For the past two decades, Chaves’ career has grown exponentially. Now he is the first Costa Rican to be accepted to the Berliner Künstlerprogramm.

I arrived nearly two hours early to the small campus of Veritas University to meet Luis Chaves. Although I didn't want to rush him, I decided to text him. Take your time, but I’m available when you’re ready. Chaves replied back almost immediately. He was on his way.

You could say that the Magón National Prize for Culture is kind of like the Pulitzer of Costa Rica. It's a national honor given to an exceptional artist or intellectual, and it celebrates an entire lifetime of cultural contributions. Described by the Culture Ministry as “the highest recognition awarded by the nation of Costa Rica,” this year’s Magón Prize went to 70-year-old poet Julieta Dobles Yzaguirre.