was explored in a series on American Indian artists for the Public Broadcasting System (PBS). Other artists in the series included Helen Hardin, Charles Loloma, Allan Houser, Joseph Lonewolf, and Fritz Scholder. Later life In 1998, he donated art for Tom Udall's campaign for election to the U.S. House of Representatives. On April 1, 2003, Gorman donated his personal library to Diné College at the request of the college's president, Cassandra Manuelito-Kerkvliet. On September 18, 2005, Gorman fell at his home and was taken to Holy Cross Hospital in Taos. On September 26, he was transferred to University of New Mexico Hospital (in Albuquerque). He died at age 74 on November 3. New Mexico governor Bill Richardson ordered flags flown at half-staff in his honor. Influences Gorman learned about the work of the Mexican social realists: Diego Rivera, David Siqueiros, and Rufino Tamayo. He became inspired by their colors and forms to change from abstraction to abstract realism. He used abstract forms and shapes to create his own unique, personal realistic style, recognizable to all who are acquainted with his work. While in Mexico, he also learned stone lithography from a master printer, Jose Sanchez. He used lithography throughout his life as a means of making original multiple images of his inspirations, often working by drawing directly on the stones from which the lithographs were printed. Awards and honors R. C. Gorman Day, State of New Mexico (January 8, 1979) R. C. Gorman Day, San Francisco, California (March 18, 1986) New Mexico's Governor's Award of Excellence (1989) Alumnae of the Year Award, National Association of Colleges and Universities (November 1993) Camino Real Award, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Santa Fe, New Mexico (1995) Los Amigos del Turismo Cultural Award, Santa Fe, New Mexico (1996) A Golden Palm Star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars was dedicated to him (2002). After Gorman's death, New Mexico governor Bill Richardson ordered flags flown at half-staff in his honor (2005) References Further reading 1931 births 2005 deaths 20th-century American painters 20th-century American printmakers 20th-century American sculptors 20th-century ceramists 21st-century American painters 21st-century ceramists American ceramists American lithographers American male painters American male sculptors Artists from Taos, New Mexico Native American male artists Navajo artists Northern Arizona University alumni People from Chinle, Arizona People from Taos, New Mexico San Francisco State University alumni Sculptors from Arizona Sculptors from New Mexico Mexico City College alumni 20th-century