Friends Targets Arts at A&M International

An opportunity to preview the latest Fall Collection by hot New York designer Randy Kemper will also help provide funding for public art on the new Texas A&M International University campus in northeast Laredo.

The Randy Kemper Fashion Show is scheduled Tuesday, September 10 at 11 a.m. at the Mall del Norte store and will include a personal appearance by the designer. Refreshments will be served. A two-day trunk show will follow. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased in advance by calling Joe Brand at 722-0771 or the day of the show at the door.

"We are deeply grateful to Joe Brand at Mall del Norte for providing us with such a innovative and fun fundraising opportunity," said Gloria Canseco, chairperson of the Friends for the Arts at Texas A&M International University, a local group that is charged with providing recommendations to the University for art acquisitions for the campus. "This is our initial fundraising effort and we believe it will set a unique and fashionable precedent," she observed.

Canseco said the group has already developed an acquisitions policy for art for the University and is now identifying artists and mediums for recommendation to the University for approval.

"This fundraiser will provide initial funding for efforts aimed at securing artwork approved by the University for public placement and inclusion in the University's art collection," she explained.

The fundraiser was suggested by Terry Deutsch, buyer for Joe Brand.

"The Brands have been very supportive of A&M International and have provided student scholarships and assistance in the past. This latest generosity will someday help to bring another dimension to the student experience at A&M International through the addition of important artworks to the learning and living environment," Canseco explained.

Members of the Friends for the Arts Committee include: Canseco, Deutsch, Jessie Jacobs, Marcia Deutsch, Sam Johnson, Sue Killam and Mary Lamar Killam.

For additional information on the Friends for the Arts at Texas A&M International University, please contact the Office for Advancement and External Affairs at A&M International at 210. 326. 2175.

A&M International office hours are from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Additional information on the University can be accessed via the World Wide Web at http://www.tamiu.edu.