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The Helene Wurlitzer Foundation
of New Mexico Summer 2025 Newsletter
Dear [NAME],
I hope this message finds you in peace and immersed in creativity. Here is the latest news from The Helene Wurlitzer Foundation of New Mexico.
Helene's Driveway Over 80 Years
1945 - 2025
In 2027, our casitas will once again come alive with the energy of new voices, visions, and ideas. We’re honored to welcome a gifted group of visual, musical, and literary artists, each bringing their own story and creative spark to Taos. Selected from an extraordinary pool of applicants, these artists embody the curiosity, craft, and courage that define the Wurlitzer tradition.
Our deepest gratitude goes to the many dedicated members of our selection committees. With care and discernment, they reviewed hundreds of applications from visual artists, writers, poets, playwrights, screenwriters, filmmakers, songwriters, and composers. Their thoughtful work has helped shape a remarkable residency year ahead.
You probably noticed we just announced artists for 2027. Big changes are underway at HWF! In 2026, we’re taking a bold pause in our residency program to renovate and reimagine our beloved campus. This exciting transformation is already in motion. Thanks to a generous donor, every roof on campus is being replaced!
Now, we’re reaching out to our extended HWF family to join us in this once-in-a-generation effort to renew, sustain, and expand the creative sanctuary that has inspired artists since 1954. While we have the roofs covered (pun intended!), we still need your help with other big-ticket improvements: stucco, windows, and interior renovations, to name a few. This is a rare opportunity to modernize and enhance our campus while the spaces are available, and we’d love for you to be part of it.
Inspired by Helene’s lifelong devotion to the arts in education, HWF continues to nurture the next generation of Taos artists through our Academic Scholarship Program. Each year, this scholarship is a seed planted in the creative landscape, helping new voices grow and thrive. We are overjoyed to announce...
 Shyla Martinez
will be pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration at the Art Academy of Cincinnati. We wish her the very best as she embarks on this next chapter in her creative journey.
"
I'm truly so grateful and thankful to receive the Helene Wurlitzer Foundation Scholarship. This scholarship is going to help me pursue my BFA in Illustraton at the Art Academy of Cincinnati, as well as give me more opportuni;es to explore how to incorporate my singing into my creative career. I have a deep love for both visual art and music, and have spent many years working to strengthen my fine art and vocal skills. It has always been my dream to go to art school, and I’m very excited to become a professional illustrator who's able to blend traditional techniques with imaginative storytelling. As both a visual artist and singer, I’m passionate about using my creative voice to tell stories and connect with others. My ultimate goal is to
..." read more
 Harper Higdon
2024 Winner, Harper Higdon has completed his first year with Berklee College of Music with perect scores and a spot on the Deans List!
"
I learned so much and my musical abilities have greatly improved. I feel like I am a completely different musician and artist compared to how I was a year ago. I am so grateful for the opportunity the Wurlitzer Foundation has given me. Because of your support, I am able to pursue my dreams. Thank you so much.
"
 Nettie Benjamin
2023 winner Nettie Benjamin is returning to Drury University after a stellar year, earning a 4.0 GPA in her music and Music Therapy studies, and is heading into her junior year with excitement and ambition.
"
Thank you for the foundation’s continued support throughout my creative endeavors.
"
 Anakaela Trujillo
2022 Winner, Anakaela Trujillo is now entering her senior year at Tisch School of the Arts!
"
Over the past year, I had the opportunity to study abroad in London, as well as visit Spain, Scotland, France, and Morocco while overseas. To say my semester away was life-changing is an understatement. Thank you so much again for your support throughout the last three, and now four (senior!) years. I've had an incredible college and early career experience because of your generosity.
"
 Josh Tafoya
2009 winner, Josh Tafoya, was one of the first HWF Academic Scholarship recipients nearly 20 years ago, and has weaved a remarkable career as a textile artist and fashion designer. Rooted in his Spanish, Genizaro, and Chicano heritage, he blends traditional New Mexican crafts with contemporary design, creating works that honor the past while redefining the Southwestern aesthetic. Josh’s debut solo exhibition in his hometown, WOVEN, is on view at The Gallery at Hotel Willa in Taos through October 31, 2025, showcasing the full range of his handwoven textiles and couture pieces. This exhibition is a full-circle moment, bringing him back to the community that supported him at the start of his journey. Learn more about our Scholarship Program
I know it's a ways off, 2028 - but we invite you to spend three months in Taos to nurture your creativity without the pressure of expectations or requirements. Due to our program pause in 2026, applications for residencies in 2028 will resume on January 19, 2026.
Learn More 
Los Panditos is home to Casitas #1-5
Support Our Mission
As a nonprofit, HWF relies on the generosity of donors to sustain our program, providing artists with the space and time to create songs that move you, stories that hold you, and scenes that captivate you. Your support fuels an impact felt far beyond our campus — empowering creative lives around the world while helping to preserve Taos as a vibrant, thriving arts community. Here are some of the ways you can "Support the artist and the creative process."
Here are some specific needs you may feel inclined to donate towards:
Helene's Courtyard, Now & Then
2025 on Left • 1945 on Right
Thank You!
Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter. On behalf of HWF’s Board of Trustees and staff, we’re grateful to walk alongside you in this creative community, and we wish you joy, inspiration, and fulfillment in your journey.
Sincerely yours,
- Nic Knight, Executive Director |
"Support the artist and the creative process"
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