FALL 2021
BOARD OF TRUSTEES Juan Garcia
Hari Namboodiri
CH A IR
TREASURER
Ernesto Sepulveda
Dr. Steven Block
VICE-CHAIR
GOVERNANCE CHAIR
Debbie Crane Aliseda
Eryn Reddell Wingert
SECRE TA R Y
PAST-CHAIR
MEMBERS
EX-OFFICIO
Graciela Cobo
Ofelia Estevis
Dr. John Gerling
IMAS GUILD PRESIDENT
Luis Heffner
Yirla Gonzalez-Nolan
Kate Horan
JUNIOR LEAGUE OF MCALLEN
Dr. Katherine McAllen Cassandra Moreno Juan Peña Dr. Adolfo Santos
Tania Ramirez CITY OF MCALLEN COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 4
Bill Ranganath T RUS T EE EMERITUS
STAFF Edgar Cortez
Celina Michel
EDUC ATOR
RESERVATIONIST & OUTRE ACH COORDINATOR
Roni Cortez DIREC TOR OF EDUCATION ASSISTANT
Adrian De Anda
Top to bottom Bernando & Lesley Gomez and Juan & Denise Garcia at Imagined Worlds: Exploring the Carlos Melguizo Collection opening reception. Saul Sanchez and Carlos Melguizo in front of the Clark Gallery
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT & MARKETING
DIRECTOR OF OPER ATIONS & FINANCE
Samantha Reimer
Ann For tescue
Angelica Rodriguez
PRESIDENT & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
EDUC ATOR
Alex Garza FACILITIES M A N AGER
Maria Garza
In Gratitude
MUSEUM A SSO CIATE
IMAS is truly a community museum, it’s in our DNA. 53 years ago, our founders—the McAllen Junior League and the City of McAllen—saw the need for a museum as a cultural anchor in a quickly growing community. After one of the most challenging years in IMAS’ history, we’re hard at work planning for an exciting new season of educational programs, exhibitions, and special events. But even as we do that, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to all who were part of making this last year a productive one despite its many challenges.
Selena Garza
Letter from the Director continues to page 4
Anastasia Perez
Mary Garza EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT & HR COORDINATOR
EDUC ATOR
Anita Rodriguez VISITOR SER VICES A SSIS TA NT
Jessica Rodriguez VISITOR SER VICES M A N AGER
Marissa Salazar GR APHIC DESIGNER
Jennifer Scoggin EDUC ATOR
EDUC ATOR
Aylaia Sifuentes
Pedro Gomez
DEVELOPMENT, MARKETING & MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR
HOUSEK EEPER
Ana Guerra EXHIBITIONS COORDINATOR & CUR ATORIAL ASSISTANT
Claudia Martinez Gray
Tanya Torres VISITOR SER VICES A SSIS TA NT
Jesus Velazquez M A S TER CR AF TSM A N
DIREC TOR OF EDUC ATION
Amelia Whitehead Rose
John Mercado
DIREC TOR OF COLLEC TIONS & E XHIBITIONS
MUSEUM A SSO CIATE
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 COMMUNITY
14 EXHIBITS
6 EDUCATION
16 MEET THE STAFF
8 RECAP
17 SUPPORTERS
11 UPDATES
Thank you to Minuteman Press McAllen for printing and supporting this issue of the IMAS Musette newsletter.
Cover Credit Carlos Melguizo, My Voyage to Venus, 2006, 43 in. x 35 in., oil on canvas
Fall Program Preview The IMAS is gearing up for another year of engaging youth programming. We encourage life-long learning and passion for the arts and sciences through hands-on workshops and exciting activity kits, with both virtual and in-person programs. Read on for a preview of our fall program lineup.
VIRTUAL PROGRAM
Afterschool Adventures with IMAS Virtual late-afternoon programing featuring hands-on learning for students to further explore their interests in science topics with an IMAS Educator. Live workshops hosted on museum Facebook. This program is made possible with support from BBVA Foundation. Live Workshop Friday, December 17 Kit Pickup Saturday, December 11 Registration Opens Monday, November 29
IN - PERSON PROGRAM
VIRTUAL PROGRAM
Girl Scout Workshops
Museum from Home
Workshops for various grade levels enable Girl Scouts to earn a legacy badge by completing all required steps with the guidance of IMAS Educators. Physical badges are not included. Workshops are in-person and held outdoors when possible.
These virtual workshops are an at-home experience for participants to go in depth on specific art or science concepts. A live Zoom webinar is hosted by an IMAS Educator leading the participants through the lesson. Workshop supplies are provided with an activity kit to be picked up the weekend prior to the workshop date. Workshops are October−November, and January−June.
