Focus includes the work of NMSU Art Department faculty, graduates students, undergraduates, traveling exhibitions and works from the university's permanent collection. The permanent collection includes 18th, 19th and 20th century Mexican retablos (devotional paintings on tin,) as well as a variety of contemporary prints, historical and contemporary photographs, paintings, prints and graphics, book art, small scale sculpture and metals, and works on paper.

In addition to a vigorous exhibitions program, the University Art Gallery sponsors extensive educational programming that includes public lectures, gallery talks, workshops, films, outreach activities, videos and symposia. Occasional publications enhance the exhibitions and permanent collection.

Tours for NMSU classes, public, private and parochial schools and community groups are available upon request; reservations are required for tours.