Category Archives: Library Art Gallery

Colors We Dream: A Call for Alebrije-themed Artwork

Call for Art, Current & Upcoming Exhibits, Library Art Gallery, Pecan Campus


Deadline to submit artwork: September 15, 2025 

The South Texas College Library Art Gallery invites submissions for an upcoming exhibition, “Colors We Dream / Colores que Soñamos,” featuring alebrije-themed artwork. 

The call is open to students, faculty, staff and community members. The deadline to submit artwork is Sept. 15.  

Inspired by the captivating world of magical realism, alebrijes are fantastical creatures born from the imagination of Mexican-born artist Pedro Linares in the 1950s. They combine elements of different animals, real or imaginary, and are painted with vibrant colors and patterns to create magical, dreamlike beings. Each alebrije is a unique reflection of its creator’s spirit and inner world. Though not representations of real animals, they are believed to roam the landscapes of another dimension, connected to our dreams and subconscious.   

Artists are encouraged to submit original alebrije-themed 2D or 3D artwork suitable for wall display. Artwork must be appropriate for all ages. The exhibition will be held at the South Texas College Pecan Campus Library from Oct. 1 through Dec. 1.  

An opening reception and awards ceremony will take place Oct. 1 from 5 to 7 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place. Participation is free and open to the public.  

To participate, complete the entry form at https://forms.office.com/r/8bYYyrvq2V and deliver artwork to:  

South Texas College Library   
Library Art Gallery, Bldg. F Rm. 235   
Or Main Circulation Desk  
3201 W Pecan Blvd. McAllen, TX 78501 

For more information, visit https://library.southtexascollege.edu/lag or email bmonteja@southtexascollege.edu. 

 

Champions of the Starr County Fair: Middle and High Schools

Current & Upcoming Exhibits, Library Art Gallery, Starr County Campus

Artist Reception: Oct. 14, 10-11 a.m. at the Starr Co. Library Art Gallery.

The South Texas College Starr Campus Library Art Gallery has partnered with the Starr County Fair to present an exhibition showcasing award-winning artworks created by middle and high school students in grades 6-12 across Starr County.

The exhibition will be on display from August 25 to December 1, 2025, at the STC Starr County Campus Library, located in Building F at 142 FM 3167 in Rio Grande City. A reception to celebrate the young artists will take place on October 14 from 10 to 11 a.m. Admission is free and open to the public.

Selected from over 100 entries, the artworks were judged on content, composition, technique, and originality. The student artists were recognized for their creativity, skill and outstanding efforts. This exhibit celebrates student achievement while highlighting the importance of arts education and community support in nurturing future artists.

The STC Library Art Gallery organizes exhibitions and educational programs to enhance students’ understanding of art, support the academic curriculum, and inspire ongoing education through direct engagement with artists, scholars, and original artworks.

For more information, contact gotvos@southtexascollege.edu or visit https://library.southtexascollege.edu/lag.

 

 

 

 

 

South Texas Ceramic Showdown

Current & Upcoming Exhibits, Library Art Gallery, Pecan Campus

South Texas College Hosts 16th Annual Ceramic Showdown and Exhibition “Reimagination”
June 11 & 12: Hands-on workshops, artist talks and exhibitions. All free and open to the public.

Update: Due to unforeseen circumstances, Greg Busceme is unable to attend the workshops. We’re excited to welcome Pam ONeil and STC alum, now UTRGV Instructor, Rick Sullivan to lead workshops on June 11–12.

The South Texas College Art Department and Library Art Gallery will host the 16th annual ceramics exhibition and event, “South Texas Ceramic Showdown: Reimagination,” featuring two full days of hands-on workshops, artist talks and exhibitions, all free and open to the public.

