SPRING 2026 COURSES
The following courses are offered SPRING 2026 in Fine Arts. Advisors are ready to assist you with choosing the most appropriate class for you. If you have specific questions about course content, please contact Jaime Knight, Department Chair - jaimecknight@unm.edu, or the instructor for the course directly. Faculty bios and emails can be found here.
Contact an advisor directly at (575) 737-3698 or click HERE to register.
Under certain circumstances, prerequisites may be waived. You must contact an advisor directly to facilitate this request.
SPRING 2026
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
The 2026 spring session runs January 19th through May 16th
Art Practices II - ARTS 1220
w/ Christopher Schuldt
Face to Face - Thursdays, 9:00AM-2:30PM
Klauer Campus - Fred Peralta Hall - Room 221/223
This is an interdisciplinary course, exploring the processes, ideas, and diverse media of visual arts. The course addresses the thematic concepts that are central to the nature of art making today. This second semester’s assignments will investigate issues of MOTIVE and CHANGE. Students will complete projects in a variety of media, including works on paper, sculpture, photo, and video, and short response paper/artist statement will accompany each project. In some cases, students are encouraged to approach each project with the materials they feel are most appropriate. Visual problem solving will be emphasized throughout the course, in addition to the nature of artistic meaning.
Drawing II - ARTS 1610
w/ Izumi Yokoyama
Face to Face - Wednesdays, 9:00AM-2:30PM
Klauer Campus - Fred Peralta Hall - Room 221
This course introduces color and colored media as an element of composition while emphasizing descriptive and perceptual drawing skills and conceptual approaches to contemporary drawing.
This course is a survey of the basic techniques, materials, theory, vocabulary, and overall practice of observational drawing. Because abstraction is an exaggeration or alteration of reality, it is important to first learn to draw from life; therefore, the projects will be interpreted from a variety of natural forms including interior/exterior space, still-life, self-portrait, the skeleton, and an artist copy. These drawings will be executed using a variety of traditional drawing materials such as charcoal, pastel, Conté, pencil, and ink. With these materials, students will develop an understanding of technical variety in mark-making using perspective, proportion, scale, volume, texture, contrast, value, line and shade. Toward the end of the semester, students will be introduced to color and collage and create more experimental works on paper. Each session will be devoted to studio work with some art historical discussion and/or critique.
Painting I - ARTS 1630
w/ Gary Cook
Face to Face - Mondays, 9:00AM-2:30PM
Prerequisite: ARTS 1610 (Drawing I)
Klauer Campus - Fred Peralta Hall - Room 221
Painting I introduces the tradition of painting as a medium for artistic expression. Students will investigate materials, tools, techniques, history and concepts of painting. Emphasis is placed on developing descriptive and perceptual skills, color theory, and composition.
This course introduces basic concepts and develops technical and perceptual skills using acrylic or oil (preferred). Students will learn the fundamentals of observational oil painting, focusing on representational paintings of a variety of subjects including still-life, landscape, and self-portrait. We will discuss the visual information in painting, the dialogue surrounding painting and its formulas, and when it is appropriate to abandon those formulas. Students will make several short-session paintings throughout the semester, rather than focusing on one or two highly polished works, and learn of a variety of techniques accumulating in a confident, contemporary painting style.
Painting II - ARTS 2630
w/ (Christopher Schuldt)
Face to Face - Tuesdays, 9:00AM-2:30PM
Prerequisite: ARTS 1630 (Painting I)
Klauer Campus - Fred Peralta Hall - Room 221
What can a painting be? What is a good painting? What does it mean for a painting to be relevant? How do we categorize contemporary painting? These questions, and more, will be explored and discussed in Painting II. Students will build upon their painting methodologies from Painting I as they begin building an idiosyncratic, visual language by exploring concepts evident in contemporary and historical examples from art history. In this course, students are introduced to categories relevant to contemporary painting and explore these different conceptual frameworks. While doing so, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of contemporary paintings' relationship to the canon of art history. Representational, abstract and non-objective painting will be explored.
