Members within all levels of the New Mexico State University art department will share a hands-on experience with the community with a day of "Open Studios" from 12 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9. Visitors are invited to participate in workshops, guided tours and even do some holiday shopping via the student art sale at Devasthali Hall, located at 1308 E. University Ave.
Many graduate students will have pieces of their work available for purchase during the event.
"This is a good way to engage with the community by informing them of museum events, education opportunities, and club events." said Johanna Typaldos, a graduate teaching assistant in the department and coordinator of this year's event. "We open graduate student studios to share what we do in these private spaces, which also gives us an opportunity to network with other artists in Las Cruces."
Open Studios offers undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to highlight and sell their work to the regional community. The event is free, family friendly and open to the public.
Graduate student Elham Sabri is among those who will open their studios to display their work to the public and share the stories behind their projects.
"I would love to get people familiar with my culture" said Sabri, who was born in Iran. "All of my works are showing my protest of the Iranian regime and making work to explore women's rights and showing what they suffer from."
Abigail Tuggle is another graduate student who will open her studio.
"I am currently working on a body of modified clothing with personal stories attached, Tuggle said. "Using inspiration from rocks I've collected on campus and rocks around New Mexico. Thinking about how the layers of rock build up to tell a story over time just like layers of experiences that form our identity."
Darcy Matthews, an undergraduate in studio art and president of the Metals club will be one of the students participating in the student club sales the department will host. "It's nice to interact with and contribute to community events." Matthews said.
Matthews' collection includes handmade earrings, pins, and pendants made from wood and painted with imagery of clown faces.
"I take great pride in planning the demonstrations and making sure they are executed well and in a way that facilitates viewer participation," said Typaldos. "My main goal for the event is to show how cool it is to be an art student here."
The University Art Museum's three recently opened exhibits and NMSU's retablo collection also will be on display for visitors.
For more information, visit https://artnews.nmsu.edu/2024/11/open-studios-event.html or the University Art Museum homepage. Follow the metals club and clay club on Instagram to stay up to date on sales and events.
The full article can be seen at https://newsroom.nmsu.edu/news/nmsu-art-students-to-offer-free-workshops--art-for-sale-and-guided-tours-of-devasthali-hall/s/41c2031f-eead-480a-80f7-2b2efdc102df
