Department of Art
By providing an environment where creativity, experimentation, and intellectual discourse can flourish, the Department of Art demonstrates a strong commitment to its community of Studio Artists, Art Educators and Art Historians.
The Department recognizes the advantages that are gained through the integration of these disciplines and through broader association with other disciplines and research units across the university. Creative and intellectual energy generated by crossing boundaries benefits our graduate and undergraduate students and prepares them for an ever-changing global culture.
Associate Professor and Chair
From the Chair
Welcome to the Department of Art where artists, scholars, and educators engage and collaborate in vibrant research and artistic production. Our nationally and internationally renowned faculty mentor a talented and diverse student body, and together they create an inclusive environment where creativity and critical discourse thrive. Our students engage in contemporary and emerging media in art studio, they explore interdisciplinary and intercultural approaches to art history of various places and periods, and they train as artist-educators responsive to cultural and artistic developments.
The Department of Art ranks among the top 50 programs in the nation and placed 8th in the area of Photography. I encourage you to explore our website and learn about the range of degrees you can obtain, the exciting possibilities and opportunities offered in the department, and the exhibitions and lecture series organized each year by faculty and students. Your career in the arts – be it in the studio, in research, criticism or in education – begins with an inspiring education you receive at the University of New Mexico Department of Art. I invite you to meet with me to discuss your future in the visual arts.
Department of Art News
Recent MFA Graduate, Fen Root, Selected for SOMA Summer 2026 in Mexico City
The UNM CFA Dean’s Office and Department of Art are pleased to announce that fen root has been awarded the UNM SOMA Summer Travel Grant.
Art MFA Graduate daniela del mar Awarded Dedalus Foundation Fellowship
The Department of Art is proud to announce that recent MFA graduate daniela del mar is the recipient of a 2026 Dedalus Foundation Master of Fine Arts Fellowship in Painting & Sculpture.
Covington-Rhode Senior Prize Winners: Kaitlin Bone and Shaun Pinello
Made possible through the generosity of UNM alumna Dr. Patricia Covington and Shari Rhode, the Covington-Rhode Senior Prize recognizes outstanding graduating artists whose work demonstrates creativity, dedication, and artistic excellence. Kat B. is a multidisciplinary...