The City of Albuquerque has dedicated gallery space at the Albuquerque Convention Center to Clara Apodaca, recognizing her decades-long work in advancing arts, culture, and community engagement. The move is part of the city’s Stories of Us initiative, which honors local leaders who have contributed to shaping Albuquerque’s cultural landscape.
“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.”
Clara Apodaca was born in Las Cruces and has longstanding New Mexican roots predating the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. As first lady of New Mexico from 1975 to 1979, she launched several initiatives supporting artists and expanding access to the arts. These included founding the Governor’s Gallery at the state Capitol, organizing “brown bag” recitals in the Capitol rotunda, and creating the First Lady’s Day for the Physically Challenged at the State Fair.
In her role with the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, Apodaca oversaw projects such as opening the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science. She later served as president and CEO of the National Hispanic Cultural Center Foundation, helping strengthen an important cultural institution in Albuquerque while continuing advocacy for local artists and community programs.
Apodaca also held national positions. She worked with the Clinton Administration and served on the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities. First Lady Hillary Clinton appointed her to serve on the White House Millennium Commission. Her work has been recognized by awards including the New Mexico Spirit of Achievement Award, New Mexico First Lifetime Achievement Award, Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award, and most recently, the 2023 Humanitarian Award from the Jewish Community Center.
Currently, Apodaca serves as chair of the Jeff Apodaca Celebration of Life Foundation, which supported funding for a Multimedia Center at UNM Children’s Hospital.
