** 2024 Commencement Updates **

** 2024 Commencement Updates **

Visual and Performing Arts Wearable Arts Show Feb. 9

Tressa Jones

Tressa Jones

Las Vegas, N.M. — The New Mexico Highlands University Department of Visual and Performing Arts presents the second annual Wearable Arts Show Feb. 9 in the university’s Student Center Ballroom, 903 Baca Ave.

The doors open at 5:30 p.m. for the night of art, fashion, music and dance. At 6 p.m., an enchilada buffet catered by El Burro will be served, with the show beginning at 6:30 p.m.

The show is a collaboration between the university’s Chroma Vista Art Club and the Performing Arts Club. The show features wearable art pieces created by Highlands University fine arts students as well as local artists.

The models will walk the runway to original music pieces composed for the event by Highlands University music technology students. The university’s Performing Arts Club will also perform musical selections and original choreography. Andre Garcia-Nuthmann, choral music director, is the piano accompanist.

“I think it will be intriguing and impressive to see how the designers use their creativity to express their interpretation of the theme: compositions in time and space,” said Tressa Jones, Chroma Vista Arts Club president and co-organizer for the show. “The original music and dance will help make the event even more dynamic and entertaining.”

Jones, 31, is in the university’s post-baccalaureate Fine Arts Certificate Program. The Massachusetts native was drawn to Highlands by the fine arts printmaking program and the affordable tuition.

“I’ve been given so many wonderful opportunities in fine arts at Highlands, and having the chance to help organize the Wearable Arts Show is just one example,” Jones said

The designs of nine Highlands University students will be featured in the show, showcasing a variety of mediums.

Some examples include show co-organizer Kristine Werth’s macramé headpiece inspired by African masks; woven belts by Robert Romero of the Laguna Pueblo; an Alice in Wonderland theme dress by McKenna Sandoval; and Jone’s woodcut print shirt design of a sprouting plant accompanied by an abstract headpiece.

Designs by local artists Nancy Camacho, Amanda Medina and Angelica Blacketer are also featured in the show.

The music technology students worked with the designers to compose custom music for the show. The students include Patrice Fote, Trinidad Gallegos, T.J. Jefferson, Nick Evans, and Michael Martinez.

“The wearable arts event gives the student composers experience composing specifically for a client, which happens often in the real world,” said Edward Harrington, music professor and band director. “The quality of the students’ work is excellent and the event is a chance for the public to enjoy their music.”

Harrington said the music technology students have access to the university’s music lab, which offers the latest recording and editing music software.

Tickets for the Wearable Arts Show and dinner are $15 per person, $25 for two people, $7 per child, and $10 for two children. Ticket prices also include entry into a raffle.

Local businesses contributed items and gift cards for the raffle, including Art Essentials, Tome on the Range, Semilla Natural Foods, Charlie’s Bakery & Café, and El Fidel Hotel and Restaurant.

Proceeds from the Wearable Arts Show benefit the Chroma Vista Art Club and the Performing Arts Club. For more information and tickets, call Jones at 413-575-9651.