Help me in supporting the New Mexico Art Education Association for Cocodona 2027!
Hello, my name is Saskia Becker and I am an artist and an endurance athlete currently located in the one and only Albuquerque, New Mexico! As a part of running Cocodona 250 2027, I am raising money for the New Mexico Art Education Association. NMAEA works to provide better resources, curriculum and support to art educators across the state.
Growing up, I was not a good student. I had a lot of potential, but got bored easily, couldn’t focus, and struggled to care. Even as I write this, I wish I could just paint you a picture, literally. Art was an outlet for me to share my ideas and feelings, much of which were bottled up. I am immensely grateful for the people in my life that encouraged me to express myself through visual art. As it turns out, I have a lot to say. I received my BFA from Colorado State University, a degree I never thought I would get. Art put me on the best possible path, even when the rest of the world said otherwise.
I am currently working towards my MFA in Painting and Drawing at the University of New Mexico. And yes, I am set to graduate one week after I run Cocodona! As a part of being a graduate student, I teach painting and drawing to undergraduate students, most of whom went to K-12 in New Mexico. My students, past and present, are brilliant people; it is an honor to share my love of art with them. I learn just as much from them as they learn from me, and I’ve found that teaching is an important part of my personal creative practice. I chose to raise money for NMAEA partially because I know it will help improve art education right here in New Mexico. New Mexico often ranks at the very bottom in education and income among the United States. Giving money to my fundraiser helps us gap this inequality directly.
When you donate, not only are you helping the New Mexico Art Education Association, but you’re also helping me get to the start line of Cocodona 250! I’ve agreed to raise $8000 and would love your support. You also can check out my instagram @saskiatakespictures where I post a lot of my own art for enjoyment and for purchase. 50% of proceeds on art go toward my fundraiser. When you donate be sure to ask your employer if they will match your donation! I can help you figure this out if you are unsure.