October Times vary, please check website for details. $10 IMAS Members $12 Non-Members Workshop fee includes general admission for participating Girl Scout.
First Wednesday of each month 3rd−5th grade 2:00−3:15 PM 6th−12th grade 3:30−4:45 PM $6 IMAS Members $12 Non-Members
Left to right A viewer’s photo submission in participating Feburary’s Afterschool Adventures−All About the Heart, and Museum at Home live Zoom webinar last Fall with former IMAS Educators Lisa Moreno and Yelitza Garcia.
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2021 OI SUMMER CAMP IS SUPPORTED BY
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1. Sisters Laura and Emma proudly display their watercolor paintings with camp instructor Roni during the pop-up exhibit!
2. Camper Zoe gives her herb garden seedlings a morning mist. Campers got to take home their mini-garden and learned to maintain them.
3. Former Mayor Darling visits the Nature Lovers camp and learns about the water filtration process from campers.
4. Campers created colorful posters to take a stand for environmental issues. Nico wants you to help save the ocean by not polluting!
5. Campers modeled volcanos during geology week 6. Camper Ashira poses with a dinosaur skeleton during the fossil dig
activity. She will use the chart she holds to identify which dinosaur she dug up!
7. Campers discuss their watercolor paintings with IMAS President and Executive Director Ann Fortescue during the pop-up exhibit.
8. Campers pose with the teeth models they created during Anatomy Camp! 9. Camper Max paints his interpretation of the surface of Mars with watercolors during Mission to Mars camp.
10. Camper siblings are ready for take-off! They’re wearing an astronaut training helmet, flight jacket, and EVA glove on loan from the NASA Johnson Space Center’s exhibits program.
11. Campers in their custom space suits during Space Week. 12. A few special guest speakers joined us for camps, including Dr. Vanessa Medina who showed campers cool x-rays, and Dr. Seratna Guadarrama Beltran from UTRGV School of Medicine who shared facts on microbiology. Thank you for inspiring our campers!
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In Gratiude: A Letter From The Director By Ann Fortescue, President & Executive Director
[Continued] Donors to IMAS come from every corner of our community and each contribution represents a deep commitment to the museum’s work creating meaningful art and science educational experiences for audiences of all ages. We are profoundly grateful for their generosity and belief in the museum’s mission. And IMAS members are like our extended family, and we rely on them to let us know how we are doing each time they visit or interact with us. We’re grateful for the financial support they give through their annual membership contributions. Membership benefits include discounts on admission, programs, and events but most importantly those contributions help sustain the museum now and for future generations. I am deeply thankful for the talents, dedication, creativity, and resourcefulness of the IMAS staff. They support one another and celebrate shared successes. The compassion and inclusiveness they exhibit to each other and to all our IMAS audiences is an ongoing source of delight.
We are also fortunate to collaborate with many community partners who share their knowledge and programs with our museum visitors and invite us to do the same at their events. These partnerships help all of us make the most of our resources to serve the community. The IMAS Board of Trustees generously volunteers their time and expertise as the governing body for the museum— setting policy, providing financial oversight, and securing support. Their work has helped to ensure the museum’s activities are mission-related, goal oriented, and sustainable. Finally, just a year after the museum first opened to the public in 1969, the IMAS Guild was born as a volunteer group dedicated to funding museum needs and activities. We are grateful for the vision, persistence, passion, and hard-work of our founders and the IMAS GUILD– IMAS would not be here today without their efforts, and we are so excited to be envisioning the museum’s next 50 years with their continued partnership and support.
SAVE THE DATE OC TOBER 7, 2021 Your generous gift will make a significant difference for IMAS to inspire and educate our community through art and science exhibits and programs regardless of age, language barriers or economic status.
Top to bottom The IMAS Guild at the 42nd Annual Gala Collage, and Laura Warren Ogletree and IMAS friends at the Imagined Worlds: The Carlos Melguizo Collection reception.
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DONATE NOW SUPPORT.THEIMASONLINE.ORG OR TEXT IMASGIVING TO 44-321
IMAS Selected For The Frankenthaler Climate Initiative By Ann Fortescue, President & Executive Director IMAS is honored to have been selected to receive an award from the Frankenthaler Climate Initiative, a new grant-making program established by the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation that seeks to catalyze climate change action in the visual arts. Funds will be used to complete a scoping project, an evaluation of the museum’s HVAC and climate control systems, with a goal of better understanding the museum buildings operating systems. This project is a first step to developing a responsible plan for reducing energy use so our collections care practices can move closer to the American Alliance of Museums Accreditation (AAM) standards.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT
The project at IMAS is made possible by the Frankenthaler Climate Initiative of the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation.
