Category Archives: Pecan Campus

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.

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 13 colleges and universities across the country. This show runs June 5 through August 8.

Participating institutions include Arizona Western College, Butte College, Central Arizona College, Central Connecticut State University, Clarion University, 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.

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

 

National Library Week 2025

Mid-Valley Campus, NAH Campus, Pecan Campus, Previous Events, Starr County Campus, Technology Campus

National Library Week - Drawn to the Library

A stack of multicolored books.Millions of people across the country visit their libraries every week. What’s the draw? Everything. – American Library Association

Join us to celebrate at the following campuses:

  • Mid-Valley Campus Library
    April 9th, 10 AM to 12 PM

  • Pecan Campus Library
    April 9th, 11 AM to 1 PM

  • RCPSE Campus Library
    April 9th, 11 AM to 1 PM

  • Starr Campus Library
    April 9th, 11 AM to 1 PM

  • Technology Campus Library
    April 9th, 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM

  • Nursing & Allied Health Library
    April 10th, 11 AM to 1 PM

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.

Hang Le-Tormala Guest Lecture

Author / Scholar Visit, Pecan Campus, Previous Events

Text overlay of Vietnam and U.S. flags: "South Texas College Library & History Department and Liberal Arts Division present Vietnam 50 Years Later.

Author Hang Le-Tormala

Author Hang Le-Tormala

ANNOUNCEMENT: This event has been moved to Zoom Webinar due to travel complications. Join us here: https://southtexascollege.zoom.us/j/97047866371

Join us on March 31st, 2025 at 4PM in Pecan Campus Auditorium D for a talk by Hang Le-Tormala, distinguished graduate of the University of Kansas American Studies Master’s program and accomplished historian.

Le-Tormala will explore the complex transnational efforts toward reconciliation and healing since 1975. A former Fulbright scholar and PhD graduate in History from the University of Kansas, she now shares her expertise as an adjunct instructor at Haskell Indian Nations University.

Talk Title: “Post-Vietnam: An Arduous Quest for Peace”
Speaker: Hang Le-Tormala
Date: Monday, March 31st 2025
Location: Pecan Campus Auditorium D
Time: 4PM CST

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.

Celebrate Black History Month

Celebrate Black History Month

Pecan Campus, Previous Events

Celebrate Black History MonthSTC Library, the History Department, and the Music Department invite you to join us for a series of events that highlight the contributions of African Americans to film and music. These engaging lectures and performances will take place throughout February, featuring esteemed faculty and talented musicians.

Tuesday, February 4th | 5:30 PM | D Building Auditorium
African Americans on Film – Featuring Dr. Robert Miller
Join us as Dr. Robert Miller explores the portrayal of African Americans in cinema, from early representations to modern storytelling. Discover how film has shaped and reflected cultural narratives over the years.

Tuesday, February 11th | 5:30 PM | D Building Auditorium
From Africa to Protest: Black Music in America – Featuring Dr. Christopher Davis
Dr. Christopher Davis takes us on a journey through the evolution of Black music in America. From African roots to spirituals, jazz, blues, hip-hop, and protest music, learn how these genres have shaped cultural identity and activism.

Thursday, February 27th | 6:00 PM | Cooper Center
An Evening of African American Musical Traditions – Presented by the STC Music Department
Experience an unforgettable night of live performances celebrating African American musical traditions. This showcase, presented by the STC Music Department, will feature a diverse array of styles and influences that have shaped the musical landscape.

These events are open to all—students, faculty, and community members alike. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate and learn about the profound impact of African Americans on film and music.

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.

 

Liana V. Andreasen Author Reading

Author / Scholar Visit, Pecan Campus, Previous Events, Virtual Event

Author Talk Liana V. AndreasonSTC Faculty and author Liana V. Andreasen will read from her newly published book Whirl of Birds, a collection of short stories.

“The literary landscape of Whirl of Birds interlaces the spatial and temporal complexities of the mind, in narrative flickers and bursts. Whether we glimpse at the plight of Neanderthals in the depths of lost ages, or at the collapse of communism in the mirrors of a children’s theater, whether we’re uplifted by the triumph of friendship over poverty or watch the last cowboy in New York State struggle to save his business, we recognize how much we are driven by our passions. Strange, but all too human obsessions shape the characters: from rat hoarding to an infatuation with a sculpture, from lies we tell ourselves and others to encounters with the dead, readers are swept in whirls of time, chains of connectivity that can break like glass, the unseen that whispers in our ear. The twists and turns of these short stories create a restless world where self and other meet in glimpses. Each small moment becomes an earthquake that echoes through time, each life is wrestled out of its own darkness, to arrive at the one question that is worth asking.” — Finishing Line Press

Copies will be available for purchase courtesy of the STC Bookstore.

Join us in person at Pecan F102 or online through Zoom Webinar (registration link below).

Event Title: “Liana V. Andreasen Author Reading”
Speaker: Liana V. Andreasen
Date: Monday, November 18th 2024
Location: Pecan F102 and online through Zoom Webinar
Time: 2PM CST
Register for the online session: Link

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.