Opening: CRUCES: New Acquisitions from the NMSU Permanent Art Collection

CRUCES: New Acquisitions from the NMSU Permanent Art Collection
University Art Museum
On view: June 5–August 20, 2025
Opening reception: Thursday, June 5, 5:30–7:30 pm

This exhibition highlights recent donations and acquisitions to the NMSU Permanent Art Collection.

CRUCES presents a vibrant selection of recent acquisitions to the New Mexico State University Permanent Art Collection, showcasing works added to the collection since 2018. This exhibition brings together an eclectic range of media—including photography, sculpture, video, and even piñata paper and raw earth pigments—highlighting the diversity of the collecting practices and introducing contemporary artistic practice of artists from New Mexico and beyond. Many of the featured artists—such as Justin Favela, Jay Lynn Gomez, Paula Wilson, Rose B. Simpson, and Judy Chicago—create work deeply rooted in personal and broader cultural histories and traditions.

The exhibition also proudly showcases select NMSU student artwork acquired during the annual Juried Student Show through the Mary Lawbaugh Purchase Award and the UAM Purchase Award, supported by the NMSU Foundation. These acquisitions recognize outstanding creative achievement by NMSU students and reinforce UAM’s commitment to nurturing emerging artists and integrating their work into NMSU’s Permanent Art Collection.