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MEET THE
OFFICIAL 2025
ZOZOBRA ARTISTS!
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Contact: Ray Sandoval, Zozobra Event Chair
BurnHim@BurnZozobra.com
1.855.ZOZOBRA
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Santa Fe, NM - The annual competition to be an Official 2025 Zozobra Artist was as fierce and unyielding as Zozobra himself, and the quality and quantity of artwork submitted was epic!
Open to artists of all ages, the depth of community surrounding Old Man Gloom's 101st anniversary inspired an incredible outpouring of artistry, and the visionary work of these artists showcased Zozobra 's next century in all its gloomy glory!
Says Zozobra Event Chair Ray Sandoval, "It was obvious that this year's Steampunk theme lit a fire in the minds and hearts of these artists, whose amazing work shows just how much our fellow New Mexicans are going to enjoy this 101st event!"
Please join us in congratulating these talented artists and read below to learn about their artistic journeys!
| | 2025 Zozobra Poster Artist Jacob Reyes | | |
Jacob Reyes was born in Alamogordo, New Mexico in 1991. He was raised alongside his four siblings in La Luz, New Mexico by his parents, Genevieve and Eddy Reyes. He attended New Mexico Youth Challenge Academy and attained his GED in 2009. After graduation, he struggled to find his purpose as a young adult who entered the world carrying the weight of his hardships. He moved from home to home, which led him to reside in New Orleans, Louisiana. It is in New Orleans where his confidence grew as an artist and exhilarated his passion.
Currently based in Santa Fe as a multimedia illustrator, he uses acrylic paint, pastels, colored pencils, markers, pens, and charcoal. He utilizes all types of media to create strong concepts while adding cartoonish elements to invoke a surrealist perspective of the world. His inspirations derive from the history and culture deeply rooted in both New Mexico and New Orleans. His style of art is also inspired by his time spent in nature, his devotion to his family, and his love for skateboarding, all in which, he could not live without.
| | 2025 Zozobra T-shirt Artist Raymond Archuleta | | |
Raymond Archuleta is a versatile artist based in Northern New Mexico, with a lifelong passion for creativity. His artistic journey began in childhood with pencil drawings, later expanding to painting and, most recently, digital art.
Raymond pursued formal education in art, attending college in Cleveland, Ohio, with the goal of becoming an art teacher. His work spans multiple styles, reflecting his belief that art should be an evolving and diverse expression rather than confined to a single approach. However, he has a deep appreciation for Chicano-style artwork and religious themes, which often influence his creations.
He was motivated to enter the Zozobra art contest because, as an artist, he feels that having his work displayed in such a significant tradition is a true honor.
| | 2025 Kids Poster Alex Ramirez-Clay | | |
About his artwork, Alex Ramirez says, "Art is one of my favorite methods of communication. Through art, we can reflect on ourselves and our world, and through self-reflection, we can communicate to one another from personal experience(s). We can understand each other no matter the language or culture – we are connected.
I love art. And I’m so grateful to have the ability to organize 2D lines and shapes with the purpose of creating meaningful images that evoke thought and emotion. My soul cries out for art that makes us feel and reminds us we’re human. Since I was a kid, the story and depiction of a colossal manifestation of gloom, invoking gloom upon a city that in the end unites us to create a fiery flamed entity with the purpose to cleanse, felt nothing but human to me. I’m grateful for the opportunity to depict the 101-year-old tradition and effigy that is Zozobra, and for all those who continue to organize, support, and encourage opportunities for creativity. As long as I'm here, I will take those opportunities."
| | 2025 Youth Zozobra T-shirt Josiah Montoya | | My name is Josiah Montoya, I'm 16-years-old and I'm from Alcalde, NM. I am a sophomore at St. Michael's high school. I love to sketch and dance. It's my passion. I've been helping with Zozobra for 10 years, starting when I was 5 years old. It's been awesome to show my art work and dance out to the world and help build this huge giant puppet we burn every year. | | 2025 Specialty T-shirt Artist Sadie Bachmann | | |
I am Sadie Bachmann, a proud native New Mexican. I received my Bachelors of Art Studio from the University of New Mexico in May of 2022. Artistic expression has always been my
passion. It allows me to be my most authentic self. I primarily focus on acrylic painting, but also love to explore oil paint and mixed media to create work that expresses my varied
interests. I derive much inspiration from the unique beauty of this state and its wonderful traditions. I am striving to broaden my participation in the art world of my community, where I can not only take part in, but also lend support and promote New Mexico events.
After having dreamed of experiencing the Burning of Zozobra, I was thrilled to attend the festivities last year, August 2024, for the first time for the 100th anniversary! It exceeded my expectation of scale, drama and the mystique of vanquishing anxieties and gloom.
Spawned by the romantic gathering of the 1924 Fiesta for Los Cinco Pintores, it further captured my passion for the extraordinary sense of community and cultural tradition.
