New Mexico is a place people don’t just live in, they belong to it. Some are born here, others arrive later in life, but many eventually claim it as home. Its landscapes, heritage, traditions, and sense of community leave a lasting impression, no matter how someone first encounters them. It was from this realization that the UNM Bookstores set out to celebrate the state through their 2026 Art Calendar.
The initiative began with a call for submissions, inviting UNM students, faculty, staff, and alumni to reflect on one prompt: What does New Mexico mean to you? All traditional mediums were accepted, including painting, drawing, sculpture, and ceramics, with the only requirement being a vertical final format. Over the following weeks, dozens of entries were received, each offering a personal perspective on the theme. After extensive deliberation, 13 pieces were selected, 12 representing each month of the calendar and one chosen for the cover. Together, they formed a collective portrait of the state; varied in style, voice, and format, yet remarkably cohesive.
To further honor the selected artists, the UNM Bookstores team conducted individual interviews with the creators who chose to share their stories.
“From seeing the art firsthand at the very start to selecting the pieces and interviewing the artists, the entire process was incredibly meaningful. The interview process brought this project to life in a way I didn’t expect, and hearing each artist’s story made the calendar feel less like a collection of images and more like a shared creative journey,” said Malia Dumlao, marketing assistant, UNM Bookstores.
Paired with the written reflections submitted with each piece, these conversations provided deeper insight into the artists’ creative processes and what New Mexico represents in their lives.
For Astrid Larson-Sherman, New Mexico is defined by togetherness; a sense of connection she believes is difficult to find elsewhere. Kaitlyn Norlin describes the state as “a vibrant, enchanting place.” For her, New Mexico represents both origin and inspiration: “It’s where I was born and raised, a place where cultures flourish, the sun shines year-round, and there’s an almost mystical quality to everyday life.”
Other artists reflected on New Mexico as a place of transformation and refuge. Marta Gross, an international student from Ukraine, shared how the state reshaped her understanding of home after leaving her country due to the ongoing war. “That year of my life was very dark,” she said. “Coming to New Mexico, I fell in love with its beauty and its people. Even though I wasn’t born here, it became my second home.”
Alexandra Alvarez, who grew up in Albuquerque, spoke about the deep emotional ties she holds to the land, where she experienced love, grief, growth, and healing. Her piece captures the warmth she feels when watching the skies glow at sunset. Building on that same theme, Manuela Cardenas tried to express in her work the fleeting stillness of sunrise and sunset, “that quiet moment when everything feels suspended in time.”
Charlotte Leachman’s piece centers on the Lobo itself, symbolizing protection, leadership, and harmony with nature, a reflection of what she describes as “the adventurous, trailblazing spirit woven into the University’s identity”. The calendar’s cover features a hand-adorned steer skull by Susan Keoghan, a piece she says reflects New Mexico as “resilient, proud, and forever connected to the land we call home.”
During Hanging of the Greens and the Back-to-School season, the UNM Bookstores distributed more than 500 printed copies of the calendar to community members visiting the store.
“The art calendar is a stunning representation of the talent within our UNM community,” said UNM Bookstores Director Lisa Walden. “The diversity of mediums and voices featured speaks to the heart of our campus culture, and seeing customers so excited to pick one up during Hanging of the Greens made it even more meaningful.”
Now, the full collection lives online, where the public can explore each artwork, read artist statements, discover interview features, and download a free, print-ready version formatted for 8.5 × 11 paper, ensuring the project remains accessible to all.
