The image of a window set within a frame, a view to another place, another reality is a unifying theme in my work. The colors and the unique quality of light in the southwest make up a rich and diverse palette that I naturally make use of and the diverse forms of its land and sky scapes find their way into the window “views”. I try to achieve a blend of the representational and the abstract in the landscapes and to keep a geometrical contemporary feel in the “frames” combined with a bold approach to color. Color is a source of constant joy for me and I delight in the full range of its use from the bold and surprising color combinations to the subtle gradations of a single color. My earliest childhood memories involve vivid color combinations and these continue to inspire me today.

Contractor was recently named a Local Treasure for her contribution to Albuquerque's visual art scene by the Albuquerque Art Business Association. Her Tapestry “Winter Storm- In Depth” was awarded first place at the 2009 Albuquerque Fiber Art Fiesta. She operates an apprenticeship program at her Nob Hill studio. She has won over 30 state art competitions including a triptych for the City/County Building in Albuquerque and a large tapestry for the Bernalillo County Courthouse and she will be installing her “INVOLUTE CURVE” tapestry in February 2010 in the Village of Magdalena’s Municipal Building. Other accolades include the display of her tapestries at the Albuquerque Museum, MFA @ Santa Fe and an appearance on a HGTV special. Donna's work is shown and collected throughout the United States and abroad.