Category Archives: Library Art Gallery

War and Peace on the Rio Grande

April 6, 2021Library Art Gallery, Mid-Valley Campus, Previous Exhibits, Virtual Eventgotvos

South Texas College Library looks at history of the Rio Grande Valley in new Civil War exhibit

South Texas College’s Library Art Gallery and History department proudly present UTRGV’s CHAPS traveling exhibit “War & Peace on the Rio Grande, 1861-1867” at STC’s Mid-Valley Library, which begins on April 5, and will be on view until June 30.

The Mid-Valley Campus Library Art Gallery is located at 400 N. Border in Weslaco, TX.

Exhibit coordinator Roseann Bacha-Garza will speak on April 13 at 3 p.m., on the Civil War, as well as its history and impact on the border region. In her presentation, Garza is expected to explain how historic storytelling relates to both art history and the coordination of exhibits. *click here to access eBook

Author Marianne Monson is also slated to speak on her book “Women of the Blue and Gray: True Civil War Stories of Mothers, Medics, Soldiers, and Spies,” on April 27 at 3 p.m., covering those diverse women who defied norms to participate in the war as abolitionists, teachers, and soldiers.

The Parallel series has been developed to highlights the connections between seemingly unconnected disciplines—Mathematics, AEDT, History, and Science– with Art.

All events are free and open to the public.

History Database Spotlight: History Study Center

The South Texas College 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.

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

ARTchitecture – An AEDT & Art Collaborative Exhibit

March 2, 2021Library Art Gallery, Previous Exhibits, Technology Campus, Virtual EventSTEMgotvos

“ARTchitecture” explores the connections between visual art and architecture.

Topic: AEDT ARTchitecture Open House, Presentations and Roundtable
When: Mar. 9, 2021 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada) – Virtual

Take a Virtual Tour below!

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.

“ARTchitecture,” features photographs, renderings and drawings by former and current students and faculty in the AEDT program and will be on view March 1 – August 20, 2021. The exhibit will be on view at the STC Technology Campus Library Art Gallery. The Technology Campus Library is located at 3700 W. Military Hwy in McAllen, Texas.

A full day of presentations about architecture, engineering, drafting and technology and its connection to the visual arts will take place on Tuesday, March 9^th from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Participants may join at any time and choose the sessions that are of interest. Participation is free and open to the public with registration.

“The parallels between art and architecture have existed throughout history. It continues to be evident today. Needless to say, the beauty of their parallel influences is timeless,” Laura Salas, STC AEDT Program Chair and Associate Professor.

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.

Mathematically Artistic and Then Some

February 4, 2021Library Art Gallery, Pecan Campus, Previous Exhibits, Virtual Eventgotvos

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.

“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

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

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Common Journey of Mathematics & Art

January 8, 2021Library Art Gallery, Pecan Campus, Previous Exhibits, Virtual Eventgotvos

New STC exhibition examines relationship between mathematics and art

“Common Journey of Mathematics & Art” exhibition runs January 19 through March 23, 2021 at STC Pecan Library.

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Image: Kirk Clark, “Sky Angel,” Acrylic on mylar, 2020

South Texas College Library Art Gallery presents the first in a monthly spring semester series that highlights the connections between seemingly unconnected disciplines—Mathematics, AEDT, History, and Science– with Art.

In collaboration with the Mathematics and Art Departments at STC, the Gallery presents: “A Common Journey of Mathematics and Art.”

The monthly series of exhibitions will be supported by virtual lectures, book displays and a library database exploring how, working between disciplines, we can achieve better outcomes—moving from STEM to STEAM and foster the creation of art by thinking across boundaries.

“A Common Journey of Mathematics and Art,” will be on view at the STC Pecan Campus Library Art Gallery, Jan. 19 to March 23, 2021. The STC Pecan Campus Library Art Gallery is located at 3201 W. Pecan Blvd., Bldg. F in McAllen, Texas.

There will be a virtual conversation and tour on Tuesday, Mar. 23 at 3 p.m. with the curators of the exhibit, STC Faculty Mario Morin, Kirk Clark and Nathan England.

“Throughout human history, two natural elements of human thought and progress can be evidenced by mathematics and art,” said Morin, an organizer of the exhibit and STC Mathematics Chair and Instructor. “While not usually combined in outright terms, the nature and behavior(s) of the two schools of thought both complement one another. and sometimes are necessitated in the study of the other.

“Our Spring 2021 Mathematics + Art Exhibit will highlight these interactions through three themes: Geometry, the Golden Ratio and Infinity,” Morin added. “Each of these concepts spans hundreds, if not, thousands of years of human history and has had remarkable impact on our everyday lives (whether we may recognize this or not). Our intention is to both expose this marriage of thought & art but also to encourage further exploration into the possibilities that may exist.”

