Student Spotlight – Get To Know Our Students!
Yahir Perez is a third-year student working toward a bachelor’s degree at UNM. He is majoring in Art History and minoring in Arts Leadership and Business. His interest in art history lies in contemporary and abstract art. Some inspirations of his are Manolo Valdés and Danielle Orchard.
In his free time, he works with color film photography to capture landscapes and candid moments. After he completes his undergraduate degree, he hopes to take some time off before going to graduate school, with plans to move to Chicago.
Ruby Kraft is a fourth-year B.F.A Studio Art student who is following the footsteps of her alumnus grandfather, Jim Kraft, who was an assistant professor in the Department of Art from 1977-1996.
Kraft won the Reggie Behl Drawing Award and was featured in UNM Newsroom article, “Drawing award winner looks forward to showing work, graduation.” written by Mary Beth King.
The Reggie Behl Drawing Award is given in honor of artist, educator, and world traveler, Regina “Reggie” Behl, who taught drawing at UNM and all over the world. The award supports an undergraduate student who excels in drawing.
This November, Kraft’s thesis show, “In the Space Between Breath,” will be in the John Sommers Gallery. Stay tuned for more details!
https://catman03.myportfolio.com/
Instagram: @unm_art, @kvng.perez, @cat_man03
Stephanie Woods sculpture acquired by Perry Art Collection
Stephanie J. Woods’ sculpture Never Quite, Sweet Enough I was acquired by the nationally recognized Perry Art Collection following her 2025 residency at the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts. The work explores memory, legacy, and historical survival through an abstract porcelain form rooted in Black cultural history.
Dr. Peter Gilbert Honored with UNM Research and Creative Works Leadership Award
ALBUQUERQUE, NM — Dr. Dr. Peter Gilbert, Associate Professor of Theory & Composition in the UNM Department of Music, has been named a recipient of the prestigious Research and Creative Works Leadership Award at the University of New Mexico. The award recognizes recently promoted faculty who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in research and creative work. Nominees are selected by the provost following a rigorous external review of their scholarly and artistic contributions.
Professor Ana Alonso-Minutti Receives Ovation Award
Dr. Ana Alonso-Minutti, Professor of Musicology, has been selected as a recipient of the 2025 OVPR Ovation Award for Research and Scholarship. This prestigious recognition, presented by the Office of the Vice President for Research at The University of New Mexico, honors full-time faculty whose recent accomplishments demonstrate exceptional impact, address pressing local or global challenges, and elevate UNM’s standing on national and international stages.