Ariana Gallardo | Vaquero Radio
The UTRGV School of Visual Arts provides students with a diverse range of artistic disciplines. One of the highlighted features of the curriculum is their very own exhibits.
Located in the Charles & Dorothy Gallery, the School of Visual Arts showcased from Jan.19 to March 6 the “Dreams in Spanish” gallery which was free for students and the general public.
The most recent exhibit features Paul Valadez and Corinne Whittemore featuring the artist’s connection to their hispanic roots.
Gallery Director Jesmil Maldonado said the exhibit presented the complex intersections of identity and culture through their artwork .
According to Maldonado the exhibit presented the complex intersections of identity and culture through their artwork .
She said the exhibits are preplanned a year in advance allowing a variety of themes and mediums to be explored.
The director added the galleries collaborate with local artists and organizations to feature their artwork.
Maldonando said the purpose of the gallery is for students to be exposed to a wide variety of art.
“The purpose is to expose students to different artists, to subjects and concepts within the work that is being presented,” they said.
Maldonando said the gallery’s purpose is for art students to gain experience to be prepared for work within the field of art.
Additionally, the gallery serves as a platform for emerging artists to showcase their work and gain recognition within the community.
“Help them establish independence by giving them that professional experience to be able to put experiences on their own,” they said. “Understand what they would expect, and how they would navigate.”
Maldonado said the gallery provides exposure that can help them build connections and potentially open doors for future career opportunities.
This Ariana Gallardo for Vaquero Radio