Imagine my excitement when I learned of the opportunity to submit an art piece for this year’s 101st Zozobra celebration. I immediately began working on my painting. I am incredibly thankful to have had my work selected and being a part of this incredible event is an honor beyond my wildest dreams.
| | 2025 Zozobra Toddler T-Shirt Artist Marcus Trujillo | | |
My name is Marcus Trujillo. I am 9, almost 10 years old and a
4 th grade student at Pinon Elementary School. Some favorite things I like to do are draw, watch movies, go to the mall, and play video games. My favorite game right now is Geometry Dash.
I was born in Santa Fe and ever since I can remember, Zozobra is an event my family goes to every single year. I always look forward to it, and I am happy I was able to create art for it this year!
| | 2025 Kids Coloring T-shirt Nicholas Packard | | |
Hello, I'm Nicolas "Nahman" Packard! Nahman [Nvhmvn] [NM] is an entity of many faces, hats, and roles. They're an omnidimensional being that traverses the vast multidimensional omniverse, but chooses to reside mostly in the 2nd dimension, AKA Flat Land.
For the keen eye, they'll show up in the background(s) and occasionally take the front of stage, foreground(s) in life(s). Both in the "real" world and "reel" world. They're also a Pisces, kin of Poseidon (Neptune), so they explore themes of duality and represent the legions of light and armies of darkness. A slippery fish that'll occasionally let themselves be caught by a bigger fish. In the lunar calendar is a rabbit. They live and thrive on a steady diet of paper, ink, cardboard, glue, and orgone energy. In the 3rd dimension they reside in/on the Milky Way Galaxy, Planet Earth, United States of America, New Mexico, Albuquerque, Bernalillo, (Terra Nullis), {no man's land}, [Nahman's Land]. They're a self-anointed mascot for the land of enchantment/entrapment.
Goes by nah, nvh, nahmi, nvhmi, young man bloom, young man gloom. Practicing mediums of multimedia, traditional pen, paper, paint, canvas, calligraphy, graphic/digital design, sculpting, acting, non acting, collage, large/ small scale builds, custom upcycling, collaborative projects, writing (sucks), comics/zines, screen printing, stamping, cardboard cutouts/ standees, event planning, and more. We decided to enter the Zozobra art competition because I reflect a lot of the energy that he gives to everyone. I'm drawn to the anomalous entities that reside in our state, country, and world.
| | 2025 Kids Coloring Page Artist Julian Sanchez | | |
I am Julian Sanchez, a nine-year-old artist, and I am in third grade. My favorite subject in school is art, and I am a purple belt in karate. I am very interested in drawing and writing my own books. I’ve written and illustrated many of my own books, for example, Sea Baby and Grumpy Dog. My great-grandfather Samuel Sanchez was an exceptional painter, He really inspired me. My art is often inspired by things I see and books I’ve read. I often like to just do black and white drawings and not use color too much.
When I grow up, I want to be many things, such as an engineer, artist, professional runner, Olympic runner, musician, and chef. I would like to make more books and share my art with everyone at Zozobra. I love making art and drawing and making people happy because I don’t want anyone to have a sad gloom. My gloom is other people’s glooms.
| | 2025 Zozobra Volunteer T-shirt Artist Matt Martinez | | |
I am Matt Martinez, born and raised in Santa Fe. This is my second time being a Zozobra artist. I'm a self-taught artist, using many different medias. A lot of my inspiration is from other local artists and sketching with my boy (X). This is my third time entering. and I love showcasing my art though the contest. I plan to continue to learn different medias and start taking some art classes in the fall.
The poster design was a pencil sketch that was edited and colored digitally. The steampunk style has so many elements, and it was a fun design to create. I'm extremely thankful for my boy (X) and a very supportive friend (M); both continue to inspire me daily. I'm grateful to have you both in my life.
| | 2025 Zozobra Ticket Poster Artist Rene Leninger | | |
Rene Leninger says, "I find art in everything, every day. Being fortunate to call New Mexico home my entire life, I’m continuously amazed by the stunning scenery and endless blue skies that serve as a constant source of inspiration. While my creative pursuits primarily involve acrylic paintings across a wide range of subjects, I am also an accomplished digital artist and large resin art piece creator. But this year has been particularly special. My art was chosen to represent Zozobra on New Mexico Lottery Scratchers and two of my drawings are featured in this year’s 101st Burning of Zozobra! I would say Zozobra is my best friend (don’t tell him that, though)!
With the theme being steampunk this year, it was a challenge to work up a piece that could incorporate all the things that I love about Zozobra. I envisioned Zozobra spending the last year tinkering around in the ole workshop. He comes back after being burned year after year, and sometimes not everything works the same so he had to construct a mechanical arm so he can point at us while scowling and growling! While he was at it, he invented the Gloomba, it’s a steam-powered mechanical vacuum that swoops up all the gloom. He is looking handsome and extra fearsome as he stands ready to face the crowd once again, as his nemesis the Fire Spirit, with a freshly fueled flame thrower, is ready once again for an epic battle!
