The Author
A Pulitzer-nominated national security correspondent and Writer in Residence at Sul Ross State University, Sid Balman Jr. has covered wars in the Persian Gulf, Somalia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Kosovo, and has traveled extensively with two American presidents and four secretaries of state on overseas diplomatic missions. After leaving daily journalism, he helped found a news syndicate focused on the interests of women and girls, served as the communications chief for the largest consortium of US international development organizations, led two progressive campaigning companies, and launched a new division at a large international development firm centered on violent radicalism and other security issues on behalf of governments. In addition to his current position as Writer In Residence at Sul Ross State University, Balman remains a working journalist and magazine contributor. A fourth-generation Texan, as well as a climber, surfer, paddler, and benefactor to Smith College, Balman lives in Alpine, TX, and has two children and a dog.
The Artist
Miguel Valverde was born in Cuauhtemoc, Chihuahua, Mexico and began painting at a very young age. He obtained an art degree from the Autonomous University of Chihuahua (UACh). His paintings reflect the diversity of his hometown, where he lived among Mennonites, Indigenous people of the Sierra Tarahumara, Mestizos and Spanish-born families. Following in the footsteps of traditional Mexican muralists, Valverde has created more than 50 intricate murals, several of which have become widely renowned. Valverde's art and talent have given him the opportunity to exhibit his art in Mexico, the USA, Belgium, Austria and Germany.
His works are on display in museums and private collections.