This year’s conference theme “Reimagination” invites participants to view the familiar through a fresh lens–rethinking or reinventing ideas with the aim of improvement or innovation. The Ceramic Showdown begins June 11 with a day of clay demonstrations by Beaumont artists Greg Busceme and Pam ONeil at the Pecan Campus Ceramic Studio, Building B, Room 115. That same evening, an opening reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at both the Pecan Campus Library Art Gallery and Art Building B.

Workshops and artist talks continue on June 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a scheduled lunch break from noon to 2 p.m.

Chris Leonard, Ceramic Showdown organizer and STC ceramics instructor said Greg Busceme and Pam ONeil connect in and outside the medium of clay while telling great stories.

“Busceme and ONeil will have an exhibition of the work they’ve produced in the Library Art Gallery, with possibly some additions outside of ceramics and explanations of how they’ve made use of education in and outside of art while maintaining an experimental and positive attitude enabling them to grow community involvement and spirit,” said Leonard. Exhibition details:

  • The Library Art Gallery will display ceramic works by Busceme and ONeil from June 11 through Sept. 15.
  • The Art Building B Gallery will showcase collaborative ceramic works from 10 colleges and universities across the country. This show runs June 5 through August 8.

Participating institutions include Arizona Western College, Butte College, College of the Sequoias, Lawrence University, South Texas College, Southeast Missouri State University, Tarrant County College Northwest, Texas A&M University–Kingsville, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and University of Texas at San Antonio.

Wednesday, June 11, 2025—
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Clay Demonstrations at STC’s Ceramic Studio, B115
2 – 4 p.m. Clay Demonstrations at STC’s Ceramic Studio, B115
5 – 7 p.m. Opening Receptions at the STC Library Art Gallery and STC Building B Gallery

Thursday, June 12, 2025–
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Clay Demonstrations at Ceramic Studio, B115
2 – 4 p.m. Clay Demonstrations & Ceramic Art Talks, B115

About the artists:

Greg Busceme is a Beaumont-based artist whose work reflects the Texas coast, where marine life and shoreline fossils shape his artistic vision. He began his ceramics journey at Lamar University and earned a Master of Fine Arts in ceramics from Washington University in St. Louis, where he was the program’s first graduate. Busceme is co-founder and executive director of The Art Studio Inc., a nonprofit arts hub established in 1983.

Pam ONeil is a ceramic and mixed media artist with a Master of Fine Arts from Louisiana State University and an associate degree in Nursing from Pima Community College. With over 40 years of experience in health care and a passion for clay, she is a resident artist at The Art Studio, where she integrates diverse disciplines into her artistic practice.

Rick Sullivan holds an MFA in Fine Arts from UTRGV and currently teaches 3D Foundations at the university. He is a ceramic artist, U.S. veteran, and alum of South Texas College.

For more information about the Ceramic Showdown, contact 956-872-3488, email  gotvos@southtexascollege.edu or visit https://library.southtexascollege.edu/lag.

 

Jessica Monroe: A Cosmic Dance

Current & Upcoming Exhibits, Library Art Gallery, Mid-Valley Campus

Artist Exhibition traveling from Pecan campus to Mid-Valley Campus Library.  

The South Texas College Library Art Gallery and the Art Department Gallery are collaborating to present “A Cosmic Dance,” an exhibition by local artist Jessica Monroe. The exhibit will take place at the Mid-Valley Campus Library Art Gallery. 

The opening date is April 25, and the exhibition will be on display until September 15, 2025, at the STC Mid-Valley Campus Library, located at 400 N Border, Building E, in Weslaco, TX. Admission is free, and the exhibition is open to the public. For library hours, visit https://library.southtexascollege.edu/aboutus/hourscontact. 

Jessica Monroe is known for her large-scale nature paintings that are full of energy and movement. She uses a meditative approach to create marks responding to wildlife to connect with nature.  “I rely on the authenticity of the natural world where the stories of interdependence and balance offer perspective and healing,” Monroe says. “Inspired by these wild spaces, I create paintings full of movement in a style of ecological realism.”  

