John Nieto
Born1936 (1936)
Died2018 (aged 81–82)
Known forContemporary art
Websitehttps://www.nietofineart.com/

John Nieto (1936–2018) was an American contemporary artist who concentrated on Native American themes including Native American tribal representatives as well as indigenous wildlife.[1] He was a longtime resident of Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Biography

John Wesley Nieto was the 3rd oldest of 14 children born to Natalia Venegas Nieto, who was of Mescalero Apache and Hispanic descent in Denver, Colorado. His father Simon Nieto worked for the U.S. Office of Censorship during WW II, later became a Methodist minister.[2][3] Nieto's roots can be traced back over 300 years and his work reflects his Hispanic and American Indian ancestry.[4][5] He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Southern Methodist University in 1959.[6]

Work and recognition

Nieto presented his painting “Delegate to the White House” to President Reagan in the Oval Office of the White House. which hung during the President’s term in office and later included in the presidential library.[6]  

In 2002 his painting Buffalo Dancer was installed in the Albuquerque International Sunport’s Great Hall.[1]

In 1994 Nieto received the New Mexico Governor's Award for Achievement in the Arts.[7] He served on the Advisory Boards for both the Wheelwright Museum and the Native American Preparatory School.[1]

Nieto is represented in the New Mexico Museum of Fine Arts in Santa Fe.[8]

Public collections

References

  1. ^ a b c Nieto, John, 1936- (2009). John Nieto : forces of color & spirit. McGarry, Susan Hallsten., Ventana Fine Art. (1st ed.). Albuquerque, N.M.: Fresco Fine Art Publications. ISBN 978-1-934491-15-7. OCLC 456467098.((cite book)): CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  2. ^ Houghton, Howard. "Artist was known for colorful depictions of people, animals native to North America". Santa Fe New Mexican. Retrieved 2020-03-22.
  3. ^ National Art Museum and Gallery Guide. Art Now, Incorporated. 1985.
  4. ^ "John Nieto biography". Altamira Fine Art. Retrieved 2020-03-22.
  5. ^ National Art Museum and Gallery Guide. Art Now, Incorporated. 1985.
  6. ^ a b "SMU Remembers John W. Nieto '59 - SMU". www.smu.edu. Retrieved 2020-03-22.
  7. ^ The American Psychologist. American Psychological Association. 2002. p. 1135.
  8. ^ Writer, Kathaleen Roberts | Journal Staff. "Painting was his life". www.abqjournal.com. Retrieved 2020-03-25.
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