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In a showcase of talent and education partnerships, South Texas College (STC) and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) recently collaborated to celebrate the marriage of art and education through a faculty art exhibit.
The “Beyond the Studio Exhibition,” months in the making and held at UTRGV’s Charles and Dorothy Clark Art Gallery, provides students, educators, and community members with an opportunity to explore the creative work of STC’s art department faculty. It provided an opportunity to connect and discuss.
Reflecting our commitment to fostering creativity and supporting the next generation of artists in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), STC Arts Department Program Chair Carlos Limas detailed the partnership’s deep roots.



“When I arrived as chair, this collaboration was already underway thanks to the vision of previous program chairs who wanted this partnership to come to fruition,” Rimas explained. “For us, it was important not only to get this project done, but to have UTRGV School of the Arts faculty involved and to recognize that this event is a way to bridge our institutions toward a common purpose. , it was important to collaborate.”
Jesmil Maldonado, instructor and art gallery director at UTRGV, expressed his excitement to host and co-create a unique space for the community between both institutions.
“This collaboration is a labor of love,” Maldonado explained. “This is about more than just opening the door to exhibitors; it’s about creating a space for faculty and students from both schools to engage with art in meaningful ways. You might even get to meet some of your former professors. That’s what makes this exhibition unique and special. It shows the continuing relationship between both institutions and the standards of our beautiful community. It’s a powerful reminder of our commitment to setting.”
For STC lecturer and multimedia installation artist Alexis Ramos, the importance of bringing the two institutions together to serve the RGV arts community was a testament to the opportunities afforded to future artists in the region.



“We know that many students stay in the Valley to continue their studies, so they benefit from seeing departments from both schools working together.” Ramos he explained. “As educators and artists, our goals are similar and student-centered, so we wanted this connection to resonate with students. We want to help students achieve their dreams through affordable education and celebrating the creative community we share.”
As an artist, Ramos expressed his excitement to exhibit his work alongside his talented colleagues and hopes to inspire aspiring STC and UTRGV artists.
“In this space, students can see us not just as teachers, but as artists,” Ramos added. “It’s important for their own journey, whether they’re pursuing an arts degree or not. This exhibition represents an opportunity and shows everyone that success in the arts is not out of reach.” By exposing students to art in a variety of contexts, you can help them stay passionate and motivated to explore new avenues that are still familiar to them. ”
Mr. Limas viewed his students as directors of their own creativity, emphasized the importance of artistic growth, and continued to challenge students to dig deep for their own growth.
“Art is a craft that never stops evolving,” Limas said. “We want our students to understand that creativity goes beyond the studio. Pushing boundaries and honing your skills through collaboration allows you to continue to grow. Events like this stimulate deeper discussion and celebrate our ongoing journey as artists.”
All exhibits from this collaboration are free and open to the public and will remain on display at UTRGV’s Liberal Arts Building South (ELABS) Charles and Dorothy Clark Art Gallery through September 25.
For more information about STC’s fine and performing arts programs, visit https://www.southtexascollege.edu/academics/fine-performing-arts/.


