'Forms' Show Opens Jan. 20 at TAMIU

Visitors to Texas A&M International University Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Gallery will have the opportunity to meet artist and native Laredoan Roberto García Jr. and see his work at a reception Jan. 20, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Various works in different mediums by the full-time sculptor and painter will be on display until March 11. This event is free and open to the public.

"I believe that art is a very necessary function to all people," explained García, "To create art from one's imagination is to complete a person's purpose in life. The best of art comes from our own inventions. Art is a discipline and takes much practice to become skilled. In an art career, we risk the security of a stable-paying job, only to basically do what we like. And that is our cost. It is a vacation and a job all twisted into one."

This will not be the first time García's work has been exhibited in Laredo. His life-sized bronze statue of J.O. Walker is currently on display at Walker Plaza in north Laredo and his work has also been exhibited twice at the former Nuevo Santander Museum at Laredo Community College. García has had exhibits throughout Texas, Colorado, New Mexico, Florida and New York.

García says he is mostly inspired by traditional or classic European masters as well as ancient Meso-American Art. He works with the idea of, "How far can I take it?" and keeps in mind that whatever happens, one project will contribute or be a lesson to create the next one.

"In spite of the fact that an artist may never be recognized until his death, we simply give it our all. We accomplish a set goal. We become the messengers of what our culture is and was. We get to fulfill that desire that is unique and given to us by God," added García.

García was born in Laredo in 1954 and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a B.F.A. in Studio Fine Art. He says he believes the best of art comes from a person's soul imagination. Most times he creates art for the sake of art, or to simply fulfill that creative desire. Every piece is a step or lesson to create the next one. García does all his work, including all aspects of bronze casting.

He currently lives in Pagosa Springs, Colo., where he says he's inspired by the natural, quiet, and private environment where he lives - the mountains.

For more information please contact Alma Haertlein at 326.3041, e-mail almah@tamiu.edu or visit offices in the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts.

The Gallery is open from noon to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday. University office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.