Isaí Mireles MFA Exhibit

Isaí Mireles
MFA Gradaute Exhibition
at the Art House in McAllen
October 2-29, 2009
mcallenartwalk.com



Artist Statement

I paint, primarily, using traditional techniques. Light, color, composition and space are my main concern, much more so than content. It's not what you paint; it's how you paint it. Everything around us, including ourselves, has its own purpose, its own importance. And yet none is more important than the other. It's all connected. In my work I attempt to express something more than the physical aspects of the subject. It is not my intent to portray accurately what I see but rather to allow what I see to show itself to me. I am constantly amazed how color, design and subject matter can evoke emotion. My aim in art is to explore color and movement on large or small canvas, depicting color in certain areas to evoke a sensation of movement. I love to capture the essence of motion as a harmonious flow between vertical and horizontal dimensions. The expression is of utmost importance. This expression is the language I have chosen, forged by what I've learned from life and brief moments of revelation and hopefully it comes from the heart. What I call art is my small attempt to show how I perceive these inexpressible things as they manifest themselves in me. My part is to freely and joyously paint and let the results take care of themselves. I feel that successful painting just happens and the end result cannot be anticipated and should be very surprising to the painter. The more the painter can “not paint” so to speak, the more space becomes available for this communication to take place. It is a kind of effortless accomplishment whose success is not measured by the work itself but rather in what is stirred or evoked in the viewer. Possibly, the real joy of painting and art is that it has the power to wake up the sleeping artist within each of us, thus creating new possibilities for seeing and appreciating the beauty around us.

Did you know?

We have a new copier,scanner,laser printer in the computer room 173T? You can access this room with your entrance key via the utility box on the wood shop door. The same key chain also gives you access to the ceramic room in front of 173T if you have interests in the clay wheel, slab roller, and extruder.
Dates to remember: Oct. 23 & 24 are our Mid-term Critiques and Dec. 14 & 15 are our Final Critiques.

September Grad Gathering Group Pic

Continuing Education Opportunity

MFA Graduate Handbook, UTPA

For more information on the MFA Program requirements view the sight below:

http://portal.utpa.edu/utpa_main/daa_home/ogs_home_new/Domestic_Applicants/Graduate_Programs

First "UTPA Week In San Miguel de Allende" A Study Abroad Success

First "UTPA Week In San Miguel de Allende" A Study Abroad Success

More than 20 students at The University of Texas-Pan American received intensive art and creative writing instruction during "UTPA Week in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico," a new study abroad experience hosted by the University July 20-24.

Students were joined by 12 members of the UTPA Mariachi Aztlan, who performed at various locations in the community, and three UTPA faculty members, who presented during the Summer Lecture Series at the local library.
UTPA Image
UTPA students were able to view the paintings of French artist Mateo Khun, pictured in the background, with internationally renowned nature photographer Phillipe Perrin (fourth from right) who visited with them during their study abroad experience in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico July 20-24.
"San Miguel de Allende has proven to be a great international location for our University to develop comprehensive learning programs for our students and faculty," said Dr. Paul Sale, UTPA provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. "It's a friendly, welcoming community that offers an abundance of art, music and cultural experiences."

The study abroad program was led by UTPA faculty Reynaldo Santiago, associate professor of art, and Dr. Steven Schneider, professor of English, who integrated the daily experiences of life in San Miguel de Allende into the students’ curriculum. Throughout the week, students visited with many local artists whose work represented a variety of media, from abstract painting and sculpture to performance art. Students also met with local writers during a special writers’ panel discussion.

The Mariachi Aztlan showcased their unique musical style and performance flare at the Casa de la Cultura, the Bea Italia Restaurant, and in Alcocer, a small farming community on the outskirts of San Miguel de Allende. To conclude the week, the group performed in the main square in front of the famous "parroquia" or church.
UTPA Image
Master of Fine Arts graduate student Isaí Mireles completed this watercolor of a San Miguel de Allende church steeple from photos and sketches he made during the study abroad program held in July.
The Summer Lecture Series, which was well attended, featured presentations on topics related to business, philosophy and music by Dr. Teofilo Ozuna, dean, College of Business Administration; Dr. Cynthia Jones, assistant professor of philosophy; and Dr. Peter Dabrowski, associate professor of music and Valley Symphony Orchestra conductor.

Rosie Leal, a UTPA graduate student in creative writing, said the study abroad experience in San Miguel de Allende was one of true growth and enrichment for her.

"The vastness of the colors, the culture, and the beauty of this city has truly inspired my writing. I am grateful for all the friendships I have made and the wonderful professors that influenced my growth through this program. Indeed, this city not only transformed my life, but inspired creativity and perseverance," she said.

Schneider called it a great experience for the students, who, he said, were inspired by the history and culture of the city and the opportunity to meet with local writers and artists.

"As a faculty member, it was very fulfilling to see the growth they made in their writing and in their personal lives from this cross-cultural experience," he said.

Research is being conducted to determine areas of interest for future programs. If you are interested in continuing education options in San Miguel de Allende and would like to complete a survey, please go to http://www.utpa.edu/sma.To receive updates on plans for next year's program, call the Office of Graduate Studies, Academic Centers and Continuing Education at 956/381-3661 or e-mail continuinged@utpa.edu.

By Office of University Relations

MFA POTLUCK Gathering

The University of Texas - Pan American 2412 South Closner Street Edinburg, TX 78539

Meet the new MFA members at the MFA Studios today Sept. 18th from 6-8 PM during our potluck gathering.

Work Op!

View As Web Page

I forgot to mention in class today that Joanna Castillo with Bliss Massage and Jorge Vela with Explosive Fitness whose businesses are within the Arts District Business Center are having a large party during October's art walk. They are looking for a couple of artists who can paint pumpkins during the art walk. Joanna will be paying the artists for their services and they may also display some of their art works within her place of business. I can't do it because I have my own place to open up for the art walk. If any of the graduate students are interested in this, please call Joanna for more information at 956-483-8888. E.F.

Friday at 7 PM Sept. 11

MFA Members,

You have been invited to graduate student Juan Saenz's home this Friday at 7 PM. Bring a special food to share with everyone. BYOB

Address: 800 Las Brisas Drive, Mission, TX 78574 tel:432-7739

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Our formal BBQ/meeting at the MFA Studios will be next Friday Sept. 18th from 6-8 PM.


See you soon,

Santiago