The University of New Mexico recently held its fourth annual ARTSSPLASH event at Cornell Mall, bringing together students and staff to celebrate music, art, dance, and more. The event aimed to showcase the fine arts programs and services available through the College of Fine Arts.
Booths hosted by the Fine Arts Department provided pamphlets, prizes, posters, and free T-shirts. Attendees had opportunities to connect with faculty and staff for information about what the department offers.
“ARTSSPLASH is here to introduce students, faculty and staff to all the variety that the fine arts has for learning about the arts and for entertainment,” said Harris Smith, dean of the College of Fine Arts. “There’s a lot to offer within the college. Hopefully when students walk through, they’ll be exposed to the different opportunities that are available.”
Facilities such as the UNM Art Museum were highlighted during ARTSSPLASH. Arykah Melton, a film major working at the museum booth, expressed her hope that university artists would receive recognition from the community. “I’m hoping artists and art majors at the university get their chance for the community to be able to see them and see what they do,” she said.
Melton emphasized that promoting awareness of the museum’s collection—described as the largest in New Mexico—and maintaining involvement with campus life remain key goals. “Our team wanted to be out here in the community. It is very important to us to make a positive impact for the museum,” she said.
Rymer Hewitt, a communications major who worked alongside Melton at ARTSSPLASH, noted how important it was for students to learn about opportunities on campus. “ARTSSPLASH is really a great opportunity to highlight our museum and show students the various opportunities they have here,” Hewitt said.
Technology also played a role in this year’s event. The UNM ARTS Lab demonstrated 3D printing projects—including a fully printed Lobo head—and gave attendees hands-on experiences with virtual reality equipment.
Andrew Gilbert, an electrical engineering student attending ARTSSPLASH, commented on this aspect: “It goes to show that arts are not just paintings or songs — you can make art through all sorts of methods,” Gilbert said. “I think it is a great way to highlight all of the various STEM-related programs that fall under fine arts that people seem to forget about.”
Live performances rounded out ARTSSPLASH activities with contributions from groups like Sandia Brass Quintet, Abe Franck Quartet, Something Major A Cappella group as well as theater students performing selections from Little Shop of Horrors.
The event ended in mid-afternoon and organizers plan for its return next fall for its fifth year.
For more information about UNM’s fine arts offerings visit their College of Fine Arts website.
