Category Archives: Previous Exhibits

2013 Additions

lag-additions2014South Texas College’s Technology Campus Library presents “2013 Additions: Newly Acquired Pieces,” an exhibit featuring artworks by Lenard Brown, Noel Palmenez and others. The exhibit opens Thursday, June 19, 2014 and will be on view through Friday, Aug. 8 at the college’s Technology Campus Library Art Gallery, located at 3700 W. Military Hwy. in McAllen. Admission is free and open to the public.

The exhibit features works of art that have been donated to STC, during the 2013 school year, by various artists who have exhibited at one of the college’s five library art galleries throughout the Rio Grande Valley in Hidalgo and Starr counties. These artists include Lenard Brown, Delvis Cortez, Olga Escobedo, Adrian Luna, Imanol Miranda, Noel Palmenez and Travis Trapp.

“It’s always interesting to be able to bring together all of our recently donated works of art into one exhibit,” said Dawn Haughey, STC Library Art Gallery associate. “It creates a type of visual timeline of what we have exhibited over the past year. We are always grateful for all of our amazing donations and are happy to share them with all of STC’s campuses so that everyone has a chance to enjoy them.”

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

Harmony

OwlsSouth Texas College’s Nursing and Allied Health Campus Library presents “Harmony,” an exhibit featuring digital artworks by Rolando D. Garza. The exhibit opens Thursday, June 19, 2014 and will be on view through Friday, Aug. 8. An artist talk will be held on July 3 at 3:30 p.m. at the college’s NAH Campus, located at 1101 E. Vermont Ave. in McAllen. Admission is free and open to the public.

Garza’s playful digital works are greatly influenced by science fiction, geometry, nature, movies and music. He says that his art is constantly evolving and believes that by promoting the arts he will help make the Valley a more beautiful place.

“Garza’s work is fresh, bold and fun,” said Dawn Haughey, STC Library Art Gallery associate. “Whether we realize it or not, digital art is a huge part of our everyday lives. We see it everywhere we go, on billboards, the internet, even on packaged food items. It is important to exhibit digital artwork, as well as more traditional painted or photographed works, so that it can be appreciated and recognized as a true art form.”

Garza received a degree in Graphic Design from the University of Texas-Pan American. His background includes work in engineering, computer science, psychology, sculpture and art.

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 Jose Noriega at josen@southtexascollege.edu, (956) 872-3189; or Dawn Haughey at (956) 872-3488, dhaughey@southtexascollege.edu or visit http://library.southtexascollege.edu/newsevents/libraryartgallery/.

Bit by Bit

lag-bitbybit South Texas College’s Library Art Gallery, together with the college’s Visual Arts and Music Department, is proud to present “Bit by Bit: A Student Digital Art Exhibition.” The exhibit will be on display from June 19 – August 8, 2014 at the Pecan Campus Library, located at 3201 W. Pecan Blvd. in McAllen. Admission is free and open to the public.

“This exhibition showcases a collection of digital prints made by South Texas College art students. These prints show the diverse possibilities when limits in digital art are pushed, said Phyllis Evans, STC Assistant Professor of Art and Pedro Perez, STC Art Instructor. “Works range from minimally edited digital photography, to basic photo-manipulation and photo-montages, to works created almost entirely on the computer. Most works were created and/or edited using one or a combination of Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe Lightroom.”

“Students enrolled in Digital Art and Digital Photography classes develop technical, visual, and conceptual skills that they may use as tools for creative problem solving,” continued Evans and Perez. “While some pieces in this show are considered graphic design and illustration and are thus intended for commercial uses, others were created purely for artistic and expressive means. Often traditional media such as drawing, painting, and film photography are combined with digital techniques to form unique images that would not have otherwise been possible.”

Evans and Perez add, “Although digital art and photography are fairly new genres in the realm of fine arts, they have gained popularity among artists and photographers because of the freedom and limitless possibilities they provide.”

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 dhaughey@southtexascollege.edu, or visit http://library.southtexascollege.edu/newsevents/libraryartgallery/.

Mexican American Women 2014

lag-mexamwoman South Texas College’s Mid-Valley Campus Library will present “Mexican American Women,” a black and white photo exhibition that features a series of images from the National Women’s History Project, and has been a collaborative effort between the college’s Pecan Campus Latin@s Club and the library. The exhibit will be on display from June 19 to Aug. 8 at the Mid-Valley Campus Library Art Gallery, located at 400 N. Border in Weslaco. Admission is free and open to the public.

The NWHP was founded in Santa Rosa, Calif. over 30 years ago as the top source for information and material about the roles of women in American history. The organization is a catalyst in promoting women as leaders and influential forces in society.

