About the artists-

Pi Luna-This Santa Fe artist likes to create her designs using tiny pieces of paper cut out of recycled magazines and arranging them into works of art. Pi has a Master’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Arts from Goddard College, where she focused on integrating art, math, and Jungian Psychology. She also donates 10% of the proceeds from her art business to the One Tree Planted program. Visit her website to learn more and watch a video showing her process. www.pilunaart.com

Denis Kennedy-Denis Kennedy is no stranger to Balloon Fiesta stuff as his woodburning art is already for sale in our physical gift shop. In his words..."For me the day that changed everything was, one morning, I opened my garage door and right there in front of my house was a Hot Air Balloon, Rainbow Riders, and well I was talking to the passengers saying good morning etc. Craziest thing ever for me. So that day I broke out my wood burning equipment. Then my first walk around the new neighborhood and a Roadrunner crossed my path, inspiration #2. Since then, Roadrunners, Balloons, and all of NM has inspired and motivated me to create."

Kayla Penner-This self-taught artist, based in the heart of New Mexico, was raised in the mountains, where there are dirt roads and clear skies. This is where she learned about the beauty of art, animals, and nature. Kayla tell us that New Mexico is incredibly enchanting, especially during the Balloon Fiesta as she loves watching the balloons fly over the city and catching glittering glimpses of the city lights, along with our cotton candy skies. Her painting represents a few of her experiences in New Mexico. 

Ty Creighton-Ty Creighton grew up in a Navy family, living at “duty stations” around the country including three years in Hawaii and two years in California’s high desert. A college art history class in art, design, architecture and historic figures launched a love and curiosity to study art and to begin creating. In life after Pepperdine University, Ty has a plethora of credits on his resume encompassing communications and technical fields. Here are a few. Senior Federal Systems Engineer (Apple, Inc.), VP Marketing (RCG Communications), a high climber and crewmen aboard tall ships (including background acting in Pirates of The Caribbean, On Stranger Tides; and several commercials), hot air balloon crew for two balloon teams, and blacksmithing. Losing a teaching assistant position at the start of the COVID shutdown allowed Ty to pivot into video editing and animation, studying with creative professionals from Pixar and other animation companies evening starting his own YouTube channel to self-publish his animated stories. Glass art is a weekly focus, with additional work in 2D art forms. Ty has been published in national and international publications. 

Lisa Avila-After a full and varied career, Lisa retired to Placitas in 2020 and was able to resume painting full time. Working mostly in acrylics and mixed media, she created primarily representational pieces.  As a new resident of Placitas, Lisa participated in her first Placitas Studio Tour in 2022. Last year, her painting “Painted Horse at Sunrise” was chosen as the artwork for the cover of the 36-page Placitas Studio Tour brochure. This year will be her third year of participation in the tour and she continues to exhibit in a number of galleries in the Albuquerque and Santa Fe area.

Lisa told us about the painting she submitted to Balloon Fiesta this year. "I wanted to concentrate on what is integral to New Mexico and memorable to those who visit and live here. The river and the balloons are the main attraction each year, but the giant ancient cottonwoods, the golden chamisa and the mountains are also part of the scenic landscape. Since we have the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises I’ve even seen, I felt that a vibrant pink sky was a suitable backdrop for the scene."

Trevor Knapp Jones-Trevor Knapp Jones grew up in Albuquerque, graduating from La Cueva High School in 2008 and then the California Institute of the Arts in 2012 with his BFA in Character Animation. He has more than 15 years of experience working for studios across the animation industry, including Laika, Jibjab, Hallmark, Starburns, Shadowmachine, and eight years at Disney. Now back in Albuquerque, he works as a full-time Animation Designer with the science education company Complexly and teaches animation classes at UNM. 

While volunteering in the merchandise tent during Balloon Fiesta, Trevor was inspired by the array of artistic interpretations that captured the spirit of the Fiesta and hoped to one day contribute his own piece to this extraordinary collection.

“Glowing Eyes, Glowing Skies” seeks to capture the profound sense of childlike wonder you can't help but feel on Balloon Fiesta mornings. It evokes the warmth we feel on Balloon Fiesta field – not just from the balloons, but from the magical sense of community and connection that warms the chilly October air. It's a nostalgic celebration of the memories formed in those enchanting moments, seeing everyone’s eyes light up in the soft warm glow of the balloons."

Amanda Brady-Amanda Brady is a local powerlifter and cake-maker, who enjoys design and art on the side. Amanda tells us the sunrises and sunsets she experiences while camping and hiking here in the southwest, just needed to be combined with the balloons painting the sky each year during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. 

Jason Valencia-Jason Valencia is a Native American born and raised from the Pueblo of San Felipe New Mexico. A self-taught artist, who started painting in 1998, Jason does a lot of pueblo style and customized paintings, working with acrylic paints. His work is authentic, colorful and inspiring and he hopes the youth he and his work come in contact with will be inspired to create.

Daniel Killen- You may recognize Daniel from our 5 poster series featuring the Warner Brothers characters from 2018-2022. This year, Daniel's artwork brings many favorites of New Mexico in a fun and colorful piece.