Will Shuster
1893–1969 (age 76)
Artist
Biography
Will Shuster shaped the Santa Fe art colony with bold modernist paintings and public sculptures that captured the luminous desert and its traditions. As a member of the Los Cinco Pintores collective and the creator of the Zozobra festival, he brought together neighbors and travelers alike to celebrate New Mexico’s vibrant culture, translating that richness into canvases and murals that still draw admiration.
He was equally committed to mentoring younger artists, opening his studio to students and embracing the idea that creativity could heal and unite communities. His vision of the Southwest endures in galleries and civic celebrations, while his resting place at Santa Fe National Cemetery anchors the legacy of a genuine regional pioneer.