Category Archives: Library Art Gallery

South Texas College gears up for its 14th Annual Ceramics Conference

May 23, 2022Current & Upcoming Exhibits, Library Art Gallery, Pecan Campus, Virtual EventBeatriz Montejano

South Texas College kicks off its 14th Annual South Texas Ceramic Showdown, “The Future is Fluid. Is Function Fixed?” with two days of demonstrations, art talks, a reception, and a month-long exhibit for the community.

The exhibit will be on view from June 6 to July 1, 2022, at the STC Pecan Campus Art Gallery. The gallery and ceramic studio are located at 3201 West Pecan Blvd., Building B in McAllen.

Schedule for the event is as follows:

Thursday, June 16, 2022—
9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Clay Demonstrations at STC’s Ceramic Studio, B115
6 p.m. – 7 p.m. Art Talk with Carla Hughes & Julian Rodriguez, STC Building B Gallery;
Art Talk Zoom registration: tinyurl.com/nha42xcd
6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Exhibition Reception at STC Building B Gallery

Friday, June 17, 2022—
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Clay Demonstrations at Ceramic Studio, B 115

The event will include a full display of ceramic work by esteemed local ceramicists Carla Hughes and Julian Rodriguez as well as ceramic work from nine universities and community colleges across the U.S. as well as ceramic work by STC and UTRGV students.

“We are excited to get the Ceramic Showdown up and running again…and a little nervous, too. It’s a bit like opening a kiln after some time off with the waiting and anticipation and patience and that repeating question: “What are we going to see,” said Chris Leonard, STC Ceramics Instructor and Ceramic Showdown Organizer. “What you put in isn’t always what you get out, and life and ceramics can be hard. But there are plenty of repeat customers of schools from in and outside of Texas sending student and faculty work. Texas A&M Kingsville drove their work down the first chance they had.”

The South Texas College Library Art Gallery Program organizes exhibitions and programs to engage students’ understanding of art and its role in culture, support academic curriculum, and inspire continued education through direct engagement with artists, scholars, and original works of art.

Participating institutions in the collaborative ceramic constructions include Clarion University of Pennsylvania, Lawrence University, Southeast Missouri State University, Texas A&M University – Kingsville, The University Of Texas – Rio Grande Valley, The University Of Texas – San Antonio, Mesa Community College, South Texas College, Tarrant County College.

“Our presenters, Carla Hughes, and Julian Rodriguez, are local heroes who have valuable experience to share,” Leonard said. “We here at STC should be receptive. We have had a very good year in the studio and have put together three-wall installations where folks had the chance to collaborate and work as a team with some independent freedom, too, in creating component parts. I hope we can generate a real, local buzz.”

About the artists:
Carla Hughes is a studio potter and sculptor living and working in Harlingen, Texas. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 2013 from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. She currently runs a studio and gallery in Downtown Harlingen where she creates original works, teaches workshops, and hosts regional artists.

Julian Rodriguez is a native of South Texas and has been a ceramist for decades. He received a B.A. from St. Edward’s University in 1994 and an MFA focusing on ceramics and sculpture from The University of Texas-Pan American in 2007. He is now a lecturer with the Department of Visual Arts at the University of Texas at Brownsville.

For more information contact Gina Otvos at (956) 872-3488, gotvos@southtexascollege.edu or visit https://library.southtexascollege.edu/libraryartgallery/

Images of the ceramic pieces by Carla Hughes, Wall Sun #3 (left) & Julian Rodriguez, El Santo (right).

Josue Rawmirez

February 17, 2022Current & Upcoming Exhibits, Library Art Gallery, Mid-Valley CampusKristen Sanchez

Virtual art talk and in-person meet and greet to celebrate exhibit opening on March 2 at the Mid-Valley Campus Library.

Library Art Gallery features South Texas multi-disciplinary artist Josué Rawmirez in housing-inspired exhibit at Mid-Valley Campus Library

South Texas College’s Library Art Gallery presents “Who’s the Bandit,” a multidisciplinary exhibit with Josue Ramirez (Rawmirez) that features installation, performance, and video.

Rawmirez, is originally from Ciudad Mante Tamaulipas, Mexico, and grew up in the Rio Grande Valley. In this exhibit, he uses found objects to create an installation that engages the conversation of housing advocacy. Rawmirez received his B.A. in Mexican American Studies from the University of Texas at Austin and serves as the Cultural Organizer at Trucha RGV. Rawmirez is currently continuing his education by taking courses with the STC Art Department.

The exhibit begins on March 2 through August 5, 2022, at the STC Mid-Valley Campus Library located at 400 N Border, Bldg. E, in Weslaco, TX. Admission is free and open to the public.

