The ASUNM Craft Studio's move from the Communication and Journalism building to the SUB has been a win-win situation for the student-artists and the department, both parties say.
Since the move, the studio's membership has increased from 35 to more than 100, Associated Students of UNM President Jennifer Onuska said.
"And the extra space has been great," she added. "We're really happy to be back in the SUB."
For three years, while the SUB was under renovation, the studio resided on the basement of the C & J building. The co-habitation wasn't exactly ideal for the department, Chairman Brad Hall said.
"It was an issue of security," he said. "There were often windows left open; there was one little fire. And on Saturdays, the door was often propped open. We would get reports from the police saying there were security problems."
There was, however, no animosity between the student-artists and C & J administrators, Hall said.
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"It's not like they were being obnoxious or anything," he said. "They were just kind of off on their own making their crafts. But when they left, it was kind of a relief."
Plans for the vacated space, which is part of a larger improvement project to encompass the building's entire downstairs portion, include classrooms, a new computer pod and office space, Hall said.
But the renovations are contingent on infrastructure repairs, which he said would cost between $300,000 and $500,000. They would be paid for by funds the University is requesting from the state Legislature.
"I'm cautiously optimistic" about getting the funds, Hall said.
Zara Southard, director of the crafts studio, said that despite some technical difficulties in the SUB, she is happy to be in a larger space and "more in the public eye."
"We're more visible to students now, which is great because the studio gives you a chance to meet lots of different people - not just the people you meet going to class," Southard said.