IMAS enlisted the help of George E. McCaleb, MBA, CFM, CEA, Director of Facilities Operations and Maintenance at South Texas College, who generously volunteered his time to assist in developing a request for proposals to area engineering firms specializing in energy use and efficiency. IMAS will use grant funds to contract with a local building engineering firm to conduct a comprehensive audit of the museum’s energy use and climate control systems and prepare a report identifying short- and long-term steps to reduce energy usage and recommended implementation strategies. The report will guide IMAS staff and Board of Trustees in planning and prioritizing facility improvements over the next three to ten years. As an art and science museum, responsible stewardship of natural resources and reducing our human impact on climate change are aligned with our mission and strategic goals for science education, collections care, and data-driven decision-making to reduce general operating expenses for utility costs. Once an engineering firm is selected later this fall, work on the project is expected to be completed by early 2022, and a final grant report submitted to the Frankenthaler Climate Initiative in preparation for applying for implementation funds to begin the recommended work setting use reduction goals and incrementally achieving greater energy efficiency at IMAS.
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Teaching Brain Science with CEREBROedu By Selena Garza, Educator
Top to bottom CEREBROedu participants and parent taking part in making slime, and educator Selena Garza leading CEREBROedu participants through brain dissection.
CEREBROedu: Una Ventana al Cerebro is a national Spanish/English informal education project that provides an inside look into the brain’s structure and function. Ten local Latinx youth and families were invited to participate in learning about the brain and diverse neuroscience careers to increase awareness about brain illnesses and mental health. Latinxs make up less than 7% of STEM careers in the U.S. and only about 34% will receive treatment for any sort of mental or brain illness. This project empowered our local Latinx youth to build their mental health awareness and increase knowledge about these barriers, providing a culturally responsive outcome. The International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) was one of the few selected in partnership with Twin Cities PBS and Science Education Partnership Award, supported by the National Institutes of Health, to make this program possible. Overall, we create a positive atmosphere for local youth by engaging them in neuroscience learning.
consisting of four weeks of activities all connected to how the brain functions. We met twice a week via Zoom, where we did an activity such as the Stroop Effect and created optical illusions. We then had discussions about how each activity worked side-by-side with one or many parts of the brain. The role-model videos shown at the end of the week, showcased an individual in a STEM related career, which was a great addition to our discussion as well! The youth would discussed how they related to certain role-models and what they discovered about achieving a STEM career. During our in-person day, Cerebro participants dissected a sheep brain to get an inside look into what the brain looks like! We had a day full of activities engaging the students in better understanding what our brain is fully capable of. Not only did we get to interact with the students after a long year of the pandemic, but we connected with them through a discussion about what mental health means to them and their families.
Working at IMAS, you know a little bit of everything—whether it is different art mediums or space science! This program was a new stepping stone as an IMAS educator because it was a learning experience for me as well. I was learning alongside the students about mental health awareness, brain functions, and neuroscience careers. These are topics that didn’t get covered when I was in primary school or high school. Claudia Martinez Gray, Director of Education, joined us for the CEREBROedu program as well, and had a great connection with the youth. Together as a team we challenged the youth with solution-based thinking; as well as critical thinking about what it means to be a part of a collective that makes up a small part of STEM related careers and what we can do to change that.
Finally, during our closing event, the Family Fiesta, we gathered together with all the youth and their families. The Fiesta featured food, activities that the youth shared with their families throughout the program, and a brain pinata! This was a time to come together and really congratulate the youth for their participation and in completing the program, as well as interacting and getting to know each other and their families. The Mexican food was delicious, the pinata (which I made!) was such great fun, but the company of everyone made the event that much better. Our guest Christine Gerin, PhD, a professor of neuroscience at UTRGV School of Medicine, attended the fiesta and was able to engage with the youth and provide answers to the many questions they had about neuroscience as a career! It was a great way to culminate the CEREROedu program. We are thankful to Twin Cities PBS for making CEREBROedu possible for IMAS and paving a way for Latinx youth in our community to engage in the marvelous world of brain science.
