City of Albuquerque Names Gallery Space for Clara Apodaca

Today, the City of Albuquerque dedicated gallery space at the Albuquerque Convention Center in honor of Clara Apodaca, whose lifelong work advancing arts, culture, and community has left an indelible mark on Albuquerque and beyond. The dedication is part of the City’s Stories of Us initiative, which highlights the contributions of community leaders who have shaped Albuquerque’s identity.

“Clara Apodaca’s vision has helped make Albuquerque a place where art and community thrive together,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Dedicating this gallery space in her name is a way to honor her remarkable legacy and ensure that her story continues to inspire future generations.”

Born and raised in Las Cruces, Apodaca is a proud New Mexican whose family roots trace back to before the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. She served as first lady of New Mexico from 1975 to 1979, where she launched programs that opened doors for artists and expanded access to the arts, including establishing the Governor’s Gallery at the state Capitol, organizing “brown bag” recitals in the Capitol rotunda, and founding the First Lady’s Day for the Physically Challenged at the State Fair.

Albuquerque has felt the impact of her vision in many ways. As New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs officer, Apodaca oversaw the opening of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science. Later, as president and CEO of the National Hispanic Cultural Center Foundation, she strengthened one of the City’s most important cultural anchors while continuing to support local artists, institutions, and community initiatives.

Apodaca’s leadership extended nationally as well. She served in the Clinton Administration and the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities, and was appointed by First Lady Hillary Clinton to the White House Millennium Commission. Her contributions have earned numerous awards, including the New Mexico Spirit of Achievement Award, the New Mexico First Lifetime Achievement Award, the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award, and most recently the 2023 Humanitarian Award from the Jewish Community Center.

Today, Apodaca continues her community service as chair of the Jeff Apodaca Celebration of Life Foundation, which funded the Multimedia Center at UNM Children’s Hospital.