Colorado Mesa University gives artists an opportunity to showcase their artwork in the student art gallery located on the first floor of the University Center. The art gallery was first listed in the student college catalogue in 1942, and is still thriving to this day. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and admission is free.
“Most artists’ work is very personal and has meaning, I think we have a need to create and show who we are,” department head of art Suzie Garner said.
It is a very intimate setting for people interested in a variety of art to come and observe the unique pieces displayed.
“I like the idea that it’s a student run gallery,” CMU art major Stephanie Macklberd said.
Macklberd is working to get some of her pieces displayed in the Art Gallery. Next spring, CMU will host two art shows for senior art majors as part of their degree requirement. There will be six student artists displayed in the art gallery. Most exhibitions last for three to four weeks and people from all over come to visit the gallery. It showcases not only student art, but professional art from all over the world including pieces from China, Africa and more.
“I like that it is accessible, I think it’s nice that we can bring in visiting artists,” CMU studio art major Julia Ennis said.
CMU’s art gallery is mainly funded by donations and the Fee Allocation Committee. Artists are also able to sale their pieces at any price. Each year, CMU holds at least 10 art shows that are all open to the public.
CMU is currently hosting “Ornament/Armament,” an exhibition of fine art print making by Laura Grossett and Scott R. Lenaway, graduates in print making at Colorado State University. This exhibition will be from Aug. 22 to Sept. 23. A public lecture will be from 2 p.m. until 4:15 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 22 in room 201 of the Fine Arts Building. On Friday, a closing reception to view the exhibit and meet the artists will be from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.
This show will be followed by an invitational exhibition entitled “Everyday Miracles: Medical Imagery in Ex-Votos”, in conjunction with the United States National Library of Medicine. It is one of the few shows that exceed four weeks, held from Sept. 26 until Nov. 4. It will include student and faculty pieces. Closing reception for this event will be from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Sept. 30.
“Art in its simplest form is a manifestation of expression,” art major Jade O’day said.
To view student art displayed in the gallery, visit www.coloradomesa.edu/art/student_work.html.

rdew@mavs.coloradomesa.edu