NORA CHAPA MENDOZA NAMED 2024 KRESGE EMINENT ARTIST
Nora Chapa Mendoza has been chosen as the 2024 Kresge Eminent Artist. The annual award celebrates the lifetime achievements and contributions of one metro Detroit artist.
“I still don’t believe it,” says Mendoza. “That someone just called me up and offered me a chunk of money. It doesn’t really make sense, you know. I only do what I love. Every day I have to eat—I have to paint. Nothing special—just life.”
Nora Chapa Mendoza is a first-generation Chicana born in Texas. Her career began and was established in Detroit. Mendoza has been deeply involved with and supportive of many Hispanic and Native American groups, many of whose issues are depicted in her artwork. In the early 1980s, she was appointed vice chair of the New Detroit Arts Committee. She was a cofounder of Nuestras Artes en Michigan, a founding member of the Michigan Hispanic/Cultural Art Association, and a member of the Latino Caucus of Southwest Detroit.
-
My Pleasure, 1985, Oil, 40” x 58”. Photograph by Carrie Williams Acosta.
-
The Four Directions, 1990, Mixed Media, 40” x 30”. Photograph by Carrie Williams Acosta.
-
Senseless Killings, 2021, Mixed Media, 36” x 48”. Photograph by Carrie Williams Acosta.
-
Immigrant, 2015, Oil on Board, 60 1/8” x 48 1/4”. Photograph by Carrie Williams Acosta.
-
Metamorphosis, 1986, Mixed Media, 40” x 60”. Photograph by Carrie Williams Acosta.
-
Frida, 2013, Mixed Media, 28” x 38.5” x 65”. Photograph by Dalia Reyes.
-
Stolen Land, 1999, Mixed Media, 30” x 40”. Photograph by Carrie Williams Acosta.
-
Children’s Camp, 2014, Mixed Media, 55.5” x 61”. Photograph by Dalia Reyes.
Mendoza’s work is held in prestigious corporate and private and collections and archives. She was commissioned by Cesar Chavez to do a series of paintings to support his Children of the Fields program. Mendoza’s archives are housed in the Smithsonian Archives; her patrons include the Ford Foundation, Detroit Edison, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and CBS among many others.
I still don’t believe it. That someone just called me up and offered me a chunk of money. It doesn’t really make sense, you know. I only do what I love. Every day I have to eat—I have to paint. Nothing special—just life.
Nora Chapa Mendoza
2024 Kresge Eminent Artist
Mendoza is the 16th artist to receive the Kresge Eminent Artist title. Honorees demonstrate a record of exceptional work, professional achievement in the arts, significant impact on their chosen art form, and generous contributions to the growth and vibrancy of Detroit’s cultural landscape. Historically, the Eminent Artist award has been $50,000. In 2024, The Kresge Foundation increased the sum to $100,000. In addition to the monetary prize, the Kresge Eminent Artist Award includes the creation of a short film—premiering this spring—and a monograph that will be published in the fall.
“I feel very honored by the life I’ve had,’’ says Mendoza. “I knew when I came to Detroit that it was special. I’m grateful to still do what I love every day and to represent my cultures. It’s a gift.’’
-
Nora Chapa Mendoza in her home studio. Photo by Erin Kirkland for The Kresge Foundation.
-
Nora Chapa Mendoza in her home studio. Photo by Erin Kirkland for The Kresge Foundation.
-
Nora Chapa Mendoza in her home studio. Photo by Erin Kirkland for The Kresge Foundation.
-
Nora Chapa Mendoza in her home studio. Photo by Erin Kirkland for The Kresge Foundation.
The Kresge Eminent Artist is selected annually by a rotating panel of esteemed metro Detroit artists and arts professionals.
“I just loved her work,’’ said Gina Ellis, Arts Academy coordinator at The Carr Center and talent curator and stage manager for The Secret Society of Twisted Storytellers. “But, her continued involvement in the community is what stands out.’’