The UTSA Art Collection will have a new home and partner with UTSA Libraries starting in January 2019. This move aligns with the Libraries’ mission to collect, preserve and make discoverable distinctive collections.
“The Libraries are proud to join with the Art Collection and merge our expertise,” said Dean Hendrix, dean of UTSA Libraries. “We see a tremendous opportunity to enhance student and community access to the UTSA Art Collection through technology, enhanced discoverability and outreach.”
Currently housed under Facilities, the Art Collection consists of thousands of works of art primarily by San Antonio and South Texas artists, including UTSA graduates. Much of the work is displayed across the university’s campuses, bringing vibrancy and cultural richness to its buildings, offices and public spaces.
While highlighting regional artists has been the primary focus, some internationally renowned artists are represented in the collection. Prominent artists include Manuel Alvarez Bravo, Judy Baca, Alexander Calder, Mary Cassatt, Dale Chihuly, Carmen Lomas Garza, Graciela Iturbide, Luis Jimenez, Mike Mandel, Cruz Ortiz, Jessie Trevino, Vincent Valdez and Manny Vega, to name a few.
“I expect that this move will make it easier for students to access and study these artworks for their aesthetic, cultural, sociopolitical and historical value,” said Ovidio Giberga, associate professor in the UTSA Department of Art and Art History. “The Libraries has been great in facilitating student access to various resources and information and I believe the Art Collection would benefit from greater visibility and support.”
The collection’s move to the Libraries is expected to encourage and facilitate its academic use and study in new ways.
“Libraries serve as the ultimate archive of information and resources and that makes the university’s collection of art and art objects a very natural fit,” said Arturo Infante Almeida, art specialist and curator of the UTSA Art Collection. “I am very excited about the change and I am certain it is going to create some very productive synergy.”
Almeida and his staff will join the Libraries to help maintain the collection and oversee new acquisitions under Amy Rushing, head of Special Collections at UTSA Libraries.
This announcement was originally published in UTSA Today.