The grant we received gave us the opportunity to provide all the supplies to the youth, as well as some extra things that they might need, like a brain model! The program took place virtually from June−July 2021,
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Introducing IMAS’ New STEM Career Series By Claudia Martinez Gray, Director of Education IMAS recently launched “RGV Women in STEM,” a video series highlighting local scientists, technologists, engineers, and mathematicians working in the Rio Grande Valley. Each month features a video interview with a woman STEM worker, providing insight into their career pathway and day-to-day tasks. The museum also publishes a profile that can be used as a classroom resource. Additionally, photos of these women working in their field and showing off their “power poses” are posted on IMAS social media. This content expands on the IF/THEN Collection of over 100 women STEM profiles. The IF/THEN program aims to inspire girls and young women to pursue STEM fields and close the gender gap. Moreover, it is important to share the career opportunities that can be found right here in the Valley! “RGV Women in STEM,” created by Claudia Martinez Gray, IMAS Director of Education, and Jessica Salinas, Water Education & Communications Coordinator for McAllen Public Utility, is supported by an IF/THEN Gender Equity Grant, through the Association of Science of Technology Centers (ASTC). IMAS is an ASTC museum member.
Christina Molano has been the Assistant Water Laboratory Manager for the City of McAllen Water Laboratory since September 2010. Mrs. Molano received her Associates in the Arts of Science for Chemical/Environmental in 2007 from Texas State Technical College in Harlingen, TX. She holds a Surface Water B Operators License and Laboratory Analysts Section C License.
Erika Gomez, E.I.T., is an Assistant Utility Engineer with McAllen Public Utility (MPU). Erika has worked for MPU for the past 14 years. She first held administrative roles, before moving to an engineering position after graduating in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and receiving her Engineer-In-Training (E.I.T.) certification.
Nina Nahvi joined Sea Turtle Inc. as a summer intern in 2012 and was subsequently hired as their Licensed Veterinary Technician in 2016 and named Director of Animal Care in 2021. Nina received a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Conservation from Humboldt State University in 2011 and an Associates in Veterinary Technology from Cedar Valley College in 2015.
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On August 28, the International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) celebrated at its 42nd Collage Annual Gala presented by The Warren Group Architects honoring the City of McAllen for its steadfast support of the museum and its mission for 54 years. This premiere, black-tie gala was a huge success, raising funds for the museum's educational programs and exhibitions, which serve McAllen and the greater Rio Grande Valley community, families and youth. Tony Forina led the program and live auction as emcee for the evening. A unique fused glass award, created by Yoli R. Cantu of McAllen Stained Glass, was presented by Board Chair Juan Garcia, Gala Chair Saul Sanchez, and President and Executive Director Ann Fortescue. Receiving the award on behalf of the City of McAllen were Joaquin Zamora, Mayor Pro Tem and District 2 Commissioner, and Tania Ramirez, District 4 Commissioner and IMAS Ex-Officio Board Member. Joining them on stage were current and former city commissioners and officials including Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez. The Museum was developed in partnership with the City of McAllen through the efforts of the McAllen Junior League to increase the quality of life for the citizens of the Rio Grande Valley, and to provide activities in the arts and sciences that are meaningful, educational, and available to the public. IMAS was chartered under the laws of the state of Texas on June 2, 1967 and granted its tax exemption certificate in August of that year. On October 7, 1968, the Junior League Museum Board entered into a leasing agreement with the City of McAllen for a 5,000 square foot building. Shortly after, a Board of
Trustees was appointed and by-laws were adopted. The initial funding came from donations by local business firms, civic organizations, and individuals. An Executive Director was employed in June 1969, and building renovations were completed. The Museum was dedicated and formally opened to the public on October 26, 1969. On July 4, 1976, a new building was constructed and completed as a Bicentennial Project, and the Museum moved to 1900 Nolana, where it currently resides. With the support of the City of McAllen and numerous community partners and individual donors, the museum expanded once again in 2001 with its New Millennium Capital Campaign. This grew the IMAS to its current 50,000 square feet of exhibit space and public access areas. The City of McAllen has been a steadfast supporter of the museum and its mission for more than half a century, recognizing the value it brings to the community. The IMAS is grateful for this invaluable partnership and looks forward to the future of working together strengthening this partnership and building the future of McAllen. Special thanks go to the extraordinary support of the IMAS Board of Trustees and Collage Committee. These dedicated individuals were paramount in this year's event with Collage Chair Saul Sanchez, Andy Clark, Bronson Del Rio, Denise Garcia, Juan Garcia, Dr. Katherine McAllen, Gabriela Nunnery, David Perez, Norma Flores Ruiz, and Ernesto Sepulveda, along with supporting IMAS staff Adrian De Anda, Ann Fortescue, Mary Garza, Anastasia Perez, Jessica Rodriguez, Marissa Salazar, Aylaia Sifuentes, and Amelia Whitehead. Contributing to this year's Collage silent auction was a group of talented local artists who donated their original work to support the IMAS. The theme was "City of Palms", uniquely interpreted by each artist.
