The STC Library Art Gallery investigates art and science in a new ceramics and mixed-media exhibit.

 The art exhibit “Involution: A Science & Art Collaboration” currently encompasses both floors of the STC’s library at its Pecan Campus featuring the work of ceramicist and Professor of Applied Physics at Stanford, Dr. Hideo Mabuchi (above) as well as artwork and scientific explorations by STC faculty, students, and the general public. Dr. Mabuchi will discuss his artistic practice and the science behind his ceramics on Tuesday, May 4 at 3 p.m.  

South Texas College Library Art Gallery continues its monthly spring semester series, “Parallels,” which highlights the connections between seemingly unconnected disciplines. “Involution: A Science & Art Collaboration” encompasses both floors of the library with ceramicist and Stanford Professor of Applied Physics, Dr. Hideo Mabuchi on the second floor, as well as artwork and scientific explorations by STC Faculty, Students, and the general public. The exhibit will be on view through July 30th at the STC Pecan Campus Library Art Gallery located at 3201 W. Pecan Blvd, Bldg. F in McAllen, Texas.

On Tuesday, May 4th at 3 PM, Dr. Hideo Mabuchi will discuss his artistic practice and the science behind his ceramics. STC Science and Art Department Faculty presentations will follow by Dr. Ravindra Nandigam, STC Physics & Engineering Chair; Chris Leonard, M.F.A., STC Art & Ceramics Instructor; Dr. Enriqueta Cortez, STC Chemistry Chair; and Dr. Maria Cervantes, STC Biology Chair. The event will be live and is free and open to the public with registration.

Hideo Mabuchi earned a Ph.D. in Physics from the California Institute of Technology and an A.B. in Physics from Princeton University. Mabuchi teaches and conducts research as a Professor of Applied Physics at Stanford University where he has developed courses that integrate art and science. Mabuchi has previously been named MacArthur Fellow in recognition of the creativity of his scientific work.

About his work, Mabuchi says, “My vessels’ surfaces show a range of hues representative of wood firing without applied glazes, which are produced by intricate microscopic behaviors of iron, oxygen, and silicon as clay cools in the kiln at the end of a firing.  With our eyes, we see flashes of color but with microscopes, we may glimpse dramatic histories of crystallization.  With increasing magnification, we find landscapes within landscapes.

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

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

The STC Library celebrates long-time RGV educator and artist with an exhibition and virtual workshop.

Image: Lisa Irby, “Face of the Family,” Cut paper on tagboard.

South Texas College Library Art Gallery continues its monthly spring semester series, “Parallels,” which highlights the connections between seemingly unconnected disciplines—Mathematics, AEDT, History, and Science– with Art.

“Mathematically Artistic and Then Some,” featuring paintings and paper cut designs by Dr. Lisa Irby, will be on view at the STC Pecan Campus Library Art Gallery, second floor, February 1 to March 23, 2021. The STC Pecan Campus Library Art Gallery is located at 3201 W. Pecan Blvd., Bldg. F in McAllen, Texas.

Workshop materials:
– 9 x 12” Black tagboard or any thick surface to apply cut paper pieces
– Cardstock, assorted colors
– Glue, craft preferred
– Scissors
– Ruler
– Pencil
– Eraser, white gum Preferred
– Double-sided Tape
– Mod Podge, to cover finished artwork

Dr. Lisa Irby received her Educational Doctorate in 2002 and a Masters of Counseling and Guidance in 1987. From 1988 to 2018 as a teacher, instructional facilitator, and school administrator she served students, teachers and parents in both the public and private school sectors. Her instructional approach to education allowed her to incorporate artwork as a means of connecting the various educational disciplines. Irby is now a full time artist, working mostly in acrylicpainting and more recently, drawing on her previous experience as a stained glass artist, she creates vibrant and intricate cut paper designs. Dr. Irby also serves in local committees that seek to uplift African American history and voices in the Rio Grande Valley.

“My paintings and works are invitations for my viewers to experience color through subtle nuances or bold, dramatic displays.  The unique characteristics of each of my images are meant to inspire conversations, penetrate imaginations, and ultimately entice viewers to linger longer and experience my passion for art and creative expression,” says Irby

STC’s Library Art Gallery Program organizes exhibitions and educational programs to engage student 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.

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