UNM-Gallup Gurley Hall Renovations
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
This project represents the third phase of improvements and renovations to Gurley Hall to enhance the utilization, quality, and adjacency of spaces for the fine arts programs. These improvements will increase natural light and energy efficiency, and create spaces for learning important creative trades. This project will transform the dated fine arts spaces in Gurley Hall, including studios for pottery, painting, jewelry, drawing, and other mediums, into a safe and welcoming space to aid student success.
This project will directly affect student success, graduation rates, and increase students' potential as future members of the workforce because it will provide quality new spaces where students can learn the fine arts trades and generally feel supported in their pursuit of higher education.
This project will transform the dated fine arts spaces in Gurley Hall, including studios for pottery, painting, jewelry, drawing, and other mediums, into a safe and welcoming space to aid student success. Unlike many disciplines, the fine arts disciplines cannot be taught virtually. The specialized equipment and spaces required in jewelry, for example, make it necessary to have state-of-the-art facilities to teach these skills.
The existing classroom and lab spaces are extremely dated, having not been renovated since the art department initially opened in the mid-80s. This renovation is a critical component for attracting, retaining, and graduating UNM Gallup students. Renovating this area will provide learning environments for art students that are more appropriately sized, equipped properly, and most importantly provide inspiring spaces for student creativity. These renovations will create spaces for like-minded students to gather and share their ideas and art projects with each other and the community. Creating inspiring spaces for art students will help retain and attract students with a vision for creating art for personal and professional purposes.
Project goals are to further reduce energy consumption, including energy-efficient lighting, equipment, and building control systems, insulated and highly reflective roofing, use of natural lighting, and lower water usage plumbing fixtures. Additionally, the upgrades will be designed/built to utilize low VHC and natural materials, recycle excess materials, and use new materials with recycled content.
Additional Background
Fine arts are important to the local cultures and economy, both in McKinley County and throughout the state. Artistic expression is considered important to the community we serve. Providing diverse fine arts programs is necessary to prepare an educated and well-trained workforce in the arts and culture industry and will lead to economic development in the region. Jobs in the arts and culture sector bring $3 billion to New Mexico's economy every year. One out of every ten jobs is in the creative industries. This economy is particularly prevalent in the Gallup region; creating optimal spaces that accommodate teaching and learning in the fine arts disciplines will produce more graduates in these fields and help the region's and the state's economy.
Total GO Bond Request $4 million