Monroe’s love for nature began in childhood on her grandparents’ farm. “It was my favorite place, where the boundaries between the indoors and outdoors blurred. Without air conditioning, we slept with the windows open and woke to the racket of birds. When life as a young adult became overwhelming and stressful, I used my creative practice to reconnect with the natural spaces that stirred my heart as a kid,” she recalls.

Monroe’s meditation paintings respond to the energies around her, letting go of capturing a pretty image. “Through this process, I witnessed a different way of understanding our world, where energy flows, and nothing is separate,” she explains. “I work to remain true to what I have learned about this subject.”  

The STC Library Art Gallery organizes exhibitions and educational programs to enhance students’ understanding of art, support the academic curriculum, and inspire ongoing education through direct engagement with artists, scholars, and original artworks. 

For more information, contact gotvos@southtexascollege.edu or visit https://library.southtexascollege.edu/lag. 

The Moon as Muse: A Love Letter in Art & Verse

Library Art Gallery, Pecan Campus, Previous Exhibits

Moon as Muse banner
Reception: March 5, 5 – 7 p.m. at the STC Pecan Library

The South Texas College Library Art Gallery presents an exhibition titled “The Moon as Muse: A Love Letter in Art & Verse,” featuring artwork and poetry from STC Students, Alumni, Faculty, Staff and Community Members, all centered around the theme of the moon. The moon has long inspired artists across different fields. For painter Vincent van Gogh, it was a muse that illuminated his night scenes. Composer Claude Debussy captured its beauty in his piece Clair de Lune, translating moonlight into music. Meanwhile, Shakespeare used the moon as a recurring symbol in his works, representing themes of love, madness, and the passage of time.

The timeless allure of the moon has sparked creativity across generations, inspiring artists, musicians, and writers alike. Ancestors looked to the moon to mark the passing of days and seasons, connecting daily rhythms to its cycles. Its phases were woven into myths and legends, serving as a guiding light in the night sky and a symbol of constancy through change.

Still inspired by the same moon’s beauty and mystery, the STC Library invites the community to view unique perspectives in its upcoming art exhibition. The exhibition will be on view from March 5 – May 16, 2025. There will be an opening reception and awards on March 5, from 5 – 7 p.m. where first, second, and third place awards will be given out. Admission to the gallery is free and open to the public.

The South Texas College Library Art Gallery Program organizes exhibitions and programs to engage students’ 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/lag.

CreateSpace Event Featured Image

CreateSpace

Pecan Campus, Previous Exhibits

The STC Library offers a monthly crafting session to inspire creativity across all majors. 
CreateSpace banner
Create Space Workshops: Last Tuesday of each month, 12 – 2 p.m.
Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/Y6EqaTzeF1

The South Texas College Library Art Gallery presents CreateSpace, a monthly art workshop designed to inspire creativity, encourage collaboration, and foster meaningful face-to-face interactions while disconnecting from technology.

The workshops are scheduled for the last Tuesday of each month from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Pecan Library, Room F102, on the following dates: February 25, March 25, and April 29. The first workshop will be hosted by Art History instructor Melissa Terry, who will focus on creating textile-based art. Each workshop will begin with an introductory session, followed by an opportunity to connect with others or work independently.

CreateSpace posterAll experience levels are welcome. Art supplies for the featured craft will be provided. Attendees are also encouraged to bring their supplies if they have specific preferences. Light snacks will be available, and attendees may bring their lunch.

Please note that space is limited to 24 attendees. We encourage you to reserve your spot by filling out the online form: https://forms.office.com/r/Y6EqaTzeF1. We kindly request that all confirmed guests who register online arrive by noon. After this time, any unclaimed spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. The workshops are free and open to the public.

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

Amado M. Peña Jr.

Library Art Gallery, Pecan Campus, Previous Exhibits

STC acquires new works by prominent Laredo-born artist.

