Painting, sculpture, mixed media celebrate
Black History Month

by Lauren Crider, nw news editor

    The NW Campus art department is currently featuring paintings and sculptures of professional and self-taught artists in the campus’ Lakeview Gallery.

   Included in the show are artists Anita Knox, Jacqui Dorsey and Mary Frances Robinson, whose works will be on display through Saturday, Feb 16.

   Eduardo Aguilar, art department chair, said he is always looking for show subjects. This show not only exhibits the work for students to see but also is reflective of Black History Month.

   “I tried to feature it as part of our program for diversity in Black    History Month,” he said.

   Aguilar consulted Knox, a NW Campus adjunct teacher, regarding possible artists.

   Dorsey and Robinson are both self-taught artists from San Antonio.

   Each artist incorporates unique characteristics in his or her art. For instance, the quilt is a recurring theme in Robinson’s art, Aguilar said.

   “It’s almost her signature,” he said.

   According to Aguilar, folk artists usually paint themes common to their culture.

   “These artists depict a black genre or subjects,” he said.

   The gallery usually sponsors three shows each semester. Student art contest winners always present their art in the last show. Aguilar then schedules artists for the other two shows.

   “I’m always looking for artists to exhibit because it’s also a teaching gallery,” he said.

   Aguilar realizes many students are under time constraints. Knowing they may not have the time to visit galleries, he brings the art to them.

   For 27 years, the Lakeview Gallery and art shown in it have been used as a teaching tool for students to admire and learn from, Aguilar said.

   The current exhibit is one of many activities on all four TCC campuses in honor of Black History Month during February.