Laredo’s art culture is an ever-blooming garden that only grows as it sees more and more artists showcase their work to the community. This leads to inspiring new generations of artists and continuing the cycle though the visual arts and art education.
With Laredo College being home to the Martha Fenstermaker Memorial Visual Arts Gallery, local artists will always have an opportunity to present their art and allow the college to celebrate their talent.
In that regard, the first ever LC ARTcademics exhibit will open on Nov. 2 and will be a wonderful showcase of local school art instructors’ artwork of different mediums. The exhibit highlights 16 artists. It is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are from Monday to Thursday 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Friday hours are from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
The opening reception is on Nov. 2 from 4:30 to 7pm. The gallery is located at the Fort McIntosh campus in the Visual and Performing Arts Center building.
ARTcademics celebrates the important dual role these artists play as both educators and practicing artists. Each with their distinct voice and style, these artists both elevate and enrich the community through their passions and Laredo is culturally richer because of it.
“Laredo College has a great relationship with our local art instructors and are always happy to support them through workshops and exhibits like ARTcademics. Teachers are responsible for much of our recruitment to our Visual Arts Program at their schools,” LC Visual Arts Professor Eva Soliz said. “In fact, I am happy to point out that many Laredo instructors got their start here.”
With the growth of the art community in Laredo rising, LC is proud to be a part of this active and creative community whose work beautifies and enriches the city and county while also impacting the lives of each student planning to become an artist.
“As art educators, they influence our artistic community and are responsible for much of its growth over the years. This exhibit celebrates them as art educators and professional artists,” Soliz said. “LC Visual Arts offers trainings and workshops that are TEA CPE certified to support professional development requirements for their districts, and provides hands-on workshops and tours for their students.”
The community can expect painting, photography, mixed media, printmaking and ceramic art pieces at the gallery. The department will also have an art workshop for students and the community titled “Toy Art and Bootlegging” on Friday, Nov. 3 from noon to 3 p.m.
Space for the workshop is limited and those interested are encouraged to email arts@laredo.edu to reserve their space. For more information on the exhibit or the workshop, call 956-721-5224.