To support the continued growth and success of students pursuing artistic careers, STC and UTRGV have teamed up to celebrate the intersection of art and education through a recent faculty art exhibition. STC Image
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Showcasing a partnership of talent and education, South Texas College (STC) and The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) recently teamed up to celebrate the intersection of art and education through a faculty-created art exhibition.
Months in preparation, the Beyond the Studio Exhibition was held at UTRGV’s Charles and Dorothy Clark Art Gallery and provided an opportunity for students, educators and community members to experience and discuss the creative work of STC’s fine arts faculty.
Reflecting on the commitment to fostering creativity and supporting the next generation of artists in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), STC Arts Department Program Chair Carlos Limas detailed the deep roots of the partnership.
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“When I became chair, this collaboration was already underway thanks to the vision of my previous program chairs who wanted to see this partnership happen,” Limas explained. “It was important for us to work together not only to see this project through, but also to recognize that UTRGV faculty from the School of Arts were involved and that this event was a way to bring both institutions together for a common purpose.”
UTRGV Lecturer and Art Gallery Director Jesmil Maldonado said she is excited to host and co-create a unique space for both institutions’ communities.
“This collaboration has been a labor of love,” Maldonado explains. “It’s not just about opening our doors to exhibitors; it’s about creating a space for faculty and students from both schools to engage with art in a meaningful way. Students may get to see their former professors as both educators and artists. That’s what makes this exhibition unique and special. It’s a powerful reminder of the continuing relationship between our schools and our commitment to setting the standard for our beautiful community.”
For STC lecturer and multimedia installation artist Alexis Ramos, the importance of bringing together the two institutions to serve the RGV’s arts community was a testament to the opportunities it offers future artists in the region.
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“We know that many of our students will stay in the Valley to continue their studies, so they will benefit from seeing faculty from both schools working together,” Ramos explains. “As educators and artists, our goals are similar and student-centered, so we wanted this connection to resonate with students. We want to help students achieve their dreams through an excellent, affordable education and celebrate our shared creative community.”
As an artist, Ramos said she is excited to exhibit her work alongside her talented peers and hopes to inspire aspiring artists at STC and UTRGV.
“This space allows our students to see us as artists, not just as teachers,” Ramos added. “This is important for their own journey. Whether they pursue an art degree or not, this exhibition represents opportunity and shows anyone that success in the arts is not out of reach. Exposing our students to art in different contexts helps them continue their passion and inspires them to explore new avenues that are close to them.”
Considering his students as creative directors, Limas stressed the importance of artistic growth and continually challenging students to dig deep for their own development.
“Art is an ever-evolving craft,” Limas says. “I want students to know that creativity goes beyond the confines of the studio. Pushing boundaries and honing their skills through collaboration allows them to continue to grow. Events like this encourage deeper discussion and celebrate their continuing journey as artists.”
All exhibits from this collaboration are free and open to the public and will be on display through September 25th in the Charles and Dorothy Clark Art Gallery in UTRGV’s Liberal Arts Building South (ELABS).
For more information about STC’s fine and performing arts programs, visit https://www.southtexascollege.edu/academics/fine-performing-arts/
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