Work of art in charcol and tape on cloth by artist Taylor Barnes as part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "Who's Next?"

Work of art in embroidery on cloth by artist Taylor Barnes as part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "Who's Next?"

Work of art in cut cloth and charcoal by artist Taylor Barnes as part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "Who's Next?"

Work of art in charcol and embroidery on cloth by artist Taylor Barnes as part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "Who's Next?"

This paper explores the impact of the organ reform movement on the construction of organs in Texas. E. Dean Beasley also explores the possibilities of further reform for the instrument.

Work of art in digital image by artist Megan A. DeSoto as part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "Beauty Remains, Object Portraiture"

Work of art in MDF, paper (Paper mache of museum visitor responses on paper) by artist Karla Garcia part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "Uncertain Ground."

Work of art (variable dimensions) in paper (paper mache objects of visitor responses) by artist Karla Garcia part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "Uncertain Ground."

Artist Statement from the MFA exhibition: In my recent work, I explore my identity as a first-generation American, using my painting practice to think about early memories of living in-between two cultures. These remembered moments allow a space for me to consider how both cultures merge. Portraying vivid memories through colorful recognizable objects and body parts, memories take on a new context, showing the passage of time, and reflecting on how memories take on new meaning. My desire to save these moments relates to my wish to name what makes me belong, and what marks me as unique, within the two cultures in which I exist.

Through painting, I use materiality to describe the material world. By rooting my practice in visual culture and art history, I seek to extend the meaning of images beyond their initial form. The coalescing of opposing and complimentary formal elements accentuate the visual and contextual friction. This allows the work to exist in an ambiguous state. Seen together, my works appear disparate, but they suggest alternative meanings through association with one another. The works can exist on their own, but engage in dialogue when juxtaposed against each other. Although about specific occurrences, the works afford the viewer their own interpretations.

Work of art of installation image by artist Sarah Janke as part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "Bewildering Genealogy"

My work already shared some of the characteristics of the gravesites that I proposed to study. They were similar in that they both attempted to integrate sacred and profane imagery. Both called attention to personal events and related these events to a larger scheme. Finally, both were involved with the creation of objects of veneration according to personal edicts, but in relation to already established mythologies. I proposed to create a body of work based on the information gathered from the investigation of three predominantly Mexican graveyards-- one in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, and two outside of Laredo, Texas.

This report was submitted to the Denton County Commissioner’s Court on December 12, 2023. The independent research contained herein was inspired by a collaborative community effort to highlight the emerging historical narrative of the St. John's freed-persons community of Pilot Point, its unexplained disappearance in the 1930s, and the events that led to the community's cemetery becoming landlocked and inaccessible to the public for more than eighty years.

Work of art in installation Shot (Photo by Megan Desoto) by artist Alyssa Russell as part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "On/Scenity".

Work of art in Cotton Fabric, Cotton Batting (Photo by Megan Desoto) by artist Alyssa Russell as part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "On/Scenity".

Work of art in crochet and Knot Wool, Wool Roving (Photo by Megan Desoto) by artist Alyssa Russell as part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "On/Scenity".

Work of art in Cotton Fabric, Cotton Batting (Photo by Megan Desoto) by artist Alyssa Russell as part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "On/Scenity".

Work of art in cotton fabric, cotton batting (Photo by Megan Desoto) by artist Alyssa Russell as part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "On/Scenity".

Work of art in archival inkjet prints by artist Kendra Smith as part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "The Walk".

Work of art in archival inkjet prints (various sizes) by artist Kendra Smith as part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "The Walk".

Work of art in archival inkjet prints by artist Kendra Smith as part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "The Walk".

Work of art in archival inkjet prints by artist Kendra Smith as part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "The Walk".

Work of art in archival inkjet prints by artist Kendra Smith as part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "The Walk".

Work of art in archival inkjet prints (64 prints each 4 x 6 inches) by artist Kendra Smith as part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "The Walk".