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

Transforming Our World: Art & Self-Care

November 25, 2020Library Art Gallery, Previous Exhibits, Virtual EventTransforming Our Worldgotvos

December 3rd at 3:00 p.m. – Virtual Panel on Art and Self-Care
[Cover image: Marcelina Gonzales, Summer of ’97 and El Show de Cristina, Oil tinted resin collaged on wood, 18.5 x 23.5 x 3 in., 2019.]

The South Texas College Library Art Gallery presents “Transforming Our World” a series that examines the ways in which physical and social changes to our environment have influenced the work that some artists create. Each first Thursday of the month at 3 p.m., the library will produce a lecture that discusses the many facets of our surroundings that impact each of us: our natural environment, the upcoming election, social movements, and personal health. Each conversation will connect a visual artist whose work has been influenced by these changes with other professionals and will include both local and non-local perspectives.

On December 3, 2020, at 3:00 p.m., Aimaloghi Eromosele, Community Organizer, Esther Garcia, Librarian, Marcelina Gonzales, Visual Artist, and Gina Otvos will discuss self-care and personal health in a virtual panel. In today’s climate regarding Covid-19 and social distancing, a lot has been said about the term “social” and “distancing” and how inadequate that term is to describe where we’re at. Not only are we physically distant, we are also socially unable to connect easily considering the hoops it takes to set up a digital hangout. What does the work of connecting mean today? Are there processes we are losing? Can we rebuild those social connections? Can we do it through art or creative expression? Does community play a role in self-care? Join us to explore these topics.

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

Transforming Our World: Art & Social Movements

October 23, 2020Library Art Gallery, Pecan Campus, Previous Exhibits, Virtual EventTransforming Our Worldgotvos

November 5th at 3:00 p.m. – Virtual Panel on Art in Social Movements
[Cover image: Josué Ramírez]

On November 5, 2020, at 3:00 p.m., Library Art Gallery Coordinator Gina Otvos will speak with Josué Ramírez, Artist and Cultural Organizer for NetaRGV and Dr. Theresa Gatling and Marsha Terry, Co-founders of Village in the Valley in a virtual panel about how art can help us understand and contextualize social movements.

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

Transforming Our World: Civic Engagement

September 22, 2020Library Art Gallery, Pecan Campus, Previous ExhibitsTransforming Our Worldgotvos

October 1st at 3:00 p.m. – Virtual Panel on Civic Engagement
[Cover image: Yunuén Sigler, Digital Illustration created for Jolt Initiative]

On October 1, 2020, at 3:00 p.m., graphic designer Yunuén Sigler will speak with Sadie M. Hernandez, Content Coordinator & Curator at United We Dream, Melissa Arjona, STC Librarian and Co-founder of South Texans for Reproductive Justice and moderator Andres Sanchez, videographer and podcast host in a virtual panel about civic engagement and how artists can contribute to the field.

For more information about the 2020 Elections, view the STC Library Elections Research Guide & STC Library Civic Engagement Guide:

For more information, contact Library Art Gallery Coordinator, Gina Otvos, at gotvos@southtexascollege.edu or visit https://library.southtexascollege.edu/libraryartgallery.

Transforming Our World: The Natural Environment Panel

August 17, 2020Library Art Gallery, Pecan Campus, Previous ExhibitsClimate Change, Transforming Our Worldgotvos

September 3rd at 3:00 p.m. – Virtual Panel on Our Natural Environment
[Cover image: Erica Daborn, Ahab’s Revenge, Charcoal on canvas, 70 x 203 in.]

The South Texas College Library Art Gallery presents “Transforming Our World: The Changing Climate,” a series that examines the ways in which physical and social changes to our environment have influenced the work that some artists create. Each first Thursday of the month at 3 p.m., the library will produce a lecture that discusses the many facets of our surroundings that impact each of us: our natural environment, the upcoming election, social movements, and personal health and self-care during Covid-19. Each conversation will connect a visual artist whose work has been influenced by these changes with other professionals and will include both local and non-local perspectives.

On September 3, 2020, at 3:00 p.m., visual artist Erica Daborn (M.F.A. Painting, Royal College of Art in London) will speak with Ernesto Herrera (M.S. Biology, University of Texas RGV), Elizabeth Hollenbeck (M.L.S. Texas Woman’s University), and Tamara Mekler (M.A. Earth Systems, Sustainability & Conservation) in a virtual panel about our natural environment and how artists can contribute to the field.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES (Must use Jagnet Username & Password):

ArtSTOR

Mimi Smith. (1963 – 1965). Recycle Coat. [Fashion, Costume and Jewelry]. Retrieved from https://library.artstor.org/asset/LARRY_QUALLS_10310738532

Films on Demand

“The New Environmentalists illustrates how ordinary people are effecting extraordinary change.”

Films Media Group. (2015). From Myanmar to Scotland. Films On Demand. https://fod.infobase.com/PortalPlaylists.aspx?wID=99118&xtid=162914.

SmartHistory – “Art & the Environment” Short Courses

Guided learning in less than an hour about “both man-made and natural changes to the environment” in Art History.

