Preserving culture. A paradoxical concept to be sure; it seems to imply that something as lively and fermentive as culture can be suspended, like the proverbial "bug in amber" for future generations to gaze upon in some glass-encased museum display. As Folk Arts Coordinator for the State of New Mexico, I prefer to think of my role as perpetuator of cultural traditions. And indeed, New Mexico's rich cultural heritage makes my job quite pleasurable and easier than most.