Press release from Southwest Texas College

01-31-26

(Uvalde, Texas) Southwest Texas College (SWTX) is thrilled to announce the commencement of the annual Creative Arts Contest, inviting artists of all ages to showcase their talents and compete for cash prizes and medals.

  The contest, which has garnered widespread participation from across the region, is open to individuals of all skill levels and ages. Entry forms and detailed rules are now available at swtxc.edu, with the entry deadline set for 4 p.m. on March 20.

  “We are excited to provide a platform for individuals to express their creativity and passion for the arts,” said Ismael Martinez, contest coordinator. “The Creative Arts Contest is an opportunity for artists, writers, photographers, and videographers to share their unique perspectives and talents with the community.”

  Participants can compete in a variety of age divisions, including prekindergarten and kindergarten, grades 1-2, grades 3-4, grades 5-6, grades 7-8, grades 9-10, grades 11-12, and community. The contest features literary categories such as poetry, short story and essay, as well as visual art categories including charcoal, computer-generated graphics, drawing with color, mixed media (college and community groups only), painting, pen & ink (one-color ink), pencil, photography (grades 7 & up), and scratchboard.

  The SWTX Creative Arts Contest will culminate with an awards ceremony on April 23 in Uvalde, where first through fourth place winners in each age group and category will receive medals. Moreover, cash prizes of $20 will be presented to overall literary and visual arts winners.

  As part of the submission process, contestants are required to fill out entry forms online and submit their works to the SWTX Library at the Uvalde campus for judging. Additionally, video entries should be uploaded to YouTube, with the link included in the provided space on the entry form.

  For additional information and inquiries, participants can contact contest coordinator Ismael Martinez at imartinez@swtxc.edu or by calling 830-591-2942.

  In the spirit of fostering creativity and artistic expression, SWTX looks forward to welcoming a diverse array of submissions and celebrating the community’s talents through the Creative Arts Contest.

  For updates and any changes to the Awards Ceremony, please visit the college website and follow its social media channels.

About Southwest Texas College
  Southwest Texas College is a regional, “open door” institution serving an 11-county area that stretches from the Texas Hill Country to the US-Mexican border. Since 1946 SWTX has provided accessible, affordable, high-quality education that prepares students to successfully transfer to senior colleges and universities; enter the job market; pursue their professional and personal goals; and contribute to the economic growth of the region. The company’s mission is to enrich lives and advance growth through the education of our diverse communities.

   To learn more about SWTX, visit swtxc.edu. For more information on this story, contact Ismael Martinez, SWTX Social Media/Public Relations Specialist at 830-591-2942 or imartinez@swtxc.edu.

Michael Robinson| Uvalde Hesperian

July 24th, 2024

Wreath Maker and Creative Coach Jackie Falcon is bringing a special wreath making event to residents of the Uvalde Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center this Saturday and is looking for Uvaldeans to Adopt-A-Resident to help cover the costs of the materials used to make the colorful wreaths.

The event will be held this Saturday, July 27th from 3-5 PM

Falcon has hosted other wreath making events at other centers for seniors with great success.

“We’ve had a lot of success in San Antonio,” Falcon said.

The wreaths are made with wire, mesh, colorful wildflowers, glue, pipe cleaners and a welcome sign.

“The cost is so minimal…but they just loved it,” She said.’

Falcon continued by saying the $10 cost includes all the supplies and the instructions.

Falcon said volunteers are often chosen to help the residents make their wreaths.

For more information about volunteering or  to adopt a resident for this event, contact Jackie Falcon at 830-278-2505

RSVP’s  requested by Wednesday, July 24th, 2024

Press release: El Progreso Memorial Library

Press Release by SWTJC

  Uvalde, TX, January 26, 2024 – Southwest Texas Junior College (SWTJC) is thrilled to announce the commencement of the annual Creative Arts Contest, inviting artists of all ages to showcase their talents and compete for cash prizes, and medals.

The contest, which has garnered widespread participation from across the region, is open to individuals of all skill levels and ages. Entry forms and detailed rules are now available at swtjc.edu, with the entry deadline set for 5 p.m. on March 20.

“We are excited to provide a platform for individuals to express their creativity and passion for the arts,” said Ismael Martinez, contest coordinator. “The Creative Arts Contest is an opportunity for artists, writers, photographers, and videographers to share their unique perspectives and talents with the community.”

