ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Through its collaboration with primary jersey sponsor Meow Wolf, New Mexico United has already pushed the boundaries of where art and professional sports overlap in the club’s inaugural season in the USL Championship.

On Monday, in response to the art that has been inspired by the club since its arrival, United announced a new initiative that would utilize the unique artwork that has been inspired by the club’s crest, players and the vibrant New Mexico community through the New Mexico United Artist Series, a new merchandise line that will feature the work of local artists.

“Watching our fans' passion for this team manifest into beautiful art has been truly inspiring,” said NMU CEO and majority owner Peter Trevisani. “We have always been driven to bring art together with sport in a way that has never been done before. The New Mexico United Artist Series will be a new avenue to continue this mission.”

Lindsey Allen and Shane Silva have been named by the club as the first two artists to be featured in the new series, with their designs available now through the team’s store in the Nob Hill neighborhood.

Allen, who leads Downright Nerdy Design, specializes in 3D printing and creates United shield earrings in three different black & yellow designs. In keeping with the team’s eco-friendly mission, Allen uses a plant-based polymer that quickly biodegrades. 

“I am beyond excited to be one of the first artisans to work with New Mexico United. As a supporter, I am honored my work will help fans show their love and support for our team,” said Allen. “It makes my heart so happy that it will be supporting the High-Performance Player program. As a former soccer player myself, I want to see the sport grow in our state and I think the HPP program will give our young players a goal to work toward! Somos Unidos!”

RELATED: Sights & Sounds – Meow Wolf Night

Silva, the ceramic artist behind Shane Silva Pottery, was determined to turn his passion for ceramics into a career and has now combined his passion for art with his passion for New Mexico United. His unique wheel-thrown mugs prominently feature the New Mexico United shield and will be available in various base colors at the New Mexico United Team Store.

“I take all my inspirations and create something uniquely my own, just as our community takes so many people from different backgrounds and walks of life to create something uniquely New Mexico,” said Silva. “The United logo is now as quintessential a symbol of New Mexico as a chile or hot air balloon. I wanted to celebrate how New Mexico United has brought our state together with these mugs. I'm excited by the opportunity to offer my work alongside other talented local artists.”

Profits from the sales of the special items will benefit New Mexico United’s High Performance Program, a project benefiting youth soccer players, announced by the club earlier this year. The program provides high-level coaching to talented youth players from around the state, at no cost to their families. 

Fans and interested artists interested in participating in the New Mexico United Artist Series can submit their product ideas and artwork for review online. To be considered, entries must be created using a majority of environmentally-friendly materials in an effort to remain true to New Mexico United’s mission.