by Caleb Fort
Daily Lobo
Janet Blair, spokeswoman for Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court, was not thrilled with the courthouse dÇcor.
"When I first walked into this court two years ago, I thought, 'My goodness, this place needs plans and it needs art,'" she said.
Blair is getting half her wish thanks to UNM. An exhibit titled "Judicial Notice" opens in the courthouse Thursday.
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The show includes about 50 pieces from students and faculty. There are photographs, oil paintings, watercolors and several other mediums.
Jim Jacob, a professor who helped organize the exhibit, said it is a good way for students to get their art seen.
"It's a great opportunity for students to participate in the form of outreach," he said. "With the number of people going through the court, it's great exposure."
The art is hung throughout the building, in halls, the rotunda and the jury lounge.
Blair said most people are happy with the exhibit.
"We are getting excellent feedback. Most people just love it," she said. "Some people absolutely hate it. It's generating a lot of good conversation about art."
The court originally wanted to get art on loan from state museums or the state fair, Blair said. People from those organizations suggested putting out an open request for art, she said. Russell Hull, a graduate student from UNM, contacted the court and began putting together an exhibit.
The display will hang for one year, and then it will be replaced with more art from UNM students, Jacob said.
The exhibit is just a start, Blair said.
"Maybe next time we'll have even more art," she said. "I have eight floors to fill."
