Portales, NM–Nov 12, 2022– The New Mexico Art Educators Association has announced that Mr. Bryan Hahn, the ENMU Runnels Gallery Manager/Curator and Coordinator of Creative Services, has been awarded the 2022 New Mexico Higher Education Art Educator of the Year.

“One of the most meaningful opportunities I have had working in the gallery is to witness the journey of self and creative discovery,” said Hahn. “When speaking with students (particularly non-art majors) I often hear them say, ‘I’m not an artist. I’m not creative, I can’t….’ when speaking about themselves. For me, it has been important to challenge that self-defeating perspective and encourage students to explore their own creative modes of expression. That is most exciting, seeing students discover, connect, embrace and run with their creativity.”

For over a decade, Hahn has directed the ENMU Runnels Gallery, Eastern New Mexico University’s premier campus art gallery. Located within the Golden Student Success Center (GSSC), the Runnels Gallery features a variety of creative visual artwork from ENMU students, faculty and staff, alumni, and notable guest artists. Hahn has also been a part-time instructor and contributing artist in the ENMU College of Fine Arts since 2008. 

“The students, staff and faculty of ENMU’s Department of Art are incredibly proud of Mr. Hahn’s significant achievement.” said Richard Schwartz, Chair, Department of Art at ENMU. “Because of Mr. Hahn’s love and dedication for Runnels Gallery, it’s outreach programs and teaching, this award is well deserved.”

The year-round Runnels Gallery is open during the Golden Student Success Center hours of operation. Admission is free and open to the public.

“Bryan is an incredible leader for students interested in museums and art education. He is an individual who leverages real life experience and connections to teach the students he works with.” said Tatyana Scott, ENMU alumna and internship coordinator at the School of Art Institute of Chicago. “It was with him that I first experienced curating an experimental exhibit in a physical space. He is exceptionally talented at using out of the box thinking to engage both students and visitors to the university.”

The NMAEA Professional Awards Program is a way for art educators to recognize their colleagues’ achievements in the classroom and within the art education community. The professional awards program is open to all NMAEA members and features recognition for inside and outside the classroom.

For more information on the NMAEA awards program please visit https://www.newmexicoarteducators.org/.

For more information on the ENMU Runnels Gallery please visit https://www.enmu.edu/RunnelsGallery.