Artists Berry Fritz Rigoberto A. Gonzalez Cesar Hinojosa Ariel Powell King Jerry Lyles Jessica Monroe Dania Olivares Jason Ray Perez Erren Seale Sandra Urie Lupe Vasquez 8
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Museum supporters enjoyed an elegant evening with the IMAS at the McAllen Convention Center Ballroom, styled by Lesley Chavez of Ambiance Flowers & Rentals. Kicking off the red carpet were Laura Warren Ogletree, Gala Chair Saul Sanchez, and Carlos Melguizo. Receiving the award on behalf of the City of McAllen were Commissioner Joaquin Zamora and Commissioner Tania Ramirez, joined by Omar Quintanilla, former Commissioner Veronica Whitacre, Commissioner Tony Aguirre, Commissioner Jose Pepe Cabeza de Vaca, and Judge Richard Cortez, former Mayor of McAllen. The evening included a silent auction, wine pull, and live auction with dinner served by Salome, followed by dancing to the tunes of Five Star Party Band.
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Your purchase makes a difference Take some of the IMAS experience home with you! Check out our fun, educational, and award-winning quality toys, interactive art & science kits, books, puzzles and more. Our selection of merchandise is abundant, educational, thought-provoking, and fun. In addition, we have local crafted jewelry, art & souvenirs. Located in the museums main lobby, no admission fee is required to visit the IMAS gift shop. Your purchase impacts the community and promotes inclusivity and equity, sustaining lifelong learning for curious minds. All sales from the museum store support the mission of the International Museum of Art & Science and help our local community artists.
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“One can find my designs and other unique items at the IMAS gift shop; and best of all, a percentage of my sales goes to IMAS for their educational programs and exhibits. The IMAS have been great supporters of artist in the community.” −MJ Saenz
MJ Saenz is a local and talented artisan from Mission Texas. MJ has been making beautiful, quality, one of a kind hand crafted jewelry and art for the IMAS gift shop for 14 years. Currently, she is in the process of making new art pieces for the shop made from wood, metal, and mosaic/fused glass. MJ’s designs and artisan jewelry often feature silver, copper, and natural gemstones. Her designs keep evolving and her love of learning new techniques has inspired her with a new passion of working with glass. Learning through trial and error, MJ has created beautiful pieces including wall décor, home décor, ornaments and has even incorporated glass into her jewelry. “Once I began working with glass, I never wanted to stop. I love the creative process of it all. Making art and jewelry is therapeutic for me.” Her love for art and design are hardwired into her creative DNA and we are proud to support our local community of talented artisans.
“Being part of the consignment artists of the IMAS gift shop fills my heart with pride and happiness. I still remember the first time they contacted me and how happy I was to know that I would be part of their selection of artists. At IMAS I have found friends and new job opportunities. I will always be grateful and proud to be a part of such an iconic place.” −Dania Olivares
Dania Olivares is a self-taught mixed media artist who has been making impressive, one of a kind, unique works of arts for the IMAS gift shop for a little over 9 years now. Dania was born in McAllen Texas and raised in a small border town in Mexico called Diaz Ordaz. In 2011, Olivares moved to McAllen, Texas with her family. She left her professional career in economics to follow her childhood dream of becoming an artist. After learning of an art festival in McAllen, Olivares took a leap of faith and used her savings to prepare for the show. The response to Olivares' work was so impactful that years later she continues to thrive and showcase her work in other shows, events, and venues. Olivares continues to sell in McAllen (IMAS gift shop), as well as other local and state venues. She has become increasingly well-known throughout South Texas for her use of lively colors, her realistic and accurate replicas with signature heart, vibrant trees and wood hearts on canvas featuring inspirational quotes. Work by artists MJ Saenz and Dania Olivares can be found at the IMAS Museum Store.
