ARTIST INFORMATION STATEMENT
Amado M. Peña, Jr.
Amado Maurilio Peña, Jr. was born in Laredo, Texas in 1943. He studied art and education at Texas A & I (now Texas A & M Kingsville), where he received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees. He was a teacher in his hometown of Laredo as well as in Crystal City and Austin, Texas. He continues to teach as part of the Studio Art program at Alexander High School in Laredo and is also an adjunct professor in the College of Education at the University of Texas. He has been a presenter at many national education conferences. Of course, Amado’s first love is art, and he has been a successful professional artist for more than 30 years.
Amado is a Mestizo or Mexican and Yaqui ancestry. His artwork is inspired by places such as Canyon de Chelly, Spider Rock, Monument Valley, Enchanted Mesa, Acoma, and Black Mesa. These sites are part of an enduring landscape that speaks of the ancient heritage of a region that is now known as Arizona and New Mexico. Abstractions of the landscape merge with exaggerated human forms; blankets and pottery patterns. Amado’s artwork is defined by its bold color and form and dynamic composition. Through his art, Amado pays tribute to the people of the Southwest, rich with culture and beauty.
Selected Collections: The Heard Museum, National Museum of American Art, New Mexico Museum of Art, The Whitney Museum, The People’s Republic of China; University of Texas, College of Education, Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art.
Amado Peña is recognized as an Artisan of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe of Arizona. This is a particularly high honor and one that he cherishes. He is dedicated to furthering the public’s knowledge and interest in the Tribe, its art, its history, and its culture.
ART HAS HEART
Amado & his wife, J.B. Peña, established the Art Has Heart foundation in 1994. It was incorporated in Texas and received its 501©3 recognition from the IRS in 1995. The Foundation is governed by a nine member Board of Directors with Dr. Mike R. DeVault serving as Executive Director. The Penas value the arts and have a deep interest in helping students further their education in a field which is generally under-funded. Art Has Heart has been an avenue for both Amado and J.B. to help talented students continue their education and realize their dream.
Peña Studio Gallery
235 Don Gaspar - Santa Fe, NM 87501