Texas State alum & staff works on display

ArtWorks in the Community 2019 is the Walkers’ Gallery’s 21st annual exhibit by Texas State faculty, students, staff and alumni. This year's show, while widely diverse, has a unique congeniality – unlike many past Texas State exhibits which have challenged the viewing public.  

A contributing factor to this unusual harmony may be the large number of artworks by the featured artist, alumnus, Johnny Villarreal. Abstract with gentle allusions to the subject matter, some of Villarreal’s acrylic paintings are inscribed with layers of cursive writing – palimpsests of possible conversations.  His paintings, interspersed with cut card stencil portraits, create a rhythm of familiarity running through the exhibit.  The refreshing unity of the exhibit is enhanced by an overall high quality of work and subtle similarity of palettes –greys, pinks and blues.  

“With His Hands, His Heart and His Mind” Acrylic on canvas by Johnny Villarreal

A 2008 graduate of the Texas State School of Art and Design, Villarreal was a studio major with a concentration in painting. As part of his senior show, he invented an interactive stop-action film installation which he continued to refine following graduation. Calling it “The Edge of Imagination Station,” he has taken it all over the Austin/San Antonio area – to schools, libraries, museums, festivals and more – inspiring children of all ages to create their own stop-action films. Now married with a young daughter, Villarreal has also applied his art background to teaching all forms of art to young people at schools and recreation programs, currently employed as art and media instructor at The Austin School.  

Also featured in this exhibit is a memorial wall in recognition of late local artist Susie Mullen, 1988 Texas State alumna and dining hall staff person for more than a dozen years. Known for her kindness and cheerful disposition, she became a beloved friend to students and town people who dubbed her “Susie the Viking Goddess.” Along with having been a substitute teacher and having her own restaurant, Miss Susie’s Vegetarian, Mullen had many exhibits at local coffee houses as well as shared her work at the Walkers’ Gallery.  Her favorite medium was watercolor because she said, "like life, it can be unpredictable but in the end, made something beautiful.” Included in the representation of her work in this exhibit is a portrait of “Miss Susie” by her long-time friend Vicki Hartin. Susie Mullen passed away, March 24 of this year.

“Summer in the City” photograph by Susan Hanson

The public is invited to a reception for the artists and exhibit today from 5-7 p.m. at the San Marcos Activity Center.  Musical entertainment will be by Trombone Dougy band, a new trio led by Doug Yancey. Yancey has multiple connections to Texas State. A 1990 graduate (cum laude), Yancey majored in Spanish and minored in chemistry; he taught Spanish at the grad school level, worked nights at the university book store and as a SLAC coordinator.  Yancey has a wide repertoire and has played trombone with well-known big bands in Houston as well as at numerous local Eddie Durham concerts.  Other members of the trio are Greg Loboz from Poland and Andres Tellez of Austin. Light refreshments will be served.  

The Walkers' Gallery is sponsored by the San Marcos Area Arts Council and the city of San Marcos with support from the San Marcos Arts Commission.