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Your Membership Supports Our Efforts By Aylaia Sifuentes, Development, Marketing & Membership Coordinator As the International Museum of Art & Science grows and adapts with our members, we are committed to complete transparency and strive for convenience as you enjoy all the benefits our museum membership brings you. In May of this year, the museum began transitioning the Membership program to a calendar year format so that going forward, all IMAS memberships will expire on December 31 of the calendar year and be due for renewal on January 1. Memberships purchased mid-year will be prorated by quarter for the remainder of the term. This annual schedule is designed to be convenient for IMAS Members to renew at the start of each year, knowing that all memberships expire on the same date! All the incredible IMAS Membership benefits will remain, including access to the ASTC Travel Passport roster of participating science centers that accept
“Dear Donnor, Thank you for yor support my favorite part about camp is the activities. By: Juno”
an IMAS membership as their own, granting you access to over 360 museums & science centers across the country. Your annual membership includes more than just unlimited admission to the museum for a year, exclusive access to events and exhibition receptions, discounts on programs and unique items in our Museum Shop! It also provides crucial funding to support our operations and programs for the community. Your annual support sustains our mission to promote a deeper appreciation of the arts and sciences through exhibitions, cultural events, and educational programs. Your contribution impacts over 70,000 children who access many free and discounted museum workshops, camps, and activities at the IMAS. Thank you for being a loyal supporter of this museum.
“Dear Donnor, thank you for you support my favorite part about camp si growing plants”
DID YOU KNOW? An exhibition of original artwork by IMAS members is coming this October! IMAS is pleased to host our inaugural Members' Juried Art Show in Fall of 2021. Inclusion in this exhibition of original artwork is open only to IMAS members.
IMAS NEW & RENEWING MEMBERS For more information on membership benefits and activities or to purchase or renew your IMAS Membership, please call Aylaia Sifuentes, Development, Marketing & Membership Coordinator at (956) 681-2817, visit theimasonline.org/members or inquire at the IMAS Visitor Services desk.
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Michelle Alanis Eunice Alcantar Rachel Alvarez Gabriela Anderson Julio Arellano Diana Arevalo Nicola Brannan Marah Brooks Carla Cambiasso Helfer Elvira Cano Laura Casas-Olgin Thomas Castaneda Othon Castaneda
Kathryn Champion Moreno Chelsea Chang Annahiz Cortez McLain M. Cuellar Alice Davis-Alfaro Norma De La Garza Dolynn DeWitt Olga Diaz Catherine Disanza Elizabeth Erickson Olivia Esquivel Cristina Farias Dallee Fitzpatrick
Leticia Flores Norma Flores-Ruiz Alejandro Folchi Cody Fonseca Norma Garcia Raquel Garcia Rosaura Garcia Aaron Garcia Virginia Gause Jennifer Glatz Mark Glazer Yolanda Gonzalez - Giraldo Yirla R. Gonzalez Nolan
Celeste Gonzalez-Moreno Myra Gouger Sergey Grigorian Hector Guerra Rocio Guerrero Kimberly Guillen Paige Harbold Cameron Henry Colleen Hook Kate Horan Brenda Hosinski Veronica Jaeger Jacob Jaramillo
Dia de los Muertos Festival & Market SAVE THE DATE Our annual Día de los Muertos Festival, includes a market featuring regional artists and artisans, on Sunday, October 10 from 1−5 p.m. This lively event will include a performance by internationally recognized UTRGV Ballet Folklórico, and a display of altars created by community organizations. Activities include papel picado, butterfly shadowbox, sugar skulls, and Lotería.
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ON EXHIBIT AT THE IMAS
2021 MEMBERS’ JURIED ART SHOW
OCTOBER 9− JANUARY 22 THEIMASONLINE.ORG/EXHIBITIONS
Christmas in the Rio Grande Valley Christmas is coming and the International Museum of Art and Science Christmas Tree Forest! The IMAS Guild, who organizes this annual exhibit, has chosen “Christmas in the Rio Grande Valley” for this year’s theme. Our south Texas home is sure to inspire all sorts of creative ideas for decorating a “Valley” tree, from nature’s tropical bounty to regional endeavors such as ranching, citrus groves, sports, folk art, native animals, traditional foods, and let’s not forget our boundary to the south, the Rio Grande. Up to 25 trees are available and open call with first come, first serve. This year the age categories are limited to grades 2 through 12 and adult organizations. Deadline to enter is Saturday, November 13. Set-up dates are November 30−December 3, and the awards reception will be on Sunday, December 12. For inquirements, contact Bertha Garcia: (956) 322-8673.
