Miguel Mariano Chavez

Miguel Chavez is a 13th generation leaf of an enormous family tree that was planted in the 16 th century somewhere in the Rio Grande Valley and today spreads its branches throughout the state of New Mexico . His love for the history of this tree is the inspiration for Chavez as a Santa Fe furniture maker and active community member.

Chavez is a master craftsman and a self-employed furniture maker. His work includes design, layout and construction of New Mexico style furniture and doors as well as residential repair and maintenance.

In 1991, Chavez was selected by the Capitol Art Selection Committee to create art furniture for the State Capitol. This project established a permanent collection of hand crafted furniture for the Capitol. He exhibited in the Spanish Market from 1990 to 1992.

In 1998, Chavez implemented the Sillas del Mundo Project at Atalaya Elementary School . He taught 5th and 6th grade students the history of furniture making and how to design, layout and carve their patterns on traditional New Mexico style chairs. The project culminated with an exhibit of the student project (chairs) at the Palace of the Governors. The twenty-one chairs will remain at the school library.

Chavez has been involved in the community since at least 1992 when the truck ban on Agua Fria was successfully passed. He has sat on various committees and organizations such as the Neighborhood Coalition and Land Use Resource Center, Tierra Contenta Development Corp., Occupancy Tax Advisory Board, Mayor's Apprenticeship Task Force, R/UDAT Steering Committee, Union Protectiva, Caballeros de Vargas, and Northern New Mexico Woodworkers Guild.

Mr. Chavez received the "Outstanding Individual" award from the Old Santa Fe Association for his volunteer contributions in the city.

Mr. Chavez was elected to the Santa Fe City Council in 2000 and represents the City's District 3. Mr. Chavez was re-elected to a second term in 2004 and currently holds the position of Mayor Pro Tem.