Natural Resources and Environmental Law Program Hosts “Shared Terrain: Art, Law, and Ecology”
April 23, 2026
On April 3, 2026, the UNM School of Law welcomed scholars, artists, advocates, and community leaders for the symposium “Shared Terrain: Art, Law, and Ecology.” The event was organized by Professor Cliff Villa, Director of the Natural Resources and Environmental Law Program, with support from School of Law staff, faculty, and administration.
The event examined how art can serve as a powerful tool for advocacy in protecting both communities and the environment. It brought together voices from across the University of New Mexico and the broader community to explore the intersection of creativity, policy, and environmental justice. Through presentations and discussion, speakers highlighted the role of artistic expression in shaping public understanding, inspiring action, and advancing solutions to shared environmental challenges.
Event speakers and presenters included Shayla Blatchford, photographer; Rebecca Bratspies, Professor of Law at Tulane University Law School; Terry Brunner, Director of the Albuquerque Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency; Basia Irland, Professor Emerita of UNM Department of Art and Art History, and founder of the UNM Art and Ecology Program; Paul Fehlau, Managing Principal of Predock; Steven Homer, Vice Dean of the UNM School of Law; Jessica Lanham, UNM Master of Fine Arts Art Studio; Laura Paskus, environmental writer and producer; Mallery Quetawki; Barbara Rodríguez, Interim Provost of UNM; Nichole Rogers, Albuquerque City Councilor, District 6; Harris Smith, Dean of the UNM College of Fine Arts; Garnett Stokes, President of UNM; and Cliff Villa, Professor of Law and Director of the Natural Resources and Environmental Law Program at the UNM School of Law.
The event inspired calls for further opportunities to explore the synergies of art, law, and ecology, suggesting the potential for cross-disciplinary curricula or programming in the future.
