New Mexico State University alumnus George Mendoza will visit the Barnes & Noble at NMSU at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, to read and sign copies of “Colors of the Wind: The Story of Blind Artist and Champion Runner George Mendoza,” a book illustrated by him and based on his experiences.
Mendoza, who graduated from the individualized studies department in 1978, began going blind at the age of 15. He lost his central vision and began seeing things that weren’t there. He describes his condition as having “kaleidoscope eyes.”
The book chronicles his triumph over blindness by setting the world record in the mile for blind runners. Mendoza also competed in the 1980 and 1984 Olympics for the Disabled.
“Colors of the Wind” was written by fellow NMSU alumna Jessica Powers. Their collaboration earned them a nomination by the American Library Association as a finalist for the Schneider Family Book Award, which honors an author or illustrator for a book embodying an artistic expression of the disability experience for child and adolescent audiences.
Mendoza’s collection of paintings, also titled “Colors of the Wind,” is a National Smithsonian Affiliates traveling exhibit.
This event is open to the public. Barnes & Noble at NMSU is located at 1400 E. University Ave., and can be contacted at 575-646-4431.
For more information on artist George Mendoza, visit georgemendoza.com.
Information from NMSU