Renowned native artists celebrated by county

BERNALILLO — Two artists in Sandoval County were recognized for their renowned works Nov. 12, as part of Native American Heritage Month.

Mateo Romero, of Cochiti Pueblo, and Jason Valencia, of San Felipe Pueblo, have works that are internationally recognized.

Romero, who was in Paris at the time of the artist reception, has art that has been turned into mail stamps. His process involves first photographing native models in powwow attire then painting over those photos.

Valencia is a self-taught artist and was excited to be recognized at the county event.

“It’s the first time I’ve ever been to a reception like this,” he said.

An acrylic paint artist, Valencia got his start in 1998. However, painting wasn’t always the plan.

“I wanted to go to culinary school but that didn’t happen,” he said.

He still cooks but decided to go full time as a painter about 10 years ago.

One of his works, brimming with color and culture, was a piece featured in the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. The piece depicts hot air balloons with native symbols as well as New Mexican ones like the Zia, chiles and traditional drum art.

Valencia explained, though, that meaning behind his paintings can’t be put into English words but is deeply felt in Keresan, the native language of San Felipe.

He was able to say that the meanings behind his works come to him in “all of a sudden” moments. From there he said he starts sketching and moves to painting.

Valencia also expressed pride in coming from San Felipe. He said the Pueblo produces a lot of artists and encouraged them to put their works out.

The governor of San Felipe Pueblo, Anthony Ortiz, paid a visit for the artist reception and spoke about the importance of recognizing some of his tribal members.

“There are quite a few artists in our village, not only in painting but pottery, weavers, mugs, and makers,” he said.

But Ortiz took the opportunity to speak about the Pueblo’s history and the current climate in the United States.

“The government divided our ancestors, created boundaries, fences,” he said. “When I traveled back East to Washington to meet my delegation from New Mexico and other representatives, they were welcoming. (But I said) I welcome myself to my home. Washington, this is my home also.”

“Our ancestors were so generous by giving about 100 million acres of land to the government. And that’s what government is profiting, is benefitting from right now.”

He did show appreciation for the good partnership with the Sandoval County Commissioners and the chance to have a positive look on the Pueblo. He asked for that relationship continue.

“Something we need to continue to work on is to take care of our people. We have a lot domestic violence. It’s something I want to reach out to Sandoval County for to get us distance,” he said.

Commissioners recognized the month by presenting a certificate to Valencia and Romero.

According to the county, the U.S. Postal Service issued 18 million stamps for the powwow series in July 2025, and it is estimated that more than 800,000 people attended the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 2025, where Valencia’s work was displayed.