TAMIU Art Alums Showcased in Special Art Show

Art “Powered by TAMIU” Art Alumni will be featured in a historic TAMIU Art Alumni Show featuring 12 former art students opening this March. 

An opening reception is Thursday, March 6 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the TAMIU Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Gallery (CFPA). Admission is free and open to the public.  Some content is adult in nature and parents should exercise appropriate caution.

Assistant professor of art Nicole Foran said this is the first exhibit showcasing art alumni work.

 “The reason we have decided to organize the Show at this time is to celebrate our graduates’ achievements.  All the artists participating graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from TAMIU and many have gone on to pursue other goals. They have gone on to graduate school, found jobs in the arts, or exhibit their work on the national level,” Foran explained.

“I am particularly excited about this show because of its potential to motivate our current students. These artists are wonderful representatives of the success that can come with pursuing art and achieving a degree from TAMIU,” explained Foran, “Now is our opportunity to share these successes with the Laredo community, who have endlessly supported us and the arts.”

Alumni like Teresita de la Torre, ’12, have continued their education in graduate programs. De la Torre recently began a Masters in Fine Arts program at California State University, Fullerton.

Bernardo Diaz, ’07, continued his academic career with a Master of Arts from Texas A&M University in Corpus Christi, followed by a Master of Fine Arts from Southern Methodist University in Dallas. An essay and images of his work will be published in the upcoming issue of Aztlan: A Journal of Chicano Studies at the University of California, Los Angeles. 

Other alumni have established art and photography studios that allow them to continue their passion for art.

Erika Ordoñez, ’07, established Silver Rabbit Art Studio where she teaches students ages 9-15 about composition, subject matter, color theory and different techniques. Ordoñez’ studio annually exhibits students’ work in local venues, providing them with the experience of sharing their art with the public. Alum Sylvia De Leon, ’12, also opened a photography studio specializing in children’s photography.

“There is nothing that would satisfy me more than to teach others my passion for art, transmit all that I was taught, experienced, practiced and continue learning, as well as creating a venue to provide jobs for graduating art majors,” Ordoñez noted.

Francesca Forno, ’10, became an elementary school teacher in Austin where she continues to share her knowledge with her young pupils.

 “My experience at TAMIU really helped me discover a profound interest in art that I know will always remain an important part of my life…I share the knowledge that has been shared with me and think back to those learning moments with gratitude,” Forno stated.

Armela Mariano, ’09, now works as a Registered Nurse at Laredo Medical Center. Mariano explained that her experience at TAMIU was definitely an unforgettable one.

“In a way, I used art as a lever for my personal development, mentally and spiritually,” Mariano said.

Although many of the former students have moved onto different platforms in their lives, they all agree on one thing: TAMIU was the foundation for their success.

“With the classes behind me, and years of experience on campus, I was able to creatively grow through the inspiration and encouragement I had been given by my art professors who all continue to inspire me in my business today,” explained Gracie Gutíerrez, ’11.

The art exhibit will be displayed throughout March and several featured artists will attend the opening reception, sharing their insight and experiences.

Works will be displayed through Friday, April 4 at the TAMIU Art Gallery. (Parental discretion advised)

For more information about the Show or majoring in Art at TAMIU, contact Foran at nicole.foran@tamiu.edu or 326.2591, click on http://www.tamiu.edu/coas/fpa/ or visit offices in CFPA 233.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu