaugurates Art Educators HOH

Eastern New Mexico University last week announced the inaugural induction of art educators into its 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 university stated in a news release.

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

Kathy Craig of Fort Sumner schools and Jeanette Main of Roswell schools make up the first class.

In honor of its inaugural class, ENMU will host an Art Educators Hall of honors Exhibition through Dec. 13, featuring artwork by their students and select pieces from the educators themselves.

The exhibition is free and open to the public at the Runnels Gallery, Golden Student Success Center on the ENMU Campus. 

Here are profiles of the inductees as provided by ENMU:

Kathy M. Craig (Fort Sumner Municipal Schools), an ENMU alumna, holds a master’s 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.