The South Texas College 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 Library Art Gallery Coordinator, Gina Otvos, at gotvos@southtexascollege.edu or visit https://library.southtexascollege.edu/libraryartgallery.

Environment Panel Guide sm

Juneteenth Observance 2020

June 19, 2020Library Art Gallery, Previous ExhibitsJuneteenthgotvos

South Texas College Library Hosting 2020 Juneteenth Observation
Series of events to celebrate the history of African American culture in McAllen

The South Texas College Library and the RGV Juneteenth Committee observe Juneteenth 2020 with three days of virtual programming beginning June 17th – 19th on the STC Library Blog: https://library.southtexascollege.edu/tag/juneteenth/.

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the abolition of slavery in the United States, enacted on June 19, 1865, when news of the Emancipation Proclamation finally reached Texas. It is celebrated every June 19 and is recognized as a state holiday or special day of observance in forty-five states, including Texas.

McAllen celebrations and events will begin on Saturday, June 13 and run until June 19, 2020, with a proclamation of the historical observation with McAllen Mayor Jim Darling. Clean-up events, cultural arts and book displays, a documentary and screening are just some of the events scheduled for the celebration this year highlighting the theme “Perfecting Unity.”

“It is important to recognize the historical and cultural contributions of African Americans to the city and appreciate the value of diversity. We are devoted to ensuring the equitable and inclusive treatment of all citizens and visitors to our community,” said Mayor Darling. “In fact, now more than ever, we need healthy and respectful dialogue that addresses the issue of race relations of this and every community in the United States. I hope everyone in the community can come take part of this celebration.”

McAllen’s celebrations will be capped off with a brief reflection service on Friday, June 19 that will begin at Bethel Garden, 1322 S 16th St., starting at 10:00 a.m. Immediately following the ceremony, a “CARavan” will take off from Faith Fellowship Church, 600 S. 21st St., and make its way to McAllen City Hall, 1300 W. Houston Ave., for a proclamation celebration at 12:00 p.m.

Here in the Rio Grande Valley, the African American community continues to grow, especially in McAllen where the African-American population is roughly 1% of the total 143,000 residents.

For a full list of events and activities go to the Rio Grande Valley Juneteenth website at http://juneteenthrgv.com or contact the South Texas College Library at (956) 872-3488, gotvos@southtexascollege.edu or visit: https://library.southtexascollege.edu.

“Just a Ferry Ride to Freedom”

“Just a Ferry Ride to Freedom” showcases stories about the Texas-Mexico border and its connection to the Underground Railroad.

About the film, the Community Historical Archaeology Project with Schools (CHAPS) at UTRGV says, “Rooted in pre-Civil War Texas along the Rio Grande between the emerging cities of Laredo and Brownsville, this film highlights mixed-race ranches in Hidalgo County and illustrates how culturally diverse the Rio Grande Valley really is. Lifeways developed during that time still influence life along the border and across the US today. Featured in the film are community leaders, ranchers, scholars, and historians who find out how a just a ferry ride across the border to freedom altered the course of US history.”

2. Mural of Bethel Baptist Missionary Church & Booker T. Washington School

Interview with muralist Cristela Cano about her painting located at South 16th St and Booker T. Washington Avenue. The mural depicts the importance of the African American church and the Booker T. Washington School that were a part of what was once a thriving African American neighborhood in McAllen.

Interview with Mrs. Lula Eugene Stroud, a former student of Booker T. Washington school:

Juneteenth 2019 Tribute to Mrs. Stroud; This video was prepared for the Juneteenth 2019 Tribute to Mrs. Lula Eugene Stroud. It is comprised of a portion of her 2018 UTRGV oral history interview along with images of Booker T. Washington School, Bethel Garden, and Restlawn Cemetery., 2019-06-18. University Library, Special Collections & University Archives, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, Texas. https://archive.org/details/StroudTribute_Juneteenth2019

3. McAllen City Hall – Reading of the RGV Juneteenth Observance Proclamation (Proclamation begins at 8 : 30 after community speakers)

Ceramic Virtual Demo: Carla Hughes

June 2, 2020Library Art Gallery, Pecan Campus, Previous Exhibitsgotvos

The South Texas College Library begins video series for online students.
The South Texas College Library Art Gallery presents a virtual ceramic demonstration with Carla Hughes, a complete instructional video on mug making. The ceramic demonstration will premiere on Thursday, June 11, 2020, at 8 am.

About her artwork, Hughes says, “As the world seemed to become more and more polarized, I began to see pots as a way to bring people together. If you have beautiful serving pieces, aren’t you going to want to invite people over for meals? Aren’t you going to want to fill the pots and then the people with nourishment? Won’t those bright colors and unique pieces help set the tone for optimism and cooperation? Potential mealtime conversations are the driving force behind my making pottery.”

Carla Hughes received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture from The University of Texas-Pan American in Edinburg, Texas.

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