Category Archives: Previous Exhibits

Victor Alvarez: Conquering a Wayward Body with Winning Spirit

February 3, 2015Library Art Gallery, Previous Exhibits, Starr County Campusgotvos

South Texas College’s Starr County Campus Library Art Gallery presents “The Art of Victor Alvarez, conquering a wayward body with a winning spirit” an exhibit featuring the paintings of Victor Alvarez. The exhibit opens Thursday, Feb. 5th and will be on view through Monday, May 4th, 2015 at STC’s Starr County Campus Library Art Galley which is located at 142 FM 3167 in Rio Grande City. There will be an art talk on Monday, February 16th at 1:00 pm. Admission is free and open to the public.

Victor Alvarez was a Bill Gates Millennium Scholar at the University of Texas-Pan American. Alvarez had Spinal Muscular Atrophy and could not walk, sit up or lift his head without assistance, nonetheless he was a poet, a newspaper columnist, a motivational speaker, an award-winning artist. “His paintings primarily focused on his understanding of himself and his place in the world as an artist, scholar, and person of value despite his physical frailty” says Yolanda Morado.

The exhibit displays paintings of acrylics, ink, charcoal, pencil and digital media. Yolanda Morado who adopted Victor Alvarez and who will be giving the art talk on his paintings says that art was a driving force for Victor. “Art was Victor’s connection to the world around him and the way he expressed what was in his heart”.

South Texas College’s Library Art Gallery Program exhibits regional, national and international artwork, explores new visions and theories of creativity, and introduces innovative artistic expressions to the South Texas region.

For more information contact Terri Rosalez at 956-488-5822 or mtrosalez@southtexascollege.edu or visit http://lag.southtexascollege.edu.

Conceptualization, Expression and Feelings

December 16, 2014Library Art Gallery, Mid-Valley Campus, Previous ExhibitsElizabeth Hollenbeck

South Texas College’s Mid-Valley Campus Library Art Gallery presents “Conceptualization, Expression and Feelings,” an exhibit featuring artworks by Irma Garza-Garcia. The exhibit opens Thursday, Feb. 12, 2015 with an artist talk at 6 p.m., and will be on view through Friday, May 15. The Mid-Valley Campus Library Art Gallery is located at 400 N. Border in Weslaco. Admission is free and open to the public.

A native of Monterrey, Mexico, Garza-Garcia enrolled in the Art Instruction School based in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 2009. She also attended intensive workshops in Mexico City with a well-known professor in the art field, Dr. Alberto Angel Bustillos. Garza-Garcia has had exhibitions along the Rio Grande Valley as well as international exhibits in London and Rome.

Garza-Garcia enjoys working in vibrant colors and high contrast. In her artwork she strives to depict someone’s inner workings, or soul, through outward bodily expressions. Garza-Garcia’s work also explores feelings and issues of identity.

“Garza-Garcia demonstrates great skill in her chosen medium,” said South Texas College Librarian Lillian Carrillo. “The personable expressions and gestures that she depicts are sure to appeal to a wide audience.”

For more information, contact Lillian Carrillo at (956) 447-1288, lillianm@southtexascollege.edu or visit http://library.southtexascollege.edu/newsevents/libraryartgallery/.

Gesticulaciones de la Vida

October 31, 2014Library Art Gallery, Pecan Campus, Previous ExhibitsHispanic Heritage Monthgotvos

South Texas College’s Pecan Campus Library presents “Gesticulaciones de la Vida (Life’s Gesticulations),” an exhibit featuring artworks by Beatriz Guzman Velasquez. The exhibit opens Thursday, Sept. 18, 2014 with a reception from 6 to 8 p.m. and artist talks are scheduled for 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. in the library’s Rainbow Room. The exhibit will remain on display through Dec. 9. The gallery is located at 3201 W. Pecan Blvd. in McAllen. Admission is free and open to the public.

Through her brightly painted images of local cemeteries, Guzman Velasquez seeks to cherish and understand the role death plays along the Mexico-Texas border.

