The exhibition runs June 2 through July 25, 2025
Runnels Gallery, Golden Student Success Center (GSSC)
Closing Reception, Friday, July 25 | 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Free admission and open to the public | Open during GSSC hours
enmu.edu/RunnelsGallery
About the Exhibition
The Community Juried Exhibition showcases selected works by artists living, working, or attending school within 40 miles of Portales, New Mexico. Open to all media and free to enter, this annual call invites creators of all backgrounds to share their vision. What you see here represents the jurist’s selections from this year’s talented pool of entries.
enmu.edu/CommunityArt
Statement from the Jurist | Stephanie DeFranco, BFA
It was an honor to serve as jurist for this exhibition. The submissions received showcased a wide range of artistic voices, mediums, and perspectives, making the selection process both inspiring and challenging. I approached the task with a commitment to balance, recognizing technical excellence, creative risk-taking, emotional resonance, and originality.
What stood out most to me throughout the selection process was the strong sense of movement present in many of the works, whether through dynamic brushwork, flowing forms, or layered compositions bringing the eye across the canvas. This movement gave the exhibition a living energy. Some pieces invited the viewer to pause and trace the artist’s gesture; others captured motion in a way that felt almost cinematic or rhythmic. I found this quality particularly compelling as it drew me into the works and gave the show a connective pulse across different media and styles.
As I reviewed the works, I considered both individual merit and how each piece might speak to the others in a shared space. Some works stood out for their craftsmanship, others for the boldness of their concepts, or the quiet power they conveyed. Ultimately, the selected pieces reflect a diversity of vision and an engaging conversation across styles and subject matter.
I want to extend my sincere appreciation to all the artists who submitted their work. Each piece contributed to the richness of this show, and I commend you for your dedication to your craft.
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