Students Showcase Innovation and Real-World Solutions at Art Expo

Two students view paintings during Expo ArtCom, where 570 projects developed by students in Visual Arts, Architecture, Visual Communication Design, and Communication and Media were presented in Montemorelos University, in Mexico. [Photo: Sebastián Sasso/UM]

January 14, 2026 | Montemorelos, Nuevo León, Mexico | Laura Marrero and Inter-American Division News Staff

More than 500 university projects reflecting months of research, creative exploration, and professional-level production were showcased during the 37th edition of Expo ArtCom at Montemorelos University, highlighting how students are being trained to translate ideas into practical solutions for real-world contexts

Held Nov. 27–28, 2025, the exhibition featured nearly 570 projects developed by students in Visual Arts, Architecture, Visual Communication Design, and Communication and Media. Under the theme “Reflection,” students presented work in painting, ceramics, sculpture, editorial design, photography, video, architectural models, and digital interface design, among other formats.

Organizers emphasized that Expo ArtCom goes beyond a traditional academic exhibition, serving instead as a learning laboratory where students apply research, design thinking, and professional methodologies to complex challenges.

Anomalía, the first-place winner in the Vox Populi category, created by Eder Pérez, a ninth-semester architecture student. [Photo: Saraí Treviño/UM]

One of the most recognized projects was Anomalía, winner of the Vox Populi award, created by ninth-semester architecture student Eder Pérez. His project focuses on sensory architecture applied to study spaces on campus, based on research that revealed limitations in existing learning environments.

“Research showed that although study spaces exist, some are not designed to stimulate creativity or exploration,” Pérez said. “If I was going to propose creative spaces, I also had to live through that creative process myself to ensure my proposal was coherent.

According to architecture professor Ruthline Baro, the project reflects several semesters of structured academic work. “Students begin this process in their sixth semester, conducting interviews, field observations, and applying principles of neuroarchitecture,” she explained. “What we see in the final model is the result of solid research translated into design.”

Trabajos realizados por alumnos de areá de Diseño. [Photo: Saraí Treviño/UM]

Several projects are already moving toward real-world implementation. One such initiative is the SMA digital interface designed for La Carlota Hospital by seventh-semester Visual Communication Design students as part of user-centered and interface design courses

The system centralizes patient information from admission to discharge, improving internal hospital processes. Professor Kevin Zapién, who supervised the project, said the approach prepares students for professional environments. “They receive feedback directly from the client and face the same demands they will encounter in their careers,” he said. The prototype is expected to be implemented at the hospital in 2026.

Student Naomi González said working on a real project raised the stakes. “Knowing that this would actually be used pushed me to learn new tools and improve constantly. Seeing my design chosen for the project’s visual identity was very rewarding,” she said

Journalism projects by Communication and Media students are showcased at Expo ArtCom. [Lisandra Vicente/UM]

Another award-winning project was 2:59 + Noticias, produced by third- and fifth-semester communication and media students. Selected for the Platinum Gallery and recipient of the Prisma Award, the program is published three times a week and operates under a newsroom structure like professional media outlets.

“There are defined roles—news director, editors, anchors, reporters, and multimedia producers,” said professor Alan Pérez. “Students work with deadlines, coordination, and accountability, just like in a real newsroom.”

Student reporter Arlet Bolio said covering events such as the Monterrey International Book Fair and community festivals helped her grow professionally. “Working in student media made me feel part of the professional world already. It strengthened my identity as a communicator and helped me discover my interest in broadcasting,” she said.

isual arts projects on display at Expo ArtCom. [Photo: Saraí Treviño/UM]

Expo ArtCom includes several recognition platforms, including Vox Populi, where visitors vote for their favorite projects, and the Prisma Awards, in which students evaluate peer work based on concept, execution, and innovation. A Platinum Selection, curated by academic coordinators, highlights the most representative projects of the semester.

“These processes allow students to receive authentic feedback and also learn how to evaluate professional work,” organizers said.

According to expo coordinator Moisés Varela, the event reflects the full educational journey of students. “Each project shows research, experimentation, and academic mentoring. Expo ArtCom is not just about displaying results, but about validating students’ professional growth through real evaluation and public presentation,” he said.

To learn more about Montemorelos University, its programs, initiatives, and activities, visit um.edu.mx