In her works, life and death co-exist in the same place, just like in the Mexican holiday, el Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). This popular celebration holds many traditions including building private altars called ofrendas, and honoring the deceased by leaving gifts of sugar skulls, marigolds, favorite foods, beverages and possessions at their grave sites.

Guzman Velasquez earned a bachelor of fine arts degree in painting from the University of Texas Pan-American and participated in the San Miguel de Allende Study Abroad Program in Guanajuato, Mexico.

“Guzman Velasquez’s breathtaking use of color is what initially draws viewer’s in,” said STC Art Gallery Associate Dawn Haughey. “It is then the movement and play of the medium that holds our attention. We are so excited to be able to share her work with all of our students, faculty and community members during el Día de los Muertos.”

STC’s Library Art Gallery exhibits regional, national and international artwork, explores new visions and theories of creativity, and introduces innovative artistic expressions to the South Texas region.

For more information, contact Dawn Haughey at (956) 872-3488 or via email at dhaughey@southtexascollege.edu, or visit http://library.southtexascollege.edu/newsevents/libraryartgallery/.

In the Moment

October 30, 2014Library Art Gallery, Mid-Valley Campus, Previous Exhibitsgotvos

The South Texas College Mid-Valley Campus Library presents “In the Moment,” featuring the student artwork of Anita Rodriguez. The exhibit will open Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2014 and continues through Dec 9 at the Mid-Valley Campus Library (Bldg. E), located at 400 N. Border in Weslaco.

A reception will be held on Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. at the same location. Admission to both events is free and open to the public.

“Anita Rodriguez will transform a portion of the library into an otherworldly space, with artworks covering the walls and descending from the ceiling,” said Scott Nicol, STC assistant professor of visual arts. “Striding into the center of her installation will be a figure wearing garments that she has painted, with the image of a white rose on the hem of its dress. I encourage the entire Mid-Valley community to come out and experience Anita’s work.”

For more information, contact Lillian Carrillo at (956) 447-1288, lillianm@southtexascollege.edu or Dawn Haughey at (956) 872-3488, dhaughey@southtexascollege.edu or visit http://library.southtexascollege.edu/newsevents/libraryartgallery/.

Birds & Flowers

August 25, 2014Library Art Gallery, Previous Exhibits, Starr County Campusgotvos

South Texas College’s Starr County Campus Library Art Gallery presents “Birds & Flowers,” an exhibit featuring paintings by Minerva Hinojosa Ritchie. The exhibit will go on display from Sept 5 to Dec 4, 2014, with an artist talk featured on Wednesday, Sept 17 at 1 p.m. at STC’s Starr County Campus Library (Bldg. F), located at 142 FM 3167 in Rio Grande City. Admission is free and open to the public.

Ritchie is a La Grulla native and Brownsville resident who has been painting for over 50 years. She has studied oil and watercolor techniques under teachers from Raymondville and Corpus Christi, and has been a member of the Brownsville Art League since 1951.

“Minerva Ritchie has a very keen eye on the natural world around her,” said Dawn Haughey, STC Library Art Gallery associate. “She specializes in painting birds and floral subjects and does so with such precision and sensitivity. Ms. Ritchie continues to be an inspiring member of our local valley artist community.”

For more information, contact Terri Rosalez at (956) 488-5822 or mtrosalez@southtexascollege.edu; or Dawn Haughey at (956) 872-3488 or dhaughey@southtexascollege.edu, or visit http://library.southtexascollege.edu/newsevents/libraryartgallery/.

Rostros de mi niñez

August 19, 2014Library Art Gallery, Previous Exhibits, Technology Campusgotvos

South Texas College’s Technology Campus Library presents “Rostros de mi niñez (Faces of my Childhood),” an exhibit featuring photography by Verónica G. Cárdenas-Vento. The exhibit opens Thursday, Sept. 18, 2014 and will be on display through Dec. 4. An artist lecture will be held at 6 p.m. on Oct. 2 at the Technology Campus Library, located at 3700 W. Military Hwy. in McAllen. Admission is free and open to the public.