New Date for Artist Talk: April 16th, 10 – 11 a.m. at the STC Pecan Student Union, 2.100

South Texas College Library celebrates a generous donation of nine artwork pieces to its permanent art collection. This donation was made by STC President Ricardo J. Solis, Ph.D., from his personal art collection. It features works by Amado M. Peña Jr., a prestigious artist from Laredo, Texas, who now resides in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

There will be an exhibition of the artwork on the library’s second floor, along with an artist talk event in the Student Union.

The exhibition “Desert Impressions: Amado M. Peña Jr.” will opened on January 21 and runs through May 23, 2025.

The exhibition will be on display at the Pecan Campus Library Art Gallery, located at 3201 W. Pecan Blvd., Building F, in McAllen. Admission is free and open to the public.

Amado M. Peña Jr. was born in 1943 in Laredo, Texas. He graduated from Texas A&M-Kingsville with both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Art and Education. A celebrated artist, he is recognized as an Artisan of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe of Arizona.

His artwork honors the resilience of Native Americans and reflects their harmonious relationship with the enduring landscapes of Texas, Arizona and New Mexico. Inspired by significant locations such as Canyon de Chelly, Spider Rock and Monument Valley, Peña’s art is characterized by bold colors, dynamic compositions and powerful storytelling.

Peña has dedicated his career to preserving and promoting the culture, art and history of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe through his creative work. He has taught in his hometown of Laredo, as well as in Crystal City and Austin, Texas. He has also served as an adjunct professor at the University of Texas.

His paintings have been exhibited at the National Collection of Fine Arts at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. Additionally, he has been a presenter at numerous national education conferences, where he shares his expertise and passion for art and education.

STC’s Library Art Gallery Program organizes exhibitions and educational programs to engage students’ 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, please contact the gallery at (956) 872-3488, email gotvos@southtexascollege.edu or visit https://library.southtexascollege.edu/libraryart.

 

Kim Phu and Jill Garcia: Muthagoose

Library Art Gallery, Mid-Valley Campus, Previous Exhibits

Contemporary mixed-media artist duo from Austin to exhibit in Weslaco
Exhibit opens February 6th | Closing reception and artist talk April 3rd

South Texas College Mid-Valley Campus Library Art Gallery is proud to present a captivating mixed-media and installation exhibition by Kim Phu and Jill Garcia, the contemporary artist duo known as Muthagoose.

An artist talk and reception will take place on Thursday, April 3, 2025, from 10 to 11 a.m. During this event, Kim Phu and Jill Garcia will share their journey as artists, offering insights into their creative process and the inspiration behind their collaborative work.

The exhibit opens February 6th and will be on view until April 3, 2025 at the STC Mid-Valley Campus Library located at 400 N Border, Bldg. E, in Weslaco, TX. The exhibition and artist lecture are free and open to the public. For library hours and location, visit https://library.southtexascollege.edu/aboutus/hourscontact/

Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with the artists and gain a deeper understanding of the themes and techniques featured in the exhibition.

Muthagoose is celebrated for their innovative and playful approach, creating large-scale murals, sculptural exhibits, and digital media installations. Their work explores themes such as societal norms, cultural traditions, mental health, and the complexities of modern life. They employ a variety of mediums, including found objects, sound frequencies, and interactive technologies, to craft unique and impactful art.

Their creative process starts with an open-minded commitment to “say yes” to ideas, allowing opportunities to flourish. Through extensive research and the blending of their distinct styles, they create structured, vintage-inspired pieces using diverse materials. This process results in works that are both thoughtful and engaging.

About the Artists

Kim Phu is an accomplished art director, interactive and web exhibit designer, and ceramist with a BFA from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. She has collaborated with prestigious institutions and brands like the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), Nike, Nissan, Jimmy Dean, Sony PlayStation, and the National Historical Museum.

