South Texas College’s Technology Campus Library Art Gallery presented its annual STC Alumni Series exhibit, featuring three former Visual Arts students: Elijah Dueñas, Irma Garza Garcia, and Michelle Ramirez. The artists, who studied under STC Art Instructor Luis Corpus and later at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley under painter Rigoberto Gonzalez, reunited for a reception celebrating their work and the mentorship that shaped their careers. The exhibit runs until December 1 at the STC Technology Campus Library Art Gallery.
This story matters because it highlights the transformative power of mentorship and community college art education in nurturing lifelong artistic passion. By showcasing alumni who have advanced to further study and professional practice, the exhibit underscores the importance of institutional support and faculty guidance in the visual arts, particularly for students from the Rio Grande Valley region. It also demonstrates how local art programs can create lasting networks that sustain artists beyond graduation.