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AS OF JULY 31, 2021 Rosella Juarez Monica Kaufmann Brendan Kinsella Uriel Landeros Yesenia Latin Kristina Leal Alice M. Ledezma Linda Lewis Juan Licerio Carlos Limas Charisse Lloren Itzel Lopez Jose Madrigal
Karina Martinez Jessica M. Martinez Michael Angelo Medina William Millan Darlene Montoya Amanda Moreno Monica Mtz-Arriaga Carolina Muraira Kelly Neil Vanessa Nelson Gloria Ortiz Irma Ortiz Terri Padilla
Keith Padilla Melissa Palma Tijerina Laura Paras Ana Pasillas Monica Perez Teresa Pulley Lizlette Quintanilla Esmeralda Rendon Manuel Rendon II Cissy Reyna Alma Reyna Hadley Rodebeck Amada I. Rodriguez
Emilio Rodriguez Angela Ryan Roberto Salazar Richard Sanchez Marla Sandoval Cortney Saunders Amelia Savage Jim Bob Sides Sade Sierra Maria Solis Amy Stephens Douglas O. Toledo Jenny Shifra Trehou
Azucena Tressler Sandra Urie Angelica Vanwagoner Curtis Whatley Corinne Whittemore Catherine Wilson Eryn Wingert Wei Yin Alexandra Yzaguirre
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Mark Roddenberry, The Hudson, 2001, photograph, Gift of Texas State Bank.
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9/11 20th Anniversary Photographs 9/11 Photographs 20th Anniversary honors this American tragedy with a series of photographs taken by photographer Mark Roddenberry after the attacks on September 11, 2001. Exhibition curated from the IMAS Permanent Collection.
Imagined Worlds: Exploring the Carlos Melguizo Collection with Elena Macias Imagined Worlds Guest Curator Elena Macias interviewed by Ann Fortescue, President & Executive Director
“To keep an open mind and encourage the potential of anyone can be the solution for global unbalances.” —Elena Macias, Guest Curator of Imagined Worlds: Exploring the Carlos Melguizo Collection.
I had the pleasure of talking with Elena Macias, a Full Professor at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and Guest Curator of Imagined Worlds: Exploring the Carlos Melguizo Collection. Her administrative participation at UTRGV includes her appointment as Associate Dean of the College of Fine Arts, Curator of the UTRGV permanent art collection, and Art Advisor to the College of Fine Arts.
THROUGH 1 JAN. 2023
Mexican and Latin American FOLK ART COLLECTION
The Mexican and Latin American Folk Art Collection connects traditional and contemporary folk art forms evolving around regions of Central and South America. Over the past 50 years, the International Museum of Art & Science accumulated its permanent collection of folk art to over 4,000 pieces, a large portion of which will be rotated on exhibit over the next two years. The exhibition was made possible by the National Endowment for the Arts, The Raul Tijerina Jr. Foundation, and The Warren Group Architects, Inc.
SPONSORED BY
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Above Elena Macias, Guest Curator and UTRGV Associate Dean of the College of Fine Arts.
SPONSORED BY
Professor Macias interests have been making art, teaching art, and bringing people together through art. The backbone in her life has been art and her community. Her role as an artist and curator lead to the invitation as Curator of The Museum of Contemporary Art in Tamaulipas, México, the main art museum of contemporary art in the northeast state of Tamaulipas, México, followed by her curatorial position at the International Museum of Art & Science.
The invitation from IMAS to guest curate an exhibition from works of Carlos Melguizo’s art collection was joyfully welcomed. Elena has been a supporter to the museum and has known Carlos as a friend, artist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. She has great respect for Carlos’s talent, love, and support for his community. During my conversation with Elena, I asked if knowing Carlos as a dear friend made a difference in the way the curatorial practice was approached. She replied, “No, he listens to me. I should add, most of the time.” Elena has known Carlos’ interest in developing his own art and his passion for collecting art. When working as curator for IMAS she curated an invitational exhibition including community artists from both sides of the border. She recalled, “It took a while, but Carlos agreed to participate with one of his paintings. The exhibition was an enormous success for IMAS and the community.” Elena is drawn to the exciting attributes of Carlos’ art and his collection as it shows the evolution of his collecting interest from an early age and his acquisition of highly successful and promising emerging artists. She added, “Museums provide the ideal space for a dialogue across ages and cultures.” I asked Elena what makes surrealist art accessible to audiences of all ages, “We all have strange dreams, nightmares, or beautiful, fantastic ones. Artists in Carlos’s collection bring the confusion or melting points between the real and unreal. Surrealist art continues to evolve as artists express their curiosity and fascination with what is real and imagined.” Carlos Melguizo’s collection of imagined worlds embodies the traditions, cultures, expressed in surrealist art, and while the artist’s styles are varied, commonalities emerge as you revisit each work. Imagined Worlds is a true collaboration between the curator and a collector who is also an artist. The long-standing friendship of Elena and Carlos makes this exhibit an ongoing conversation that we are invited to join and let our imaginations wander freely. It is an honor and delight for the International Museum of Art & Science to share this remarkable collection with our audiences and capture the spirit of this collaborative endeavor, Thank you, Elena, and Carlos!
