Biography of Stevon Lucero

by Tana Lucero

Stevon Lucero was a vibrant, unique, and valuable member of the Denver Community. He lived and worked in Denver since 1976 when he moved his small family from Laramie, Wyoming to “the big city.” With a unique vision and voice, he quickly became an active participant in the growing Denver art scene. He helped to create the dynamic Latino arts organization, CHAC, which anchored and facilitated the exciting revitalization of Santa Fe Drive.

His art and his personality have inspired generations of artists. He lovingly, generously provided his experience and advice to dozens and dozens of young Creatives looking for a mentor, and not just in his field of visual art. He has been a beacon and an inspiration to young writers, musicians and actors as well. Articulate and thoughtful, he helped both l young and old people to learn to express their inner artist; to appreciate the magic and beauty that exists in any act of creation; to recognize the vital importance that every voice brings to the community table. His art, his philosophies, and his compassion made him an asset to everyone in this city, regardless of race or status. He was loved, respected and will be deeply missed by so many people in this community.

He contributed his passion and love, via his art, to Denver and the world for nearly his entire adult life. His paintings have been presented to world leaders as gestures of friendship and unity. He has been an unofficial ambassador of good will and an example of Denver’s pioneering energy throughout his travels in this world. Meeting and teaching people from all walks of life, he exemplified the optimism, the individualism, and the determination that have been the foundational principles of this wonderful city, Denver.

His last major project was a room in Meow Wolf’s Convergence Station, which opened in Denver in September 2021. His thoughtful contribution to this collective Artscape was filled with the dreams of his entire lifetime; visions and prayers rendered in glorious colors from a Master’s brush. His work was and always will be a glimpse into the mind and soul of a man dedicated to spirit, committed to learning. His work is a dialogue with the Universe and he kindly let the rest of us listen in.

Stevon Lucero passed away on Sunday, November 28th , exactly one year and one day after his mother, Ruth Gonzales passed away. He was 72.

In my own mind, he was something of a landmark; a human entity which was more than the sum of his parts. He represented an iconic belief in the powers of the human imagination. It is unreal to me that he is gone from his easel, gone from his books, gone from this world. I look at his paintings and he is so present, so alive that I reach for the phone to talk to him; to share something new I’ve learned or ask him what he thinks of this or that.

And I will. Later, when the oil paint is finally, finally dry and we meet again in the Land of Spirit and Light.