Painting II continues exploration of the painting concepts and techniques presented in Painting I. Course objectives include increasing one’s visual vocabulary, seeing skills, and resolving visual images in the form of paintings. Noting that this is not an introduction class, the primary goal of the class is to further develop ones understanding of visual phenomena, surface development and composition as expressive tools. Assignments will be executed in medium to large scale painting formats. This course explores ideas on creativity and consciousness as they relate to knowing and conceptualizing ideas. Students are also be expected to enter a painting in the annual student show.
Introduction to Ceramics - ARTS 1310
w/ Lee Akins
Face to Face - Tuesdays, 9:00AM-2:30PM
Klauer Campus - Fred Peralta Hall - Room 214
This course introduces the technical processes and conceptual concerns of working with ceramic material. Various methods of forming functional and expressive works out of clay are explored. Methods used include hand building and throwing, basic clay bodies, slip and glaze, and atmospheric firing.
Terminology, concepts, historical and technical information will be presented. Techniques will include the hand building techniques of pinch, coil, slab and molding. Wheel projects will include cylinders, bowls and mugs. Individual creative development is encouraged. There will be both self-selected and assigned projects.
Introduction to Ceramics - ARTS 1310
w/ STAFF
Face to Face - Fridays, 9:00AM-2:30PM
Klauer Campus - Fred Peralta Hall - Room 214
This course introduces the technical processes and conceptual concerns of working with ceramic material. Various methods of forming functional and expressive works out of clay are explored. Methods used include hand building and throwing, basic clay bodies, slip and glaze, and atmospheric firing.
Terminology, concepts, historical and technical information will be presented. Techniques will include the hand building techniques of pinch, coil, slab and molding. Wheel projects will include cylinders, bowls and mugs. Individual creative development is encouraged. There will be both self-selected and assigned projects.
Ceramics I - ARTS 1320
w/ Lee Akins
Face to Face - Thursdays, 9:00AM-2:30PM
Prerequisite: ARTS 1310 (Introduction to Ceramics)
Klauer Campus - Fred Peralta Hall - Room 214
An introduction to the medium of clay incorporating hand building and wheel throwing to introduce the student to both the sculptural and utilitarian uses of clay. The student will also be introduced to a variety of glazing and firing techniques.
Continuation of Arts 1310 with an emphasis placed on the mastery of forming, surfacing, and firing processes. Intermediate hand building and wheel throwing techniques will include projects with lids, spouts and decorating. Making and formulating glazes, as well as variety of firing techniques will also be presented. Expanded critical awareness and the development of a personal aesthetic will be encouraged. There will be both self-selected and assigned projects.
Introduction to Printmaking - ARTS 1710
w/ Gary Cook
Face to Face - Wednesdays, 9:00AM-2:30PM
Prerequisite: ARTS 1610 (Drawing I)
Klauer Campus - Fred Peralta Hall - Room 229
This course provides direct experience of exploring basic printmaking processes, including relief, intaglio, and monoprint processes, as well as the investigation of materials/media, tools, techniques, history, and concepts of printmaking. Emphasis is given to solving problems through thematic development while producing a portfolio of prints.
Fundamental techniques in Introduction to Printmaking are presented and practiced in a survey format. Methods and expressive potentials of the major printmaking processes are taught. Instruction includes lecture, demonstrations, practice, and critique. At the conclusion of this course, the student will develop awareness of the unique properties of a wide variety of print processes and the historical development of printmaking and it’s influences on contemporary works; develop technique and the proper use of tools and materials within the print shop as a collaborative working space; Utilize a journal/sketchbook as a documentation process, to develop concepts, generate source material and aid in self-criticism and exploration; increase understanding of his/her own aesthetic aspirations and how these objectives can be expressed using the print media; and create a foundation for more advanced study of print media.
