Students showcase artwork in exhibition opening

Student artists presented some of their work at the opening of the Brownsville campus’ first Juried Student Show tonight at the Rusteberg Art Gallery.

The exhibition, a collection of 31 pieces by 21 artists selected by a juror, included 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional artwork.

“This is a combination of student work from the school of art,” said Alejandro Macias, a lecturer at UTRGV’s Art department and organizer of the exhibit. “I think we have strong students, generally, at the School of Art. … It’s refreshing to see what they’re up to every year.”

Patrick Fatica, a lecturer at UTRGV’s Art department, was among the nearly 50 people who attended the exhibit.

“[I’m] very blessed and honored to work with so many talented students,” said Fatica. “There’s a wealth of talent in the Valley … and in the school, so we’re very fortunate.”

Awards were given as a part of the exhibition in three categories. The Best 2D award was given to Jesse Burciaga’s “Pancho Del Rancho,” a mixed media painting depicting an ageing man in typical Mexican ranch attire. Best 3D went to Mark Treviño’s “Steel Water,” a metal sculpture of a crane calmly walking on the water made up of scrap pieces of silverware and metal tubes. Josie del Castillo won Best of Show, the night’s top award, for her “Ideas are just ideas until actions are taken,” an oil on wood painting of a girl.

Imelda Guerrero, an art education senior, attended tonight’s exhibit and said the exhibit and showcased talent gave her a good impression.

“I’m really impressed with the kind of quality,” Guerrero said. “It really makes me proud to see that our art scene, especially within the university, is growing.”

The artists showcased in the gallery were not following a single theme and each had their own style to present.

Estefania Mongrell, an art education junior and artist showcased in the exhibit, said she is inspired by recycling and bright colors.

“In my work, I try to make use of things and objects that I can recycle and use as a medium of expression,” Mongrell said .

Her piece showcased tonight, “Traje de Baño Floreado”, is a mixed media artwork of a bathing suit painted with a colorful flower design, surrounded by different figures made of yarn, cardboard, paper, and plastic.  

Mongrell has been part of several exhibitions where she has featured her works.

Treviño, an art senior, said he was inspired to create “Steel Water” while trying to make something unique.

“I wanted to do something unique,” Treviño said. “Something that, I mean, I’ve seen before but I’ve never really seen like this.”

Janine de la Cruz, an international business freshman, said she was pleased.

“It exposed me to all these great artistic pieces,” de la Cruz said . “I think it’s very relaxing.”

The exhibition is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. until April 22. Admission is $1.

For more information or special accommodations, call Macias at 882-7097.