Regional Talent On Full Display at ENMU’s Annual University Juried Exhibition

PORTALES, N.M. - March 5, 2026 - Eastern New Mexico University is proud to present the University Juried Exhibition, a premier showcase of student artistic talent, running now through March 20, 2026. The exhibition will culminate in a public Closing Reception at the Runnels Gallery on March 20 from 3:30-4:30 p.m., offering the community a final opportunity to engage with the artists and their work.

The Selection Process

This year's exhibition was highly competitive, drawing 116 submissions from across the region. The final curated collection includes 30 exceptional works, representing 24 artists from six colleges and universities across New Mexico and West Texas.

Juror Warren Lloyd describes the selected pieces as "bold, authentic, and unique," noting that the collection was chosen for its creative integrity and meaningful connection to regional culture.

"This exhibition provides an important platform for students to share their work with a broader audience and to participate in the professional process of juried selection," Bryan Hahn, manager of the Runnels Gallery and university art curator, said. "The artists included in this year's exhibition demonstrate strong technical skills, thoughtful concepts, and a willingness to take creative risks. We are proud to showcase this group of artists and designers from across New Mexico and West Texas."

Event Details

The exhibition is housed in the Runnels Gallery, located inside the Golden Student Success Center (GSSC). Both the gallery and the closing reception are free and open to the public.

• Exhibition Dates: February 17 - March 20, 2026
• Location: Runnels Gallery, Golden Student Success Center (GSSC), ENMU
• Gallery Hours: Open during standard GSSC operating hours
• Closing Reception: Fri, Mar 20, 2026, 3:30- 4:30 p.m.; Runnels Gallery

About the Runnels Gallery

The Runnels Gallery serves as a creative hub for Eastern New Mexico University, fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration and enriching the local community through artistic excellence. By providing a platform for emerging voices, the gallery highlights the depth and originality of talent within the regional academic landscape.

About Eastern New Mexico University:

ENMU is a state university offering a wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities. The Runnels Gallery, located within the Golden Student Success Center, is dedicated to featuring diverse exhibitions that challenge and inspire students and the public alike.

For more information regarding the event, contact:
Bryan Hahn, Gallery Manager and University Art Curator
Email: [email protected]