The other work, “New Mexico’s Most-Wanted” is an old burned and yellowed wanted poster with our favorite gloomy guy’s mug shot - he’s wanted! For shenanigans and mayhem! And tons of fun! It’s an honor to be part of this year’s Zozobra celebration!
| | 2025 ZozoFest Image Artist Nathan Chavez | | |
Nathan J. Chavez is a New Mexico-based artist celebrated for his bold, vibrant artwork that blends storytelling with rich cultural influences. Born in Albuquerque and raised in Carrizozo located in Lincoln County, Nathan has a deep connection to New Mexico’s history, folklore, and traditions. His work is inspired by cartoons, comic books, music, street art, film, and the unique blend of cultures that define the Southwest. With a foundation in traditional drawing, every piece begins with paper and pencil, evolving into dynamic compositions that capture movement, emotion, and narrative. His portfolio includes murals, logos, flyers, t-shirts, and posters that can be found across New Mexico, each infused with his signature style, and many can be seen on his website at nathanillustration.com.
A lifelong admirer of Old Man Gloom, Nathan has long been drawn to the mystique of Zozobra, paying tribute each year through his artwork. His dedication to capturing the essence of this fiery icon culminated in the prestigious honor of designing the official Zozobra poster in 2023 and the official Zozofest poster for 2025, a testament to his passion for the event and its cultural significance.
| | 2025 Zozobra Pint Glass Artist Emiliano Del Rio | | Emiliano Del Rio is a rising digital artist based in Santa Fe, whose creative journey began at a young age. Deeply inspired by the vibrant culture and traditions of his hometown, he found a lifelong muse in the annual Zozobra celebration. Attending the event since childhood, Emiliano has long dreamed of contributing to its artistic legacy. This year, that dream became a reality as his work earned recognition in the Zozobra art contest-a powerful affirmation of his talent and potential. With a fresh perspective and a passion for digital media, Emiliano is quickly establishing himself as an emerging force in the local art scene, signaling a promising and impact full career ahead. | | 2025 Zozobra Shot Glass Artist Shai Gonzales | | |
My name is Shai Gonzales, and I am a local artist who practices many different disciplines. Like many young boys, I grew up with a love for dinosaurs, and that is really where my art journey began. Being self-taught from a young age, I made it my mission to develop the skills to express my ideas and personal experiences to the best of my ability, in the hopes that others might relate and appreciate my work. I have learned what it means to be an artist and how important it is to fall in love with my work over and over again.
Over the years I have spent thousands of hours sketching and learning to express emotions and ideas with graphite, and as a result have developed a purpose that has become the bedrock of my spiritual and emotional being. I can only hope that others recognize and appreciate my stories, since they are not just my stories, but they're the eternal stories that live within each and every one of us. Themes of love, loss, hope and death are what we share as human beings. I believe these should bring us closer together, as we learn how to reconnect and love each other on this earth. When I'm not drawing, I'm training in martial arts or dancing with the local Salsa community. I hope that you find value in my work and wish you all of the best in your journey on this earth.
| | 2025 Zozobra Puzzle Artist Su Walker | | |
Su Walker is an internationally known clairvoyant and medical intuitive who began her art career just half a dozen years ago after a four decade long hiatus. An Iowa native, Su moved to the Albuquerque area in 2014 and married three years later. In the fall of 2016, Su was asked to draw the face of a friend. It was the first sketch of a person she’d done since high school. Su has never had any formal art training.
Now, 6 years later, Su draws every day and has gained worldwide recognition for her detailed portraits of both Sasquatch and extraterrestrials. Her artwork has been featured in documentaries and has been used as illustrations for several books. This year one of her Sasquatch portraits was chosen for the cover of a book. Those who view Su’s portraits for the first time are often struck by the poignant emotional expressions she captures. For individuals who are curious, images of her Sasquatch and ET portraits can be seen on her 'Su Walker' YouTube channel.
| | Additional 2025 Winning Artists | | |
There was so much amazing art that the Zozobra Art Jury has set aside additional artworks to be used going forward. Please join us in congratulating these great talents!
Top row, L to R: Robb Rael (2024 Zozobra poster artist), Joel Nakamura (2023 Dia de los Muertos T-shirt artist), Joseph Montoya (2024 Zozobra Hot Air Balloon T-shirt artist)
Bottom row, L to R: Bobbi Lopez, Kevin Kramer, Casey Montoya. (Coco Maurer not pictured).
See their work below in the same order with Coco Maurer's work on the lower right side.
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SAVE THE DATE!
ZOZOBRA RETURNS
on Friday, August 29, 2025!
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Feeling inspired? Own the results of the amazing
2025 Zozobra artists' work on posters, t-shirts,
and collectibles and get your tickets at
burnzozobra.com
| | Our commitment to our historic traditions is unwavering! | | | | |
