The University of New Mexico Law School not-for-profit Art Gallery is launching the 2017 Artist in Residence Program with an opening reception on Tuesday, Jan. 24 from 5–6:30 p.m. in the Forum at the UNM Law School.

The Art Gallery’s inaugural Artist in Residence Program features works from 11 artists who are alumni, faculty, staff, students and their relatives.

UNM Law Professor Sherri Burr started the art program at the law school.

“I’ve always been interested in protecting the legal rights of artists because I feel, as a community, artists aren’t the best paid, unless they really hit the jackpot,” said Burr. “It’s nice to be able to have the opportunity to train lawyers who can protect the rights of artists.”

 The Art Gallery was started four years ago and has immensely benefited the school.

“When we started the gallery, we put out a call to the staff at the law school who might be interested in sharing their art, and we got responses from three people. We hosted their work and sold a couple of pieces,” Burr added. “Then people started commenting on how much better the law school Forum looked after we turned it into an art gallery. By having a gallery, we were able to purchase several dozen pieces of art and we have been able to put art in every classroom in the law school. So, we’ve truly turned the law school into an art enriched school which is conducive to learning.”

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the exhibiting artists and hear about their work at the opening reception which will feature a seafood buffet and sparkling non-alcoholic beverages. Parking in the law school parking lot is free after 4 p.m.