New Mexico is known as the Land of Enchantment and it’s easy to understand why. This beautiful state has one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the country. Red rocks and mountains, earth tones year around, and snowcapped mountains are just a few of the unique visuals natives are lucky enough to experience each day. The state is also home to numerous cultures, each bringing its own style of art to the table. Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo art can be found throughout the state’s many art museums, galleries, and landmarks.
Just a few popular New Mexico Museums include the Albuquerque Museum of Art & History and the University of New Mexico Art Museum. The state is home to many art schools as well. Some are accredited, while others cater to novices interested in personal enrichment. Some of New Mexico’s top art schools for aspiring artists include the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, Santa Fe University of Art and Design, and Western New Mexico University in Silver City.
New Mexico Art Schools
New Mexico is home to more than 40 accredited colleges and universities, with more than 120,000 undergraduates enrolled. Hundreds of students are enrolled in art programs, with more than 300 enrolled in the state’s top art programs. Scroll through the list below to take a look at New Mexico’s best options for aspiring artists and what they have to offer.
Albuquerque
University of New Mexico - Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Art Studio with Electronic Art Specialty, B. F. A. Interdisciplinary Film and Digital Media; M. F. A. Art Studio with Concentration in Electronic Art
Las Cruces
New Mexico State University – Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Creative Media in Digital Film Making, Animation and Visual Effects, B. F. A. Studio Art with Graphic Design Emphasis; M. F. A. Studio Art with Graphic Design Emphasis
Portales
Eastern New Mexico University – Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Art with Animation, Media Arts and Design or Graphic Design Emphasis
Silver City
Western New Mexico University - Degrees Offered: B. A., B. F. A., B. S. Interdisciplinary Expressive Arts
More Art related programs to consider:
- Winter Park, FL & Online
- Computer Animation - Bachelor's - Online & Campus
- Game Programs - Bachelor's & Master's - Online & Campus
- Graphic Design & Digital Arts - Bachelor's - Online & Campus
- Film & Digital Cinematography - Bachelor's & Master's - Online & Campus
- Mobile Development - Bachelor's - Online & Campus
- Simulation & Visualization - Bachelor's - Campus
- San Francisco & Online
Employment and Salary Trends for New Mexico Artists
New Mexico is home to around 8,160 salaried artists. In 2002, it was home to 6,520. Salaries increased as well. In 2002, New Mexico artists averaged $32,960. In 2010, they averaged $42,160. The mean annual wage for artists nationwide was $52,290 in 2010. In 2002, the average salary was $41,660.
Art Directors: New Mexico had a population of 80 art directors in 2002. By 2010, the population had increased slightly to 100. However, salaries increased significantly during the same period. In 2002, New Mexico art directors averaged $63,550. In 2010, they averaged $70,720.
Fine Artists: Figures for fine artists living in New Mexico were unavailable for 2010, but figures for 2008 were available. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of salaried fine artists living in New Mexico was 60 in 2008. They earned an average salary of $54,750. Both the number of salaried fine artists and the average salary increased between 2002 and 2008. In 2002, the state’s 50 salaried fine artists earned $52,190.