Jill Garcia is a versatile painter, sculptor, and mixed-media artist with a BA from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Her work blends iridescent cellophane with sculpture, installation, painting, needlework, and fiber art reflecting themes of nature, motherhood, and personal transformation. Inspired by her surroundings, she uses her art to explore the beauty and challenges of change.

Together, Muthagoose brings a dynamic, thought-provoking perspective to the art world, combining their unique talents to challenge conventions and spark meaningful conversations. This exhibition celebrates their collaborative vision and artistic innovation.

The STC Library Art Gallery curates exhibitions and educational programs to enhance student understanding of art, support academic curriculum and inspire continued education through direct engagement with artists, scholars and original works of art.

For more information, contact gotvos@southtexascollege.edu or visit https://library.southtexascollege.edu/muthagoose.

Elephant eye

Visionaries: The Blind in Action

Pecan Campus, Previous Exhibits

Banner with painting of elephant
Exhibition Reception: Tues., Oct. 22 from 5 – 7 p.m. (Pecan Campus Library, 1st Floor)

The South Texas College Pecan Campus Library Art Gallery presents “Visionaries: The Blind in Action.” Visionaries is a nonprofit organization committed to bringing together the community through workshops and events that involve people who are blind and the wider community.

Macarena Peña, the exhibit’s organizer, began painting in 1997 and lost her sight two years later. In 2015, she co-founded the Visual Challenges Art Project in partnership with the National Federation of the Blind. This project enabled her to reignite her love for art and rediscover her artistic abilities. Peña will work with art students during a “Paint in the Dark” workshop where they will be blind folded and learn about the techniques she uses to paint.

On October 22, visitors can attend an artist reception from 5 to 7 p.m. to meet the artist, view their artworks, and enjoy light refreshments.

The exhibition will be available for viewing from October 22 to December 6, 2024 at the STC Pecan Campus Library, first floor.

For more information, call 956-872-3488, email gotvos@southtexascollege.edu, or visit https://library.southtexascollege.edu/libraryart.

Art & Memory Featured Image

5th Annual Art & Memory Conference hosted by STC’s Philosophy Department

Previous Exhibits

Art & Memory Banner
Event Days: Oct. 28 – 31, 2024

South Texas College presents the 5th Annual Art & Memory Conference. This four-day event, hosted by the Division of Liberal Arts, Division of Social & Behavioral Sciences, and the Pecan Campus Library features guest speakers, a film screening, and collaborative altars created by the STC Art and World Languages Department. The conference will offer an engaging exploration of grief from a humanities perspective.

The conference will begin on October 28 with a lecture, “Art, Memory, and Grief in the Works of Kurt Vonnegut,” presented by Richard Coronado, English Instructor at South Texas College.

Throughout the week, there will be several other events, including a poetry reading with Esteban Rodriguez, a screening of “Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life” hosted by Dr. Brittany Leckey, Instructor and Chair of Philosophy at South Texas College, a talk on “Art as Remembrance: Interpretation, Interruption, and the Voices of Those Departed” by Dr. Theodore George from Texas A&M, and a Public Humanities roundtable titled “Haunting Realms: The Intersection of Ghosts, Absence, and Presence.”

The conference will conclude with a Trick-or-Treat at the Library celebration. Students can participate in a Día de los Muertos craft, enjoy pan de muerto provided by the STC Culinary Arts Department, and listen to Halloween classics performed by STC’s Jazz Ensemble. Following this will be poetry readings by Isaac Chavarria, Erika Garza, and McAllen Poet Laureate Daniel García Ordaz in Auditorium Building D.

The theme of this year’s conference, Art, Memory, and Death, offers a distinct platform for South Texas College and the community to engage in a thoughtful exploration of the intersections between memory, grief, and the transformative role art plays in navigating these significant human experiences.

All events are free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Brittany Leckey at 956-872-5528, email bleckey@southtexascollege.edu, or visit https://library.southtexascollege.edu/5artandmemory.