Top to bottom Melguizo, Carlos. Breaking Lonliness. 2007, oil on canvas. 31.5”x 39.5”. Garza, Gabriel. I Love You, Amy. 2008, acrylic on canvas, 47”x 59”.
26 MAR−9 JUL 2022
Uncovered Spaces
Uncovered Spaces is an exhibition and event series centered on female artists and LGBTQIA+ artists to explore the social structures that mediate our everyday Uncovered Spaces is made possible by the generous financial support of grants from The Alice Kleberg Reynolds Foundation, The Raul Tijerina Jr. Foundation, and UTRGV’s Center for Latin American Arts.
experiences. The project serves as space for women and female-identifying artists and scholars to discuss their art practice related to gender, identity, and social norms. This exhibition seeks to connect the creative process, shared knowledge, and feminine solidarity in a collaborative and community-based arts research project in South Texas. Uncovered Spaces was organized by Dr. Katherine McAllen, Assistant Professor of Art History and Director of the Center for Latin American Arts at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX.
Maria Magdalena Campos-Pon, participating artist, Uncovered Spaces
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UPCOMING
The IMAS announces the exhibition Uncovered Spaces, in collaboration with the Center for Latin American Arts at UTRGV. The exhibition is curated by Raheleh Filsoofi and directed by Dr. Katherine McAllen.
Get to Know the IMAS Staff: Ana Guerra Tell us about your background (school, experience) and what attracted you to work at IMAS. I graduated from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and All-Level Teaching certification (EC-12.) I’m a first-generation immigrant, born and raised in Linares, Nuevo Leon, México. I was 12 years old when we moved to the USA, and adapting in schools where they spoke a different language was hard, but in fact, it led me to find interest in learning more languages, like French and Japanese. I had always been interested in the arts as a child. I started taking Classical ballet and Ballet Folklórico lessons at age 4. I began selling jewelry and drawings when I was 6 and had my first drawing and oil painting lesson when I turned 8. Naturally, I wanted to study Fine Arts in College, which led me to be an intern at the IMAS, where I realized I wanted to be more than an intern. Describe your main role at the IMAS. What does a typical work day entail? Currently as Exhibition Coordinator & Curatorial Assistant, a calm day begins with “good morning”
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between the Director of Collections, the Craftsman, and me. We go through our agenda together to ensure the day goes smoothly. Afterwards, the tasks interchange between responding to e-mails, having meetings, collecting temperature and humidity of the buildings, preparing contracts for future exhibitions, creating text-translations from English to Spanish (or vice versa), and revising and collecting data for our permanent collection. On busy days, we can receive artworks from the other side of the world or sometimes pick them up locally. We talk to artists and prepare our galleries for new exhibitions, put up or put down artworks that can be miniscule or up to 10 ft-tall, and make large vinyl texts, signs, and museum labels for our walls. We also cooperate between departments and our tasks can change accordingly to the events we host. What is the most interesting thing you have done at IMAS? Planning to optimize the museum’s facilities and its collection along with my superiors. Recently, thanks to a grant, we were able to be a part of the Conservation Assessment Program. They
helped us find out more about the state of our building and gave us insightful ideas for the future of IMAS. It’s very interesting to see how different a museum building and management can appear through other sets of eyes, especially when they have more experience and knowledge. What part of your job do you find most interesting? Discovering things from our collection. I think of myself as a child with a brand-new toy, especially when I encounter miniatures. There really is something about tiny things that just makes people quiver with joy. How do you spend your time outside of work?
On a perfect day, I get home from work and make myself coffee before I sit down to read, scrapbook, write and illustrate my own book, or bake goodies for my coworkers and friends. This happens on limited occasions though, because I run an online shop and work as a freelance artist on a regular basis. After work, I go to the mail and send out my packages. Then, I go home to eat and continue
my orders which usually include personalized vinyl decals, jewelry out of resin, paintings, drawings, and personalized journals. Then, reality hits at 10 p.m. when I must quickly complete chores before going to sleep. Luckily my fiancée helps me out with all that he can, including the planning of our travels. In 2019, we went to Tokyo, Japan. This past May of 2021, we went to Cancun, Mexico, where we got engaged. What are your hopes for the future of the IMAS? I hope that our future entails better facilities, better exhibitions as well as educational programs, and overall, better of everything. I also hope that as we continue to grow, the community grows with us, takes interest in their artistic endeavors, and become much more involved not just with us, but with all of our local artistic entities to become aware of all the things we have to offer. Communities are the foundation of art.
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