Texas A&M University-Commerce is gearing up to welcome art enthusiasts and the local community for its much-anticipated Art Walk 2023, a celebration of creativity and talent. The event, scheduled for Wednesday, October 18, from 4 to 6:30 p.m., promises an enriching experience for attendees at the heart of the university campus.
During Art Walk 2023, the Department of Art will open the doors to its four campus galleries, offering a unique opportunity to witness the brilliance of professional artists, esteemed A&M-Commerce faculty, and gifted university students. The event is open to the local and regional community, inviting everyone to immerse themselves in the world of art.
The artistic journey begins at the University Gallery, featuring an array of masterpieces by award-winning faculty. The Faculty Biennial collection boasts diverse artistic expressions, including captivating letterpress prints by Assistant Professor Veronica Vaughan, exquisite ceramic sculptures by Professor Christy Wittmer, and intricate pigment-ink printed hand-altered textile works by Professor Laurel Jay Carpenter, among others.
The exploration continues at the Dean’s Gallery, where a student exhibition will showcase 16 carefully curated works from the recent Juried Student Art Exhibition. Among the featured pieces is Mary Beth King’s mesmerizing oil on canvas painting titled “The Diver.”
Visitors are then encouraged to venture to the Wathena Temple Gallery, where they will encounter a solo exhibition by recent BFA graduate Hermila Cuevas. Cuevas’ collection beautifully delves into her Mexican and Meso-American heritage through captivating ceramics and digital prints, including pieces like “Amor en Nuestra Comida” and “La Raiz de Mi Tierra,” both recipients of sponsorship awards from the A&M-Commerce Honors College.
The artistic odyssey culminates at the President’s Gallery, a newly expanded and renovated space that showcases the outstanding work of current Master of Arts and Master of Fine Arts students. The diverse collection spans various mediums, including painting, ceramics, glass, photography, sculpture, and collage.
To mark the grand reopening of the President’s Gallery, A&M-Commerce President Mark Rudin will deliver a special address at 6 p.m. Representatives from the College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Arts will also share brief remarks.
Dr. Laurel Jay Carpenter, the head of the Department of Art, expressed her excitement for the event, expecting a vibrant turnout from both the local community and the wider region.
“It is my honor to welcome the community back to campus for the semi-annual Art Walk—an opportunity to rediscover our rotation of exciting exhibitions across four distinct venues,” Carpenter stated.
To facilitate attendees’ exploration, shuttle services will be available to transport visitors to each of the galleries. Admission to Art Walk 2023 is free, and registration is not required, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to indulge in this celebration of art and creativity.
