Fire — an element as destructive as it is constructive.
Jeffrey J. Schmitt, also known as “Smitty,” said he tries to remove some of fire’s negative stigma as he focuses on glassmaking, an art with a “very unique take on fire.”
Smitty owns Aurora Borealis Glassworks, the only glassmaking and glassblowing shop in Albuquerque. Smitty has been practicing glassmaking off and on since 1979.
Temperatures of over 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit are required to keep the glass molten and allow it to be worked into shapes. Sonia Johnson, a student who takes lessons at the shop, said the art is a very difficult process.
“Glassmaking is more challenging than any other arts I’ve practiced,” Johnson said. “Many times it is not forgiving and at first when you start, you pay for your mistakes as your pieces in progress get destroyed. However, the challenges that arise in the art are what keep glassmaking interesting.”
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PHOTO STORY: Local food trucks bring culinary variety to the community
June 17More variety is the key for food when people go to an event, or maybe they’re just looking for a quick and authentic bite to eat. Food trucks are the answer this summer as people are looking to recharge for the fall semester and for wider options for quick eats. For students and people around UNM, there are a number of options to fit your taste; for Mexican cuisine there’s Takoroto, for Indian cuisine there’s ABQ Desi Bites and for street food there’s Tikka Spice.
PHOTO STORY: Summertime brings new faces and good vibes to UNM
June 9It’s the start of the next phase for the University Of New Mexico's Central Campus in June as spring is over and the summer months give time for the trees and scenery to recharge for the upcoming edition of fall. Another main key for the summer season is that they allow the new students the opportunity to see the beauty of Central Campus, not being busy or crowded, and just enjoy the environment that is UNM. Incoming students can get their first introductions at features such as the Student Union Building and the Duck Pond. It also provides students the chance to learn where their next potential class may take place. A positive in regards to the campus being emptier is that it allows construction crews a better chance to get things done and fixed before the next semester. Even though campus is quiet during the season, there remains plenty of work to do to keep the campus clean before more students return in August. Alex Joe is a freelance videographer for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at photo@dailylobo.com or on X @DailyLobo
PHOTOSTORY: UNM’s SUB, a centerpiece for students.
May 26The University Of New Mexico’s Student Union Building is the main space for students to get involved, grab a snack and learn about events on campus. On the lower level (or Plaza) of the SUB, activities such as the arts and craft studio, Louie’s Lounge recreation area and SUB Theater can be found. Louie’s Lounge is a great spot for gamers, as the lounge features pool tables, ping-pong, foosball, video games, and board games. In the 2nd (or Mall) level of the SUB, there are a number of good eats for students. Chick-fil-A, Dion’s Pizza, Mandalay Express, Subway, Blake’s Lotaburger and Draft & Table are all available for dining, though some stay open later than others. Along with the places for dining, a Mercado convenience store location can be found in the plaza level of the SUB. Students can find out about various clubs and chartered student organizations inside the Student Activities Center on the first floor. Offices for the Associated Students at the University of New Mexico and the Graduate and Professional Student Association, the University’s undergraduate and graduate student unions, respectively, are also housed on the plaza level. Alex Joe is a freelance videographer for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at photo@dailylobo.com or on X @DailyLobo
