In 2011, the UNM Art Museum received a bounty of gifted works of art that contributed significantly to our educational mission which includes, above all, utilizing the permanent collections for teaching and exhibition purposes. I am extremely appreciative to the patrons of the Museum whose generosity included the donation of over one hundred and fifty photographs, prints and drawings. Among them are a rare Alfred Stieglitz, Equivalent, 1927, the verso of which states, in Stieglitz’s own hand, instructions for presenting the photograph either vertically or horizontally; Bruce Nauman’s lithograph, Live or Die, 1985; Louise Bourgeouis’s Quarantania, 1947/1990, from a series of etchings begun in 1947, the same year that she completed the wooden sculpture, Quarantania, in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art; eighteen Henri Cartier-Bresson vintage gelatin silver prints; sixteen chromogenic (color) photographs by Joel Meyerowitz, including his Monticello image, Jefferson’s Bedroom, 1987; and, a group of seven gelatin silver prints by Danny Lyon, featuring the iconic, Crossing the Ohio River, 1966, among the over one hundred and fifty donations! 

Giving works of art is just one of many ways in which individuals, families, or businesses may help support the Museum. As the largest collection of fine art in the state of New Mexico, the Museum’s needs exceed the allocations provided through the State and the University, especially during the current fiscal challenges which face so many state institutions. Our needs include support for conservation and upkeep of a permanent collection of over 30,000 photographs, prints, paintings, drawings and sculpture; partnering to underwrite exhibitions and related scholarly publications; patronage for educational outreach including family programming, seniors tours, transportation support for under-financed schools including bus service; and, visiting artist/art historian stipends. The Museum is fulfilling its commitment to bring a wide-range of outstanding exhibitions in all media and from various periods of art and cultures to the community; to provide complimentary, fully illustrated gallery brochures; to present stimulating talks at the Distinguished Lecture Series, and, lunchtime exhibition tours with Museum scholars and University faculty; and, to serve as a leader in inter-disciplinary learning through visual culture.

If any of the Museum’s needs or goals pique your interest, I hope that you might call upon me to discuss an idea. As always, we look forward to seeing you in the galleries this Spring term! 

Best wishes,

E. Luanne McKinnon
Director