In this exhibit, Cárdenas-Vento focuses on the many faces of childhood and has chosen to specifically highlight the children of Mexico.

“Through this selection of photographs I want to bring you the raw faces of childhood as I see them,” Cárdenas-Vento said. “It is a collection that ranges from the serious, mad and silly facial gestures that makes this phase of life so unique to photograph for me.”

Cárdenas-Vento earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from the University of Texas at Pan American and an associate’s degree in architectural drafting from South Texas College.

“Cárdenas-Vento’s photographic work speaks of the innocence and intrigue of being a child,” said Dawn Haughey, STC Library Art Gallery associate. “Most of the time our busy lives and schedules take us far away from being able to see anything through the eyes of a child. This exhibit allows us a few minutes to jump back into this exciting and carefree state of mind.”

For more information, contact Max Garcia at max@southtexascollege.edu or (956) 872-6207; or Dawn Haughey at (956) 872-3488 or dhaughey@southtexascollege.edu, or visit http://library.southtexascollege.edu/newsevents/libraryartgallery/.

Evolution of the Soul

August 19, 2014Library Art Gallery, Mid-Valley Campus, Previous Exhibitsgotvos

South Texas College’s Mid-Valley Campus Library Art Gallery presents “Evolution of the Soul: Works by Pablo Peña,” an exhibit featuring paintings by Pablo Peña. The exhibit opens Thursday, Sept. 18, 2014 with an artist talk held at 6 p.m., and will be on view through Friday, Dec. 4. The Mid-Valley Campus Library Art Gallery is located at 400 N. Border in Weslaco. Admission is free and open to the public.

Peña is a professional artist and native of Weslaco. Although he has experimented in working with a wide array of mediums including stained glass, copper sculpture and jewelry, the central element of his work is vibrant color.

His dynamic surrealist landscapes are bursting with vivacious color, extraordinary figures and symbolism. When beginning a new piece, Peña chooses colors that personify his mood.

“Pablo Peña’s artwork is a celebration and testament to his successful use of color,” said STC Library Art Gallery Associate Dawn Haughey. “While his skill in color usage and blending is truly spectacular, he is also able to ignite a variety of emotions through his bold style. This exhibition is sure to speak to a very large audience.”

STC’s Library Art Gallery Program exhibits regional, national and international artwork, explores new visions and theories of creativity, and introduces innovative artistic expressions to the South Texas region.

For more information contact Dawn Haughey at (956) 872-3488 or libraryart@southtexascollege.edu, or visit http://library.southtexascollege.edu/newsevents/libraryartgallery/.

Ceramic Showdown 2014

June 7, 2014Library Art Gallery, Pecan Campus, Previous ExhibitsCeramic Conference, South Texas Ceramic Showdowngotvos

South Texas College’s Library Art Gallery, together with the college’s Visual Arts and Music Department, brings the Rio Grande Valley its annual ceramics exhibition and workshop, “Calculated Efforts: A South Texas Ceramic Showdown.” All activities are free and open to the public.

The event includes a full display of ceramic works by art students and professors from regional universities and community colleges. The exhibit will be on view from June 2 to Aug. 8 at the college’s Pecan Campus Art Building Art Gallery, located at 3201 West Pecan Blvd. in McAllen.

A two-day ceramics workshop will take place on June 13 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1:30 – 4:30 p.m., and June 14 at 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at STC’s Pecan Campus Art Building (Bldg. B) Ceramics Lab, Room 113. Art talks will be held on Saturday, June 14 from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. at the same location. An exhibit reception will be held on June 12 in the Visual Arts and Music Gallery and the Pecan Campus Library Art Gallery from 6-8 p.m.

“We are back in action for another round of ceramic collaboration. There are a number of variables that we are putting in place,” said Chris Leonard, STC ceramics instructor and exhibit/workshop organizer. “Actually, people across the state and even nation are putting things in place and into kilns in order to make the show happen in the summer.”

Participants will see clay demonstrations by nationally recognized and distinguished ceramicists Fred Spaulding and Jennifer Quarles.

