The University of New Mexico

Date: Jun 27 2011
Major: Unknown (This Major's Salary over time)
I graduated from the College of Fine Arts without even being able to discern whether or not my experience was good. As an art studio student who was interested in the media arts program, I felt very left out of both programs, the first which seems centered on creating academic-gallery artists and hobbyists, and the other which was more involved in film theory than in film production. It was made clear to me that I was not enrolled in a program that would teach me how to make a living. So I guess, they just showed me a few tricks and assumed that some of us would learn how to schmooze and make it into some galleries, and the others would probably be back for a graduate degree.

I really did want to go and learn how to make some quality artwork, to become experienced in various crafts and design practices, and be exposed to some diverse aesthetics. Yet I felt like the one thing I did learn much about was writing college papers very quickly. I was involved in extracurricular activities, internships, volunteering and all that, and I still felt like just a number to the university and the faculty. It always seemed like the faculty was just using it's good students as teaching tools and not actually helping anybody get anyplace. There is so much art and culture in the state of New Mexico, one would think the University would be doing a better job at building stronger relationships with the state's artists and creative industry in order to foster a strong academy. At least I made some wonderful friends. If it had not been for them, I would have probably given up.

A few things to look out for; the ceramics program is pretty awesome, so is the printmaking program. Painting and photography seem to be rather mundane and disconnected (eg: stay at home and learn to do both, or join a community of artists and ask them to show you a few tricks, or look at a youtube tutorial). Sculpture seemed almost non-existant. If you're interested in making movies, stay away from Media Arts or Cinematic Arts, go for the IFDM program, as it is more geared toward the industry. They also work with the business school and the computer school, I respect what they're doing. Drawing is probably okay, but you can take classes with high quality drawing instructors at CNM (the community college) for a fraction of the price, and a friendlier atmosphere.

I hope this helps anybody. I must also state, that I am a local, and the first in my family to even go to college, so I am happy that I graduated from UNM. However, I had much higher expectations of college than what I experienced at UNM. There are some good people there, so, try not to assume that because the whole seems bad that every individual is bad also. Good Luck.