Among its objectives, the NWHP strives to inspire today’s women by having them draw strength from those that came before them by telling their story and how important women have been in American society over the course of history.

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 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/.

Student Capstone 2014

lag-capstoneThe South Texas College Mid-Valley Campus Library presents “Bear Hugs,” featuring the student artwork of Josue Amaro. The exhibit will open Wednesday, April 30, 2014 and continues through May 14 at the Mid-Valley Campus Library (Bldg. E), located at 400 N. Border in Weslaco. A reception will be held on April 30 at 6 p.m. at the same location. Admission to both events is free and open to the public.

“With ‘Bear Hugs’ Josue takes what had been small, comical creatures and allows them to expand and roam free, taking over part of STC’s Mid-Valley Campus Library,” said Scott Nicol, STC assistant professor of visual arts. “His oversized characters tower over the visitor, simultaneously inviting and frightening. Do you accept the invitation to hug a smiling, sweaty bear that stands seven feet tall, or keep a safe distance?”

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 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/.

Portrait of a Poet

lag-thepoetSouth Texas College’s Technology Campus Library presents “Portrait of a Poet,” an exhibit featuring photography by Ileana Garcia-Spitz. The exhibit opens Thursday, Feb. 6, 2014 and will be on view through May 9. An artist lecture will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 13 at the Technology Campus Library, located at 3700 W. Military Hwy. in McAllen. Admission is free and open to the public.

Ileana Garcia-Spitz never set out to document the Valley poetry scene, but it beckoned to her to do so. After attending a performance, her love for sounds of words bonded her to the performing poets. As an English teacher, Garcia-Spitz is drawn to words and their smiths, and as a photographer she is drawn to the impact of words as they are spoken and heard.

“The portraits displayed are taken in passing moments that were never intended to be documented,” Garcia-Spitz said. “But it is within those stolen moments that the beauty, strength, and frailty of words and people are captured.”

Garcia-Spitz received her bachelor’s degree in English and works as a teacher and a local photojournalist. Being raised by a former migrant worker turned D.C. politician and a Catholic nun turned social worker, she has certainly been exposed to the dualities of life. Her studies in the humanities have also developed her appreciation for the differences between cultures. This exposure has made her sensitive to the human condition and its spirit, developing her eye and readying her for spontaneous opportunities to capture the story.

“This is an area of the arts that has yet to be documented in the Rio Grande Valley,” said Dawn Haughey, STC Library Art Gallery associate. “Garcia-Spitz’s keen photographic eye and quiet patience have allowed her to bring this culture alive to us all.”

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 Max Garcia at max@southtexascollege.edu or 956-872-6207; or Dawn Haughey at 956-872-3488 or dhaughey@southtexascollege.edu, or visit http://lag.southtexascollege.edu.

Machistas Y Vanidad

machista2South Texas College’s Starr County Campus Library proudly presents “Machistas Y Vanidad,” an exhibit featuring artwork by Noel Palmenez. The exhibit opens Thursday, Feb. 6, 2014 and will be on view until May 9. A talk with the artist will be held on Feb. 13 at 1 p.m. at the STC Starr County Campus Library (Bldg. F), located at 142 FM 3167 in Rio Grande City. Admission is free and open to the public.

Palmenez’s exhibit titled, “Machistas Y Vanidad” or “Macho and Vanity,” is about one’s exterior, or how we wish for ourselves to be perceived. It also dissects what it means to be macho.

“The Machistas greatest weakness is the belief that they know it all, and the fear to ask a question or admit that they are wrong,” said Palmenez. “It is pride that keeps many men from living a more fulfilled life, and the fear of change. What is left is an ego-driven young man that is more than willing to take what he wants because there is no alternative.”

As for the role of vanity, though often seen as a negative quality, Palmenez chooses to view it as a great freedom and a way for women to express their identity and fearlessness.

“The time honored roles of men and women are beginning to change,” said Palmenez. “Men are gradually releasing the reigns of authority and letting women be a larger part of what happens within the workings of the world. A new voice is a good change, for it is not tied down to tradition, and a woman’s voice is genuine and real.”

“The subject matter of Palmenez’s exhibit is extremely pertinent to this region,” added STC Art Galley Associate Dawn Haughey. “Although the ‘macho’ or ‘machismo’ attitude can appear in all cultures, it seems to be especially ingrained in many Latino households. This type of mind set has a detrimental effect on families, marriages and children. Palmenez’s work speaks of the evolution of this negative tradition into something positive and hopeful. It is a message that needs to be heard.”

Palmenez earned a Master of Science degree from Texas A&M University and a Masters of Fine Arts from The University of Texas Pan-American in painting, drawing and sculpture. He currently teaches at The University of Texas-Brownsville.