“We are continuing with a paired show format; the institutional invite will be back along with a pair of visiting artists, Jennifer Quarles from Austin and Fred Spaulding, who at one time taught at UTPA and will be rolling down from Arlington,” Leonard said. “Their work should harmonize well while also providing interesting levels of contrast. In their ceramic work, which isn’t the entirety of all that they produce, both artists use aspects of printmaking, photography, and graphic arts in creating work that both touches and transcends tradition.”

Spaulding earned his Master of Fine Arts from the University of Connecticut. He is currently associate professor of art at Tarrant County College in Fort Worth and has completed further study through residencies at Kohler’s Arts in iron casting and Penland’s Winter Residency in Printmaking. Spaulding continues to work, exploring the possibilities of constructed structures of brick.

Quarles earned her Master of Fine Arts from Texas Women’s University. Since 2002, her work has been featured in both regional and national exhibitions. In addition, Quarles works with the Texas Clay Arts Association (TCAA), a non-profit organization that promotes ceramics in Texas. Her work explores our constant drive to record and share information, as well as our inherent desire to connect to one another.

For more information contact Dawn Haughey at (956) 872-3488, or via email at dhaughey@southtexascollege.edu or Chris Leonard at (956) 872-2668, or via email at cpleonar@southtexascollege.edu or visit http://library.southtexascollege.edu/newsevents/libraryartgallery/.

Roma Annual Art Exhibit 2014

June 7, 2014Library Art Gallery, Previous Exhibits, Starr County Campusgotvos

South Texas College’s Starr County Campus Library Art Gallery is proud to present its “Roma High School Annual Art Exhibition.” The display features works of art by students, who have studied under the tutelage of Roma High School art instructors Monica Gillette, Mario Godinez and Gabriela Gonzalez.

The exhibit will be on display from June 12 to Aug. 8, 2014 at STC’s Starr County Campus Library (Bldg. F), located at 142 FM 3167 in Rio Grande City. Admission is free and open to the public.

“The STC Library Art Gallery’s collaboration with Roma high school is still going strong and is now entering into its 6th year,” said Dawn Haughey, STC Library Art Gallery associate. “Every year’s submissions are always different from the last, reinforcing Roma’s reputation as an incubator for highly inventive art students; many thanks to the students and teachers that make this exhibit possible each year.”

The exhibit features mixed media artwork by freshman, sophomore, junior and senior Roma High School students.

For more information, contact Terri Rosalez at mtrosalez@southtexascollege.edu or 956-488-5822; or Dawn Haughey at 956-872-3488 or dhaughey@southtexascollege.edu, or visit http://library.southtexascollege.edu/newsevents/libraryartgallery/.

Vaquero: Genesis of the Texas Cowboy

June 6, 2014Library Art Gallery, Pecan Campus, Previous Exhibitsgotvos

STC to display Vaquero: Genesis of the Texas Cowboy

South Texas College’s Pecan Campus Library will present “Vaquero: Genesis of the Texas Cowboy,” an exhibition created by the Wittliff Collections at the Texas State University-San Marcos Alkek Library and presented in partnership with Humanities Texas, the state affiliate for the National Endowment for the Humanities.

This exhibition is made possible in part by a We the People grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. The exhibit will be on display from June 16 to July 28, 2014 at the Pecan Campus Library Rainbow Room, located at 3201 W. Pecan Blvd. in McAllen. Admission is free and open to the public.

In the early 1970s, noted Texas historian Joe Frantz offered Bill Wittliff a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit a ranch in Northern Mexico where the vaqueros still worked cattle in traditional ways. Wittliff photographed the vaqueros as they went about daily chores that had changed little since the first Mexican cow herders learned to work cattle from a horse’s back. Wittliff captured a way of life that now exists only in memory and in the photographs included in this exhibition.

The exhibition features photographs with bilingual narrative text that reveal the muscle, sweat and drama that went into roping a calf in thick brush or breaking a wild horse in the saddle.

For more information, contact Dawn Haughey at 956-872-3488, libraryart@southtexascollege.edu or visit http://lag.southtexascollege.edu.