There will be an opening virtual artist talk on March 2 from 1 – 2 p.m. with an in-person opportunity to view the exhibit and meet the artist that same day from 3 – 5 p.m.

STC’s Library Art Gallery Program organizes exhibitions and educational programs to engage student understanding of art and its role in culture, support the academic curriculum, and inspire continued education through direct engagement with artists, scholars, and original works of art.

There will be an opening virtual artist talk on March 2 from 1 – 2 p.m. with an in-person opportunity to view the exhibit and meet the artist that same day from 3 – 5 p.m.

Inside the Artists Studio

January 31, 2022Library Art Gallery, Mid-Valley Campus, Pecan Campus, Previous Exhibits, Technology Campus, Virtual EventKristen Sanchez

The STC Library presents a series of virtual art workshops.

MCALLEN, TEXAS –

The South Texas College Library Art Gallery presents a virtual art workshop series “Inside the Artist Studio” every second Wednesday of the month beginning in February at 1 p.m.

At every session, a different artist will lead participants in an hour-long workshop teaching specific visual art skills—figure drawing, resin collaging, and visually interpreting written poems.

Each workshop will broadcast from inside each artist’s home studios giving us a glimpse into their work, inspiration, media, and path it has taken to become the artists they are.

Artists featured within this series are Divine Agbeko, Jaden D. Blango, Aimaloghi Eromosele, and Marcelina Gonzales.

Artists Jason Valdez and Josue Ramirez will give virtual presentations about their exhibits at the STC Technology and Mid-Valley Campus Libraries. All events are free and open to the public.

This series is scheduled on Wednesdays at 1 p.m. via Zoom.

Feb. 9 – Figure Drawing with Jaden Blango
Feb. 16 – “Time and a Half” with Jason Valdez
March 2 – “Who’s the Bandit” with Josue Ramirez
March 9 – Resin Collage with Marcelina Gonzales
April 13 – Visual Poetry with Aimaloghi Eromosele and Divine Agbeko

To register for these events, visit: https://southtexascollege.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Sk-VOeNuSbGGTxa7o_XNmA.

For more information, contact (956) 872-3488, gotvos@southtexascollege.edu, or visit library.southtexascollege.edu/lag.

Time and a Half

January 31, 2022Current & Upcoming Exhibits, Library Art Gallery, Technology CampusKristen Sanchez

Virtual art talk and in-person meet and greet to celebrate exhibit opening on Feb. 16 at the Technology Library.

Library Art Gallery Features STC Alum in automotive-inspired exhibit at Technology Campus Library

South Texas College’s Library Art Gallery presents its latest exhibit highlighting the connection between the visual arts and vocational careers such as welding and auto mechanics.

“Time and a Half,” featuring artwork by Jason Valdez, an STC graduate and now a professor at Victoria College, reflects Valdez’s upbringing in a family of mechanics and welders in the Rio Grande Valley.

The exhibition also features a call for automotive-themed artwork.

Valdez’s work will be exhibited beginning on Feb. 16 through Aug. 5, 2022, at the STC Technology Campus Library located at 3700 W. Military Hwy, Bldg. A, in McAllen, TX. Admission is free and open to the public.

There will be an opening virtual artist talk on February 16 from 1 – 2 p.m. with an in-person opportunity to view the exhibit and meet the artist that same day from 3 – 5 p.m.

For more information, contact (956) 872-3488, gotvos@southtexascollege.edu, or visit library.southtexascollege.edu/lag.

Image info: Jason Valdez, “Fuel is Pumping Engines,” Oil on canvas.

South Texas College Library Art Gallery Announces a Call for Art titled, “Driving Ambitions”

November 1, 2021Library Art Gallery, Previous Exhibits, Technology CampusKristen Sanchez

The deadline to submit artwork is January 14, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. to the STC Pecan or Technology Campus Library.

In an art exhibit, South Texas Library Art Gallery seeks to connect the visual arts with welding and auto mechanics.

Community, students, faculty, and staff are invited to send original car-themed artwork for an upcoming exhibit. The artwork will be exhibited alongside STC Alum and now Professor at Victoria College, Jason Valdez. The deadline to enter the exhibition is January 14 at 5:00 p.m. Artworks must be original 2D automotive-themed, in maximum size of 8 x 8 in., and ready to hang with wire firmly attached to the back.

The exhibition will be at the STC Technology Campus Library in Building A, February 7 through August 7, 2022, and is free and open to the public.

Born and raised in McAllen, Jason Valdez is an Art Professor at Victoria College who creates artwork in the theme of welding and cars. “Blue-collar workers heavily influenced my MFA show because that’s my family background,” Valdez said. “My father was a diesel mechanic. As a kid, my dad worked two jobs, as a mechanic and welder, because it was hard to make a good living to support the family.”

