Meredith College art students gained inspiration and insights from a new setting during the Art, Culture, and Landscape in New Mexico class. This spring course included early summer travel to Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Taos, and Abiquiu/Ghost Ranch, which was once Georgia O'Keeffe's home and studio.
The Meredith Away program was led by Associate Professor of Art Emily Howard, who serves as Art Department chair, and Assistant Professor of Art Todd Jones.
Howard said New Mexico was an excellent location for Meredith students to explore another U.S. region.Â
“Within the contemporary art scene, you will also find the rich Puebloan culture and their long history creating jewelry, ceramics, and weaving that continues to thrive today,†Howard said. “My main goal was for the students to see the connections between the complex Indigenous art and the contemporary scene, and how these multifaceted communities are not only a historic presence but successful, current cultures.â€
Jones wanted students in the course to connect the Southwest's environment and its culture.
“Students kept a sketchbook/research journal to teach them to observe, document, reflect, and think critically about how culture and landscape influence the art they experienced during their travels,†Jones said. “We also hope that the experience will inspire our students to find their own creative voice, gain cultural competency, and engage with diverse perspectives.â€
New Mexico “is an incredible teaching tool,†Jones said, “because of the intersection of Indigenous Pueblo, Navajo, Mexican, Spanish, and other cultures, which are shaped by the surrounding landscape.â€Â
Santa Fe has the third-largest art market in the country, which gave students access to a thriving arts community.Â
A highlight for Howard was introducing students to artist Cara Romero, an enrolled citizen of the Chemehuevi Indian Tribe, who describes her work as “using contemporary photography techniques to depict the modernity of Native peoples.â€Â
Romero met with the Meredith group and shared about her work and her life as an artist.
“She gave us a tour of her gallery and studio spaces that she shares with her husband, a successful ceramicist, and brother, who is a painter,†Howard said. “She talked to the students about balancing a family, her creative work, and running a gallery business. I know this experience will stay with the students throughout their own careers.â€
Tara McCormick, '26, said New Mexico was incredibly inspiring.
“From the landscape, to the murals and street art, to the museum pieces we had the privilege to visit, it would be impossible not to be inspired by the colors and shapes that make up New Mexican art and culture,†McCormick said. “It was eye-opening, refreshing, enlightening, and amazing! Though still in the United States, New Mexico feels like a completely different world [from North Carolina].â€
Katelin Craven, '27, also appreciated the learning opportunity that educational travel provided.
“I learned the greatness that comes from leaving what you're used to. Being willing to go outside your comfort zone and try new things is so important to individual growth,†Craven said. “I think other students should consider an opportunity like this because it's truly an amazing time. I had so much fun with my friends and made lasting memories. I gathered so much knowledge from other artists and photographers who gave me such great advice for my future endeavors. The people you get to meet, the things you get to see, and the moments you get to live are so precious.â€
Meredith Away Travel Opportunities
Howard worked with the Office of International Programs (OIP) to develop the Meredith Away program. It provided an opportunity for students to travel domestically and still learn in a new environment.
“A Southwest program was offered through the art department years ago, and there has always been a desire to bring something back,†Howard said. “When the program first opened for students, I received a lot of positive feedback from students who were not ready to go overseas, but wanted something similar to study abroad.â€
Howard thanks the OIP for supporting the New Mexico program.
“Dr. [Brooke] Shurer and the Office of International Programs were very willing to work with me to develop a program, and without the OIP, this program would not have been as strong,†Howard said. “I ran into multiple challenges that differ from traditional study abroad programs that they helped me navigate.â€
Scholarships through OIP provided students with financial support to participate in the New Mexico program, including Giving Day donations and established funds from former art faculty member Blue Greenberg and Patsy Moore, who were willing to expand their art-focused study abroad scholarship to include this domestic learning opportunity.
Learn more about study abroad and study away programs at meredith.edu/oip.
