Eastern New Mexico University's Runnels Gallery is hosting the 2025 'K through ENMU' Juried Art Exhibition from March 31 to April 26 at the Golden Student Success Center in Portales, NM. The annual spring show features over 100 original artworks selected from more than 300 submissions by students in kindergarten through 12th grade from public, private, and homeschool backgrounds across the region. Entries were evaluated by a juried panel based on first impression, originality, and artist's perspective, with awards given in three grade-level divisions and a Best of Show prize.
This exhibition matters because it highlights the importance of arts education in rural communities and provides a platform for young artists to gain recognition and experience in a professional gallery setting. By showcasing emerging talent from New Mexico and West Texas, the event fosters community engagement with the visual arts and supports the development of the next generation of artists, reinforcing the role of university galleries in regional cultural enrichment.