Two RGV institutions share one vision – artistic growth

In a display of talent and educational partnership, South Texas College (STC) and The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) recently joined forces to celebrate the fusion of art and education through a faculty art exhibition.

The “Beyond the Studio Exhibition,” months in the making, was hosted at UTRGV’s Charles and Dorothy Clark Art Gallery, offering students, educators and community members the opportunity to connect with and discuss the creative works of STC’s art department faculty.

Reflecting the commitment to fostering creativity in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) and supporting the next generation of artists, Carlos Limas, STC Art Department program chair, elaborated on the deep roots of the partnerships.

“When I came in as chair, this collaboration was already in the works, thanks to the vision of previous program chairs who wanted to see this partnership come to life,” Limas explained. “It was important for us to work together, not only to see this project through, but to acknowledge that we have faculty from UTRGV’s School of Art on board and this event was a way to bridge our institutions together for a common purpose.”

UTRGV Lecturer and Art Gallery Director Jesmil Maldonado expressed her excitement in being able to host and co-create a unique space for community between both institutions.

“This collaboration has been a labor of love,” Maldonado explained. “It’s more than just opening 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 might even get to see some of their previous professors as both educators and artists, which makes this exhibition uniquely special. It’s a powerful reminder of the ongoing relationship between the two institutions and of our commitment to set the standard for our beautiful communities.”

For Alexis Ramos, STC lecturer and multi-media installation artist, the significance of uniting the two institutions to serve the RGV’s artistic community was a testament to the opportunities available to future artists in the area.

“We know that a lot of our students stay in the Valley to continue their studies, so they benefit from seeing departments from both schools working together,” Ramos explained. “We wanted this connection to be something that will resonate with our students because as educators and artists, our goals are similar and student-centered. We want to support students in achieving their dreams through excellent and affordable education and celebrating our shared creative community.”

As an artist, Ramos also expressed her excitement in showcasing work alongside her talented colleagues, hoping to inspire aspiring STC and UTRGV artists.

“In this space, students get to see us as artists, not just as their teachers,” Ramos added. “That’s important for their own journeys, pursuing an art degree or not, this exhibition represents opportunity and shows anyone that success in the arts isn’t out of reach. By exposing our students to art in different contexts, we can motivate them to continue their passions and explore new paths that are still close to home.”

Thinking of students as the directors of their creativity, Limas highlighted the importance of artistic growth and continuing to challenge students to dig deep for their own development.

“Art is a craft that never stops evolving,” Limas said. “We want students to see that creativity goes beyond the studio. By pushing boundaries and refining their skills through collaboration, they can continue growing. Events like these inspire deeper discussions and celebrate the ongoing journey of being an artist.”

All exhibitions in this collaboration are free, open to the public and will continue to be displayed at UTRGV’s Liberal Arts Building South (ELABS) Charles and Dorothy Clark Art Gallery, through September 25.

To learn more about the Fine and Performing Arts programs at STC, visit https://www.southtexascollege.edu/academics/fine-performing-arts/