This year’s exhibition was especially competitive, with over 468 entries submitted and only 131 works accepted from 42 member universities and colleges across Texas.
Eight art students from The University of Texas Permian Basin were selected to showcase their work in the 2025 TASA Artovation Student Exhibition, a juried show hosted by the Texas Association of Schools of Art. This year’s exhibition was especially competitive, with over 468 entries submitted and only 131 works accepted from 42 member universities and colleges across Texas.
Among the selected students was graphic design major Yaire Medrano, whose painting Cumpleaños earned Third Place in the undergraduate category. Remarkably, it was one of the first paintings Medrano had ever created. “Yaire is a graphic design student who excels in traditional studio arts as well,” said Professor Nancy Hart, who teaches many of the painting and drawing courses at UTPB. Hart advised eight of the nine accepted works.
Students submit digital photos of their artwork and pay a small entry fee as part of the exhibition process. Participation in a juried exhibition is required for graduation, once for BA students and twice for BFA students, helping them build competitive résumés for graduate school and future careers in the arts. Projects submitted are typically created as part of class assignments, developed both in class and through independent work over a period of two to three weeks.
The exhibition’s juror, Ghi Fremaux, Interim Director of the School of Art at Texas Tech University, selected the final works and shared insights on the process during a virtual awards ceremony. Winners receive modest cash prizes, but Hart emphasized that the greatest reward is the professional exposure and recognition. “It’s exciting to see our students succeed and be acknowledged for their talent,” she said.
UTPB’s Art Department, accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), continues to produce successful graduates who go on to work as studio artists, educators, and designers across Texas. The University consistently earns strong representation in the TASA exhibition each year, further demonstrating the strength of its visual arts program.
Among the selected students was graphic design major Yaire Medrano, whose painting Cumpleaños earned Third Place in the undergraduate category. Remarkably, it was one of the first paintings Medrano had ever created. “Yaire is a graphic design student who excels in traditional studio arts as well,” said Professor Nancy Hart, who teaches many of the painting and drawing courses at UTPB. Hart advised eight of the nine accepted works.
Students submit digital photos of their artwork and pay a small entry fee as part of the exhibition process. Participation in a juried exhibition is required for graduation, once for BA students and twice for BFA students, helping them build competitive résumés for graduate school and future careers in the arts. Projects submitted are typically created as part of class assignments, developed both in class and through independent work over a period of two to three weeks.
The exhibition’s juror, Ghi Fremaux, Interim Director of the School of Art at Texas Tech University, selected the final works and shared insights on the process during a virtual awards ceremony. Winners receive modest cash prizes, but Hart emphasized that the greatest reward is the professional exposure and recognition. “It’s exciting to see our students succeed and be acknowledged for their talent,” she said.
UTPB’s Art Department, accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), continues to produce successful graduates who go on to work as studio artists, educators, and designers across Texas. The University consistently earns strong representation in the TASA exhibition each year, further demonstrating the strength of its visual arts program.