Advanced Printmaking - ARTS 2996
w/ Gary Cook
Face to Face - Wed, 9:00AM-2:30PM
Prerequisite: ARTS 1710 (Introduction to Printmaking)
Klauer Campus - Fred Peralta Hall - Room 229
This course provides direct experience in exploring additional printmaking concepts beyond the knowledge and concepts learned in the Introduction to Printmaking class. Students will choose to create a diverse portfolio of prints while primarily focusing on one of the following print areas: copper or solar plate etching, wood or linoleum relief prints, monotypes, collagraphs or mixed media prints.
Jewelry & Small Metal Construction - ARTS 1810
w/ STAFF
Face to Face - Wednesdays, 12:00PM-5:30PM
Klauer Campus - Fred Peralta Hall - Room 211
This course introduces the basic techniques, materials, and tools traditionally used in the creation of jewelry and/or small-scale sculptural objects. Students will explore fundamental fabrication practices and demonstrate proficiency in skills and a comprehension of visual vocabulary. Coursework will include examination of the history and practices of jewelry-making and metal casting within a global perspective. Techniques covered may include soldering, stone setting, lapidary, and casting.
Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 7: Arts and Design.
Advanced Jewlery and Metalwork - ARTS 2996
w/ Kimberly Thompson
FIRST EIGHT WEEK COURSE ONLY 01/19/2026 - 03/14/2026
Face to Face - Thursdays, 9:00AM-2:30PM
Klauer Campus - Fred Peralta Hall - Room 211
This class combines demonstrations with hands-on practice for advanced jewelry students, building on already established fabrication skills. Class meetings will focus on refining challenging soldering techniques, sophisticated finishings skills, and advanced design planning. Students will create collection based work, producing pieces of jewelry using comprehensive design strategies. The outcome will include item such as, but not limited to, pendants, chain, rings, earrings, brooches, and bracelets.
Class enrollment requires instrutor permission.
Sculpture I - ARTS 184
w/ Lee Akins
Face-to-Face - Wednesdays, 9:00AM-2:30PM
Klauer Campus - Fred Peralta Hall - Room 214
Sculpture I introduces the student to a working knowledge of the medium and techniques used in the creation of ceramic sculpture; along with the historic, conceptual, and aesthetic foundations of the sculptural process. Projects will include bas-relief, plaster molds, organic, geometric, bust, figure and mixed media. Each session will include a presentation/ demonstration with both historical and contemporary examples. Students will demonstrate the ability to experience and analyze a sculpture, and how to communicate those analyses in a comprehensible manner. They will produce objects and analyses that demonstrate a cursory knowledge of historic, and contemporary art practices. Students will begin to define their own personal vocabulary in the visual language through the creation of a body of work. A minimum of seven finished sculptures will be required.
Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area VI: Creative and Fine Arts: Arts and Design.
Book Arts- ART2 1996
w/ Jaime Knight
Face to Face - Mondays, 9:00AM-2:30PM
Klauer Campus - Fred Peralta Hall - Room 229
In this class students will explore a variety of book structures, including single page, pamphlet, accordion and multiple signature books. Other forms, Japanese stab binding, moveable books, pop-up and altered books may be addressed. Paper decoration (paste and marbled paper) will be introduced, as will box making and structures for the preservation of
books. Students will have a short unit introducing the craft of hand papermaking. Development of technical skill, craftsmanship and knowledge of book history are emphasized. Students will have the opportunity to follow their own choice of media through the content of the books. Drawing, printmaking, digital work and simple formal explorations will all be
acceptable.
Introduction to Photography - ARTS 1410-800
w/ Adrian Pijoan
Online, asynchronous
This course introduces the making of photographic images from a broad viewpoint to consider both as an art practice and as a cultural practice. The course covers basic technical information in camera use and functionality, composition, and visual design, digital workflow, editing, manipulating, and enhancing images correctly and effectively.
