Students welcome ARTSSPLASH to Cornell Mall

The University of New Mexico ushered in a wave of music, art, dancing and more with the third annual ARTSSPLASH. Students celebrated Fine Arts at UNM and raised awareness about various programs within the college.

Students gathered in hoards to check out live performances by the Department of Theatre and Dance and the Department of Music. Faculty and staff sported white tie-dye "ARTSSPLASH" t-shirts under a canopy of white tents, while students collected colorful pamphlets from different arts programs. An aerial view may have looked like an actual splash of art.

"ARTSSPLASH is an idea created three years ago and it's an opportunity to share the arts with the rest of the UNM campus," said Harris Smith, Dean for the College of Fine Arts. "We have a lot of new and old faculty and students who aren't aware of the events that take place during the school year… We want to share that with the community."

The Fine Arts Department activities included booths for students to familiarize themselves with programs, prizes, food trucks, and free t-shirts. Students were encouraged to bring a copy of their resumes so they could connect with local art organizations.

However, the event wasn't just for art majors, as Ashley Kelly, who is the Professor of Saxophone and the Music Department Recruitment Coordinator says, the event helps inform all students at UNM.

"I see it number one as enriching our community here on campus. Giving people an idea of what happens here at the College of Fine Arts" Kelly said. "If you're not a music student or art student you may not know about what our colleges have to offer."

Kelly says that there are tons of opportunities for students who are not in a music degree in the Department of Music, and that she hopes the event will bring attention to that.

"For music it shows that we actually have lots of opportunities for non-music majors to participate. So, a lot of students who are in a band or have a talent for music don't always know that."Kelly said. "Those students who don't study music here think they can't get involved. I want them to know, hey, you know, come talk to us, you'd be surprised."

Music from speakers trickled between students waiting in lines for different colleges. The tables hosted different pamphlets, newspapers, stickers, and flyers associated with each college and club under Fine Arts.

On one table, a giant, accurate 3D sculpture of the moon loomed in the shade, while another table boasted half-made violins from the violin making program. Every table offered something new and exciting.

For many students the event was their first exposure into the UNM art scene. From STEM majors to potential art majors--ARTSSPLASH served as an introduction to the Fine Arts college and the events the college holds.

Freshman student Aiden Terry, who is interested in pursuing an Art Studio degree says this event helped connect him with resources to make that decision.

"I'm really interested in learning all the different types of programs the college has to offer," Terry said. "It's great exposure and I hope they have this next year so I can stay connected on campus."

A slight breeze kept the event cool under the blistering New Mexico sun. In past years, the event has been postponed or canceled due to inclement weather, but the bluest skies draped over the event, making for a picturesque afternoon.

Students who might be new to creating art, or think they're not good at it, were encouraged to get involved with the different medium offered on campus. Arts Lab Manager Valery Estabrook says most students think they're not creative because they can't draw, but that there's so much more to art once you get involved.

"When a person says oh, I'm not good at art, the first thing I want to do is challenge them. I think sometimes people say they're not good at art and that's just not true. Estabrook said. "Art is a huge term for so many other things than painting and drawing. Give yourself a chance to be expressive with a different medium."

The ARTSSPLASH wrapped up around mid-afternoon but will return next Fall.

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