Laredo College’s Martha Fenstermaker Memorial Visual Arts Gallery will be in full bloom Tuesday, Nov. 2 with the opening of the first ever ARTcademics exhibit showcasing the work of 16 local school art instructors.
The exhibit is free and open to the public. The opening reception is set for 4:30 p.m. The Fenstermaker Gallery is in the Visual and Performing Arts Center building on the Ft. McIntosh campus.
ARTcademics celebrates the dual role that art instructors play as both educators and working artists, who each in in their distinct voice and style enrich the community and inspire students.
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.
“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.”
She continued, “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. 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. 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.
