President’s Chamber Music Series

The President’s Chamber Music Series was established By President Joe Shepard to bring high quality classical music events to campus in the intimate setting of Light Hall Theater. The main focus is supporting New Mexican classical musicians from the NM Philharmonic, the Las Cruces Symphony Orchestra,  the Santa Fe Symphony, and Santa Fe ProMusica, to name a few of the organizations. The series does not present chamber music exclusively, but rather a range of classical styles both traditional and contemporary.

Distinguished Speaker Series

Established in 2022, the Distinguished Speaker Series aims to bring a diverse array of speakers to campus to interact with students and community on topics ranging from current events, to literature to the arts and sciences, to provide a deeper understanding of our complex world, and enhance academic instruction with real world shared experience. Distinguished Speaker events comprise lectures and discussions, followed by a Q & A and are offered to students as extra credit opportunities.

Transcending Borders Film Series

This film series is part of Fiesta Latina and serves to enrich cross cultural understanding of folk traditions. We generally seek out and schedule 4-5 documentary films during Fiesta Latina, which highlight a particular craft or folk tradition. Practicing artisans who are invited to attend Fiesta Latina discuss the application of their craft and participate in a Q & A with the audience. Moderated by a translator. In 2021 the series was held online, and those discussions can be viewed here.

Edwina & Charles Milner Women in the Arts Lecture and Exhibit Series

Santa Fe artist Edwina Milner and her husband Charles established this series in their name to showcase and uplift working female artists and provide a platform for their experiences in the arts and a venue to exhibit their work. The gift is one of many during a lifetime of creating awareness, by Mrs. Milner, about the importance of women in art. “My hope is, that this program will open women’s eyes to hopefully be involved in the arts.”

Artists are selected by committee, and are awarded a show at the Francis McCray Gallery and present a lecture at Light hall Theatre on opening night. Many of these lectures are available to view here.

WNMU Permanent Collection

Western New Mexico University’s permanent art collection is comprised of sculptures, photographs, paintings, prints, textiles, ceramics and multimedia works donated by private collectors, artists, and students. Stewardship of the collection began over 30 years ago with a commitment to the study of the visual arts and a desire to preserve the rich historical heritage of local artists, and prominent work of national and international artists. The University continues to expand its collection to encourage an understanding and appreciation of art, to the benefit of both WNMU and the Grant County community.