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 Terri Rosalez at mtrosalez@southtexascollege.edu or 956-488-5822; or Dawn Haughey at 956-872-3488 or dhaughey@southtexascollege.edu, or visit http://lag.southtexascollege.edu.

Innocent Rhythm

lag-rythymthumbSouth Texas College’s Pecan Campus Library presents “Innocent Rhythm,” an exhibit featuring paintings by Anthony Rivera. The exhibit opens Thursday, Feb. 6, 2014 with an opening reception from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The artist will also be demonstrating a live painting session on Thursday, Feb. 13 at 6pm in the painting studio room 115, Art building B. The gallery is located at 3201 W. Pecan Blvd. in McAllen. The exhibit will be on display through May 9. Admission is free and open to the public.

Rivera, 41, is an emerging, self-taught artist who is living with autism. His mother, Diana Rivera, helps prepare him for painting and assists him with monitoring his Facebook page and website.

Rivera paints with his hands while listening to music and his work reflects the music he hears. The result is “beautiful abstract expressions in vibrant colors,” said his mother, Diana.

He loves all genres of music, from Willy Nelson to Vicente Fernandez, BB King to Metallica. Rivera also has quite an extensive rock band t-shirt collection of about 1,000 shirts.

“Anthony Rivera’s exuberance and spirit are seen within his works,” said STC Art Gallery Associate Dawn Haughey. “He creates abstract paintings in a bold color palette that can resemble fireworks, angels or glassy, moonlit water. The amount of work that Rivera creates is also astonishing; he is someone who can inspire us all.”

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://lag.southtexascollege.edu.

Purpose

lag-correaSouth Texas College’s Mid-Valley Campus Library Art Gallery presents “Purpose,” featuring artwork by Cristina Correa. The exhibit opens Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014, with an artist lecture at 6 p.m. The exhibit will be on view through May 9 at the STC Mid-Valley Campus Library Art Gallery, located at 400 N. Border in Weslaco. Admission is free and open to the public.

Correa earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from Texas Women’s University, is the lead art teacher for IDEA Public Schools and has been a member of the Texas Art Education Association supervisory panel for four years. She was awarded the prestigious Congressional Golden Brush award for excellence in art education in 2011 and has been a two-time recipient of the Target Excellence in Education grant. On the weekends she teaches painting at the Tipsy Canvas studios and gives art lessons regularly within the community.

While many people believe that artistry and creativity is a talent only some are born with, Correa is a passionate advocate for the capacity that every person has to develop as an artist. Her work is motivated by creative re-use of seemingly ordinary things and draws inspiration from her family, community, faith, travels, dreams and love of color.

“Correa’s determination and drive can be seen within her work,” said STC Art Gallery Associate Dawn Haughey. “She is an inspiring member of our artist community.”

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 Lillian Carrillo at lillianm@southtexascollege.edu or 956-447-1288; or Dawn Haughey at 956-872-3488 or at dhaughey@southtexascollege.edu, or visit http://lag.southtexascollege.edu.

Women’s Work

lag-debbiewilsonSouth Texas College’s Pecan Campus Library presents “Women’s Work,” an exhibit featuring etchings by Debbie Little-Wilson. The exhibit opens Thursday, Feb. 6, 2014 with an opening reception from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Talks with the artist will be held the same day at 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. at the Pecan Campus Library Rainbow Room, located at 3201 W. Pecan Blvd. in McAllen. The exhibit will be on display through May 9. Admission is free and open to the public.

Little-Wilson learned to create etchings in the traditional and classical method of dry point, aquatint and intaglio. After much experimentation, she now creates etchings made from her drawings and photos that have been altered, using solar plates and lithography. She then adds color and pattern to the etching using chine collé, a technique of cutting and adhering papers during the printing process. After the print has dried, she often hand colors it.

She uses her artwork to showcase the enduring strength of women. Wilson achieves this by depicting cowgirls, suffragettes, and women aviators, as well as other women who exhibit a sense of attitude and humor. Lately she has included women who are the “unsung” heroines of women’s history.

“Women who did the cooking, kept the gardens, washed the clothes, sewed the patches and buttons and other domestic chores,” Little-Wilson said. “These women may not have been center stage and noticed, but they play a crucial part in keeping the world, as we know it, rotating.”

Little-Wilson was born in Rochester, NY and studied art at the University of Texas at Austin. During her studies, she worked under the apprentice Nellie Buel, an award-winning artist and printmaker in Comfort, Texas. Her work has won many awards and hangs in both private and corporate collections.

“Ms. Little-Wilson’s work has a wonderful warm, vintage quality to it,” said STC Art Gallery Associate Dawn Haughey. “Her classic style perfectly complements her female subjects and the character and wisdom that they exude.”

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://lag.southtexascollege.edu.