Creative Arts Studio
Creative Arts Studio is a collective of local artists empowering our communities through fine arts education. They seek to inspire talent for community development, as they believe in the power of art to ignite social change, growth in understanding, and advancement in human consciousness. Courses: Learn to play-Bajo Sexto Learn to play-El Acordeón
Cynthia Rocha
Frank Martinez
Francisco "Frank" Martinez was born in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. He grew up in a small, rural town along with his eight brothers and four sisters. At the age of nine Francisco migrated to Edinburg, Texas a town located in the lower Rio Grande Valley. He has lived in Edinburg since then. Francisco graduated from the University of Texas Pan American with a degree in Graphic Design. He frequently uses studio art to create digital art. His deep Mexican roots inspire him to use a multitude of colors and media for his work. Francisco works as a free-lance artist and graphic designer while teaching private art classes. Courses: Intro to Adobe Photoshop Adobe Photoshop with Frank Mtz Intro to Digital Photography
G2 Collaborative
G2 Collaborative Wendy Gilbert is originally from Connecticut but has lived in the Rio Grande Valley for over 20 years. Fred Gonzalez is a McAllen native. Both are graduates of UTPA. The G Squared Collaborative began in 2011 through our collaboration (Gilbert & Gonzalez) as middle school art teachers at DeLeon Middle School in McAllen, TX. While their personal art styles are different, both agree that process, creativity and experimentation are the center of a strong visual arts program. The team has personally work in a variety of materials both 2D & 3D, traditional and digital. Courses: Mixed Media Madness Drawing with Creativity
Jorge Luis Sanchez
Jorge Luis Sanchez is the founder of the biggest salsa community in the RGV called “Salsa con Son.” He has participated as a guest instructor at the International Monterrey Salsa & Bachata Congress, RGV Latin Dance Festival and BKS Texas. Mr. Sanchez continues to be a guest instructor at Havana Bar & Grill as well as in other events around Texas and Mexico. Courses: Salsa & Bachata Dance Instruction for beginners
Javier Ortiz
Marie Antoinette Canales
Marie Antoinette Canales is a master calligrapher, illustrator, caricaturist, artist, and instructor. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Studio Art and Advertising at the University of Texas-Pan American (now UTRGV) and her Master of Arts degree in Illustration at Syracuse University in New York. She studied calligraphy in Belgium with calligraphers to The Queen of England. Marie’s calligraphic works are in personal collections worldwide and The White House. Marie has taught at UT-PA, South Texas College; for major corporations, educators, museum groups and privately since 1985 in Texas, Washington D.C., and Italy. She has written two calligraphy books. Marie’s teaching philosophy is that “desire is more important than talent. If you have the desire to learn something, you will”. Canales designs classes that help to develop your artistic ability, inspire creativity and encourage the use of a new marketable skill.
MaryAnn Escamilla
MaryAnn Escamilla is a lifelong resident of the Rio Grande Valley. She presently works at UTRGV as a Lecturer in the Department of Writing and Language Studies. She is a graduate of the Creative Writing Master of Fine Arts Program specializing in Literary Non-Fiction. Her research interests include popular culture including television shows, anime, and fiction. Courses: How to write to get paid
Paul Pritchett
Paul Pritchett was born in Southern Illinois, Walbash River. He is a Karaoke singer, Artist & sculpture. Has been singing in Karaoke venues for over 60 years. He’s seen many talented youngsters give up on themselves & is here to teach you how to reach your Karaoke potential. Courses: Oil Painting for Beginners (Landscape)
Rey Santiago
Rey Santiago has a background teaching a variety of art courses in the School of Art at UTRGV. Mr. Santiago is also a co-founder of the McAllen Art Walk, and founder/manager of the Facebook group, Printmakers International, Santiago teaches classes in various art forms. As a Master of Fine Arts Program Director and professor at UTRGV, Reynaldo Santiago brings his extensive artistic experience and love of teaching to this Community Class program. Courses: Hand Building with Clay
Aurora Vite
Eddie Mirza
Robert Mirza
Miriam Smith
Michael Angelo Medina
Simone Bononi
Karen Fort
Angelika Eleni
