UNM students, community appreciate ARTSSPLASH at Cornell Mall

The University of New Mexico welcomed back a showcase of music, art, dance and more with the fourth annual ARTSSPLASH. Students and staff celebrated the fine arts at UNM while learning about the programs and services offered by the College of Fine Arts.

The Fine Arts Department hosted booths with pamphlets, prizes, posters and free T-shirts. Students connected with faculty and staff to get key insight as to what the department has to offer.

"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."

The event highlighted facilities such as the UNM Art Museum. Arykah Melton, a film major working at the museum booth, said she wants to give artists their chance to shine.

"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 said it's a priority for the museum to bring attention to its collection, the largest in the state, and to stay involved with the university community.

"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 working alongside Melton, said ARTSSPLASH is a way to celebrate art across the university.

"ARTSSPLASH is really a great opportunity to highlight our museum and show students the various opportunities they have here," Hewitt said.

The event also showcased technology supported by the Fine Arts Department. The UNM ARTS Lab displayed 3D printing projects, including a fully printed Lobo head, and let students try virtual reality headsets and controllers.

Andrew Gilbert, an electrical engineering student, said he appreciated this STEM aspect of ARTSSPLASH.

"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."

The event also featured live performances by Fine Arts students, including the Sandia Brass Quintet, Abe Franck Quartet, Something Major A Cappella and selections from Little Shop of Horrors staged by theater students.

ARTSSPLASH concluded in the mid-afternoon and is expected to return for its fifth year next fall.

For more information about the fine arts at UNM, visit the College of Fine Arts.