Living
Sandoval exhibit inspires UMHB students
Monday, 06 February 2012 by Tanner Clarke
Ben Taylor, a junior at UMHB, enjoys artist Arturo Alonzo Sandoval’s work while taking a break from studying. Sandoval’s exhibit is open until Feb. 10.Circles of brightly colored fabrics and other materials woven together say more than what the surface shows. There are stories and statements about our world woven into the pieces of art being gazed upon by students.
An exhibit featuring the art of Arturo Alonzo Sandoval is on display in the Arla Ray Tyson Art Gallery located on the second floor of the Townsend Memorial Library on the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor campus until Feb.10.
The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and admission is free.
The exhibit, "Circling Back," is presented by the College of Visual and Performing Arts and the Department of Art at UMHB.
"A university gallery is a learning gallery," said Dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts and Gallery Director Ted Barnes. "First and foremost these shows are for the university students in general and for the community in general, but for art students in particular to hear and talk and see the work of people that are professional artists.
Sandoval has a long history as an artist and professor in the visual arts. His main form of artistic expression is through contemporary fiber art. In 1974 he joined the University of Kentucky Department of Art faculty where he still encourages art students to this day. He has won numerous awards for his work.
"As an artist, I experience the world around me with a keen observational eye," Sandoval said. "My art is graphic, abstract and sometimes representational."
Barnes said Sandoval's work is well done.
"You can expect superb craftsmanship and intellect," Barnes said. "His work is conceptually high and with an interesting theme and concept. It's immaculately crafted."
On Feb. 9 at 5 p.m., there will be a reception and gallery talk by the artist.
"We can expect a discussion about the process of making the art works in the exhibition and the grant that helped pay for the framing costs," Sandoval said.
Students on the UMHB campus have been gifted with the opportunity to observe the exhibit and see a unique form of artwork.
"Seeing other artists' work on campus means a lot to me," sophomore Angela Sanchez said. "I learn something new every time I attend a show. Learning from the artist's artwork will help you expand your horizons."
This exhibit is for artists, art lovers and anyone else who appreciates seeing beautiful and abstract pieces of art.
"Everybody should, if they are open, find joy and value in any artwork," Barnes said. "You certainly have to walk into the gallery with an open mind and an open heart to try to absorb what the work is about."
For more information about the exhibit please contact the College of Visual and Performing arts at (254) 295-4678.
