WHAT: The New Mexico State University Art Museum (UAM) is opening two new exhibitions: “Cameo” and the selected works from the 2026 Juried Student Show. The public is invited to the free opening reception for both exhibitions on March 27.
WHO: “Cameo” is an interactive exhibition developed in a collaboration between NMSU’s Department of Art, the UAM and Portland-based artist Jamie Isenstein. Featuring a new sculptural performance piece by Isenstein, “Still Life with Flowers,” this exhibition has involved NMSU art students in every stage of its development. The project grew through art assistant professor Megan Metcalf’s classes “Museums and Curatorial Studies” and “Performance and Museums,” where students researched and interviewed Isenstein and curated virtual exhibits inspired by her art. Students will help with the installation and will perform Isenstein’s sculpture-performance piece on a regular schedule throughout the exhibition’s run. At the end of the exhibit, NMSU’s Permanent Art Collection will acquire “Still Life with Flowers,” the first live work to enter the collection.
The 2026 Juried Student Show is an annual exhibition of artwork created by NMSU undergraduate and graduate students of any major, showcasing a broad range of perspectives, mediums and practices. The show amplifies student voices while giving them experience exhibiting their work. This year, artwork in the Juried Student Show was judged by multidisciplinary artist Jennifer Ling Datchuck, whose exhibition “RIPENING” was recently on display in the UAM. Datchuk selected over 40 student works to appear in the exhibition. Visit the UAM website for a full list of participating artists.
WHEN: The opening reception for the exhibitions is from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 27. The awards ceremony for the Juried Student Show begins at 6 p.m. The Juried Student Show is on display until April 18th, and “Cameo” is on display until July 18th.
WHERE: University Art Museum at New Mexico State University, 1308 E. University Ave.
VISUALS: “Cameo” takes Isenstein’s signature blend of sculpture and performance to challenge perceptions about the world and ourselves. The exhibition engages viewers as they contemplate what’s real, what’s fake and how they can trust their answers.
The 2026 Juried Art Show brings together a wide variety of artistic approaches and mediums into one collection of student talent. This year’s exhibition spans ceramics, photography, acrylic and oil paint, metals, charcoal, geodes, denim, cardboard and more.
Details on UAM exhibitions and programming are available at https://uam.nmsu.edu/. The art museum is located in Devasthali Hall at New Mexico State University, 1308 E. University Ave. The art museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m
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CUTLINE: The New Mexico State University Art Museum will celebrate the opening of two new exhibitions, “Cameo” and the 2026 Juried Student Show, with a free reception from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 27 at the University Art Museum. Left: “Inside Outside Backstage Vase” by Jamie Isenstein. Right: The 2026 Juried Student Show poster. (Courtesy photos)