The South Texas College Library Art Gallery Program organizes exhibitions and programs to engage student understanding of art and its role in culture, support the academic curriculum, and inspire continued education through direct engagement with artists, scholars, and original works of art.

To participate or for more information about the call for art, please visit https://library.southtexascollege.edu/callforart or email gotvos@southtexascollege.edu.

¡Tlacuachismo! 2021 Art Exhibit at Mid-Valley

October 13, 2021Library Art Gallery, Mid-Valley Campus, Previous ExhibitsKristen Sanchez

The South Texas College Library Art Gallery & the STC Mid-Valley Art Department present artwork inspired by the beloved opossum. Previously held in 2003-’06, this exhibition expands with pieces created by community members that visually describe the tlacuache (opossum) and what the idea, term, and animal mean to each artist.

¡Tlacuachismo! 2021 will be on display from October 28, 2021 – February 10, 2022, at the STC Mid-Valley Campus Library.

South Texas College Library Art Gallery thanks community members/artists for their participation in this exhibit. Artists featured within this exhibition are Linda Calderon, Azul Granados, Denise Santibanez, Irma Garza-Garcia, Amanda Gonzales, Gloria Lopez, Chris Leonard, Rachel F. Brown, Jessenia Herzberg, Jessie Rodriguez, Beatriz Montejano, Mariana Prado, Alexis Marie Ramos, Diego Gamez, Jessica Hogin, Mia Nuñez, Sophia Sarmiento, Jay Villescas, Diana L. Bryant, Kelsie Garza, Nashiely Soto-Garcia, Jessica Gutierrez, Angel Coronado, Isaac Segura, Alyssa Mendoza, Josue Puente, Miguel Angel Perez, Javia Cerda, Alondra Garcia, Jessica Gonzalez, Fatima Fuentes, Abigail Sanchez, Amber Quesada, and Elizabeth Hollenbeck.

For more information, contact (956) 872-3488, gotvos@southtexascollege.edu, or visit library.southtexascollege.edu/lag.STC’s Library Art Gallery Program organizes exhibitions and educational programs to engage student understanding of art and its role in culture, support the academic curriculum, and inspire continued education through direct engagement with artists, scholars, and original works of art.

Featured image by Azul Granados, titled Fire Eater.

Bethel Garden Murals

September 23, 2021Library Art Gallery, Pecan Campus, Previous Exhibitsgotvos

STC Library Art Gallery Program and community organizations to paint four murals at McAllen Historic Site

Murals will be painted at McAllen’s Bethel Garden located at 1322 S. 16th Street on October 6th and 7th. An extra day has been added for Oct. 14 from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

In coordination with the RGV Bethel Garden Mural Taskforce and Village in the Valley, the South Texas College Library Art Gallery and Art Department take pride in preserving McAllen’s culture. To honor this pride, four murals will be painted representing the themes of Hope, Faith, Love, and Unity at the Historic Bethel Garden.

On October 6th & 7th from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., at 1322 S. 16th Street in McAllen, TX, South Texas College art students will assist in painting the murals while gaining experience in mural painting and connecting with leaders in the community.

The mural painting days are open to the public, and supplies will be provided. Those looking to contribute will need to wear work clothes and shoes that can be painted on.

According to Ray Howard, a community organizer, the history of “McAllen’s Bethel Garden is a tribute to its African American heritage and cultural influence. It is a continuous celebration of our inclusion and contributions to the city’s growth and development over time. Under former Mayor Darling’s leadership and now Mayor Javier Villalobos, coupled with interagency collaborations and a host of volunteers, the treasured memories of our McAllen ancestors and their vision for an even better future for all is preserved for generations to come”.

In the 1930s, one of McAllen’s early African American families relocated to the McAllen community from Victoria, Texas. Mr. Eugene Hubbard, a World War I veteran, worked for The San Antonio & Aransas Pass Railroad, a subsidiary of the Southern Pacific Railway. In 1941, the City of McAllen added the Booker T. Washington Addition, where those of African descent could buy property. In 1943 Hubbard and Williams purchased a property at the corner of S 16th Street and later Booker T. Avenue, where the center of the neighborhood began with Little Bethel Missionary Baptist Church and later Booker T. Washington School.

The original building was condemned in the early 2000s after the congregation moved. In 2012, the City of McAllen requested help from the Hidalgo County Historical Commission to achieve state-recognized historical status for the former Bethel Church site. Today, the Bethel Garden is living and serves as a prominent reminder of how faithful resilience and hope can overcome the divisive forces of segregation and discrimination. Many community volunteers, area businesses, educational institutions, and the City of McAllen have helped preserve this site.