Demonstrations, artist talks, assignments, and critiques will give students the beginning tools for creative exploration and expression in the medium of photography. Course content is created to get students thinking about the meaning of photographic images in history, culture, and in their own experiences. Students will gain the skills and knowledge to demonstrate visual voice through photography and competency in basic camera functions and composition.
Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area VI: Creative and Fine Arts: Arts and Design
Art History I - ARTH 2110
w/ Katy Ballard
Takes place at the Harwood Museum Arthur Bell Auditorium
238 Ledoux St, Taos, NM 87571
Tuesdays, 3:00-5:30
This survey course explores the art and architecture of ancient pre-historic cultures through the end of the fourteenth century. While focused primarily on the art of the Western civilizations, this course will also provide insights into the works of other major cultures in order to provide alternate views of art and history. Emphasis will be placed on the relationship of artworks to political, social, spiritual, intellectual, and cultural movements that affect and are affected by their creation and development. The course offers a creative project using basic photography.
Inclusive Access for this course: This course has been set up for inclusive access delivery, this means your materials will be accessible through UNM Learn when classes begin. You do not need to shop for the ‘title of the book’ ahead of time. You do not need to pay by credit card or any other method, you should not see a prompt for payment at all when using the inclusive access materials. Your specially discounted price will be billed to your UNM Bursar Account AFTER the add/drop deadline.
Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area VI: Creative and Fine Arts: Arts and Design
Introduction to Art - ARTH 1120
w/ Paula King
Online, asynchronous
This foundation course introduces and explores the visual arts on a personal, societal, cultural, and historical level. An excellent course for someone new to the study of art or the experienced artist, students learn about all art-making processes, art materials, and techniques used by artists, designers, and architects. Studies feature iconic artists throughout history and major art movements. Students will build on a broad knowledge base to practice the skill of formal analysis, in order to expand an art appreciation and grow a personal aesthetic. The course offers a creative project using basic photography.
Canvas Online Course. This course is completed 100% online, therefore access to a computer and the internet are required. Designed with Quality Matters Standards, ARTH 1120 provides an excellent learning experience and offers flexibility for busy students. Support with the technology of the course is provided on campus, by email, and by phone by the HELP support staff of UNM. Pacing may be accelerated for early completion.
Inclusive Access for this course: This course has been set up for inclusive access delivery, this means your materials will be accessible through UNM Learn when classes begin. You do not need to shop for the ‘title of the book’ ahead of time. You do not need to pay by credit card or any other method, you should not see a prompt for payment at all when using the inclusive access materials. Your specially discounted price will be billed to your UNM Bursar Account AFTER the add/drop deadline. Additionally, McGraw-Hill Connect Access will be required (includes ebook, Smartbook, course learning activities, and exams).
Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area VI: Creative and Fine Arts: Arts and Design
Art History II - ARTH 2120
w/ Paula King
Online, asynchronous
This survey course will explore architecture, sculpture, ceramics, paintings, drawings, and art objects from the 14th century to the Modern era. While focused primarily on the art of the Western civilizations, this course will also provide insights into the works of other major cultures in order to provide alternate views of art and history. Emphasis will be placed on the relationship of artworks to political, social, spiritual, intellectual, and cultural movements that affect and are affected by their creation and development. The course offers a creative project.
Canvas Online Course. This course is completed 100% online; access to a computer and the internet are required. Designed with Quality Matters Standards, ARTH 2120 provides an excellent learning experience and offers flexibility to Learners. Support with the technology of the course is provided on campus, by email, and by phone by the HELP support staff of UNM. Pacing may be accelerated for early completion.
Inclusive Access for this course: This course has been set up for inclusive access delivery, this means your materials will be accessible through UNM Learn when classes begin. You do not need to shop for the ‘title of the book’ ahead of time. You do not need to pay by credit card or any other method, you should not see a prompt for payment at all when using the inclusive access materials. Your specially discounted price will be billed to your UNM Bursar Account AFTER the add/drop deadline.
Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 7: Arts and Design (Core)