Participants can compete in a variety of age divisions, including Pre-K and Kindergarten, grades 1-2, grades 3-4, grades 5-6, grades 7-8, grades 9-10, grades 11-12, college, and community. The contest features literary categories such as poetry, short story, and essay, as well as visual art categories including charcoal, drawing, painting, and photography, among others.

The SWTJC Creative Arts Contest will culminate with an awards ceremony on April 25 in Uvalde, where first through fourth place winners in each age group and category will receive medals. Moreover, cash prizes of $20 will be presented to overall literary and visual arts winners.

As part of the submission process, contestants are required to fill out entry forms online and submit their works to the SWTJC Library at the Uvalde campus for judging. Additionally, video entries should be uploaded to YouTube, with the link included in the provided space on the entry form.

For additional information and inquiries, participants can contact contest coordinator Ismael Martinez at imartinez@swtjc.edu or by calling 830-591-2942.

In the spirit of fostering creativity and artistic expression, SWTJC looks forward to welcoming a diverse array of submissions and celebrating the talents of the community through the Creative Arts Contest.

For updates and any changes to the Awards Ceremony, please visit the college website and follow its social media channels.

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About Southwest Texas Junior College 

  Founded almost 70 years ago, Southwest Texas Junior College is a comprehensive, public college serving eleven counties in Southwest Texas. The College provides accessible, affordable, high-quality education that prepares students to successfully transfer to senior colleges and universities; enter the job market; pursue their professional and personal goals; and contribute to the economic growth of the region. For more information, please visit www.swtjc.edu.

by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

Top Photo: Watercolor Artist Melodie Desiree of Slice of Melo

  Collectors from Uvalde and the surrounding area came out yesterday for Uvalde’s first collectors event hosted by Arellano Gerardo and his partner Gilbert Saturday dba Treetop Games on  January 13th, 2023 at the Uvalde Center next toUvalde Bargain Deals andMr. Gattis Pizza

 Gerardo said he was a collector himself but he sold his collection to get this event started. He also said he enjoyed collecting as a child and wanted to bring something he enjoyed to Uvalde.

“I know what it’s like to be a vendor. You always want an event to go to. I want to give Uvaldeans more events to go to.” he said.

 “It was an amazing turnout,” Gerardo said. “I’m grateful that these vendors said yes they paid but I’m glad they took the chance.”

 The event featured artists and vendors from Uvalde, Del Rio, Eagle Pass and the surrounding area. Some of the items for sale include Funko Pop characters, collectors cards, fan art and a variety of other collectables.

  One of the artists there was Melodie Desiree of Slice of Melo.  On one of her online pages it reads: 

  “I am self-taught traditional acrylic/watercolor artist, I’m just here to paint what I love and that mostly consists of space and cute girls. I hope you enjoy my artwork and the different styles I’ve worked hard at crafting and will continue to do so for as long as my creative passions stay alive. Supporting my art in anyway shape or form is greatly appreciated!” 

  Desiree said she likes to view the night sky at 19-Mile Crossing where the stars and constellations are easy to see. 

Gerardo went on to say he plans on hosting another collectors event in the near future.

Press Release from El Progreso Memorial Library

We look forward to hosting, with El Progreso Library, acclaimed authors, Chef Carino Cortez and Paloma Cortez, with readings from their beloved children’s book, “Camilla la Magica,” on Saturday, December 2nd from 10 AM to 12 PM.

“Camilla la Magica” is a heartwarming tale that intertwines magic, culture, and the power of imagination. The readings, offered in both English and Spanish, promise an enchanting experience for children of all ages.

All children in attendance will leave with their own copy of the book and will also be offered a delicious snack of “Abuelita” hot chocolate and tamales.

10:00 – 11:00 am – in English

-Special Book Reading by Authors: Chef Carino Cortez & Paloma Cortez

-Coloring & Superhero Capes

-Tamales and “Abuelita” Hot Chocolate

 11:00 – Noon – en Español

-Lectura especial de los Autores: Chef Carino Cortez & Paloma Cortez

-Arte para colorear y capas de superhéroes

-Tamales y chocolate caliente “Abuelita

Please share with anyone that may benefit from this support.