South Texas College Library Art Gallery Program organizes exhibitions and programs to engage student understanding of art and its role in culture, support the academic curriculum, and inspire continued education through direct engagement with artists, scholars, and original works of art.

For more information, contact (956) 872-3488, gotvos@southtexascollege.edu, or visit https://library.southtexascollege.edu/libraryartgallery.

Natural Environment Exhibit & Workshop

September 17, 2021Library Art Gallery, Pecan Campus, Previous Exhibits, Virtual Eventgotvos

The STC Library Art Gallery investigates the natural landscape in a three-part exhibition and workshop
Brittney Luna & Jessica Monroe will present a mural and painting workshop on October 27, 2021, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.

The South Texas College Library Art Gallery investigates the natural environment with a three-part exhibition featuring naturalist Jessica Monroe, muralist Brittney Luna, and community members who created artwork from recycled materials. On October 27, two virtual workshops will feature Jessica Monroe, leading a painting workshop on mark-making and meditation in nature painting, and Brittney Luna, discussing multiple angles of mural-making –the business aspect and the techniques. The exhibition and workshops are free and open to the public.

When: October 27, 2021, 01:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Observation Landscape: Painting Workshops with Jessica Monroe and Brittney Luna.
Attendees must register in advance: https://southtexascollege.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_u1xy1PE3SR6_y32_zXqoSQ

To participate or for more information about the call for recycled art, open through September 27th, please visit: https://library.southtexascollege.edu/callforart.

South Texas College Library Art Gallery thanks community members/artists for their participation in this exhibit. Artists featured within this exhibition are Caleb Peña, Mariana Prado, Pat Cooper, Elizabeth Hollenback, Leila Hernandez, Kathy Bussert-Webb, Abigail Saldaña, Alexic Ramos, Jay Huber, Ede Liliana, Catherine Dominguez Nava, Gina Palacios, Clarissa Sifuentes, Corina Garcia, and Kristen Sanchez.

For more information, contact (956) 872-3488, gotvos@southtexascollege.edu, or visit https://library.southtexascollege.edu/libraryartgallery.

Library’s Art Collection in Atrium Gallery

September 15, 2021Library Art Gallery, Pecan Campus, Permanent Art Collection, Previous ExhibitsPermanent Art Collectiongotvos

South Texas College Library Permanent Art Collection transforms Bldg. A Atrium with new exhibit.South Texas College’s Library Art Gallery and the Office of Public Relations and Marketing present twenty-seven works of art from the college’s Permanent Art Collection in the Pecan Campus Building A Atrium.

Curated by STC’s Coordinator of Community Relations, Francisco Perez, this collection includes paintings, printmaking pieces, ceramics, photography, and sculptures and thematically highlights local customs, arts, cuisine, architecture, and people. Those featured in the exhibit are Olga Alanis, Richard Armendariz, Carl Block, Manuel Chapa, Luis Corpus, Trace Davis, Jenelle Esparza, Philip Field, Tina Fuentes, Carmen Lomas Garza, Juan A. Lozano Garza, Conrado Gonzalez, Rigoberto Gonzalez, Roel Guerra, Benjie Heu, Dr. Hideo Mabuchi, Imanol Miranda, Joe Peña, Socorro Rico, Anthony Rivera, Rosendo Sandoval, and Benjamin Varela.

Bldg A Informational Labels

Visitors can find the STC Pecan Campus Building A Atrium at 3201 W Pecan Blvd in McAllen. Admission is free and open to the public.

For more information, email gotvos@southtexascollege.edu or visit library.southtexascollege.edu/lag.

South Texas College is accepting artwork made from recycled materials in new nature exhibit.

September 2, 2021Library Art Gallery, Pecan Campus, Previous Exhibitsgotvos

Deadline to send artwork is September 27th at 5:00 p.m. to the STC Pecan Campus Library.

South Texas College’s Library Art Gallery asks students, faculty, staff, and the public to send artwork made from recycled materials for an upcoming exhibit about nature. The exhibition will feature two local nature artists, Brittney Luna and Jessica Monroe, plus entries from the community. The deadline to enter the exhibit is September 27, 2021, and artwork must be made from items that would have otherwise end up in a landfill or recycling center. The exhibit will be at the Pecan Campus Library Art Gallery, second floor, from October 1 through December 10, 2021. The exhibition is free and open to the public.

On October 27, there will be two virtual painting workshops from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

For more information, contact (956) 872-3488, gotvos@southtexascollege.edu, or visit https://library.southtexascollege.edu/libraryartgallery.