Texas State University System Public Art Program commissions four new artists

With the enrollment growth of Texas State University (TXST), building new campus facilities isn’t slowing down. Thanks to a rule dedicating 1% of construction project budgets to public art, new art is on the way as well. 

Texas State University System’s (TSUS) Public Art Program announced that four artists have been commissioned to create works for TXST in San Marcos. The Committee on Public Art (CoPA) selected the artists through a competitive request for proposals process.

The Texas-based artist team of Betelhem Makonnen and Adrian Aguilera were selected to create artwork for Live Oak Hall, the new campus film and television studio. Artist Adam Parker Smith was selected for new artwork outside the J.C. Kellam Administration building. Texas singer/songwriter and sculptor Terry Allen was commissioned for an installation at the new Bobcat Park connecting East and West campus. Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor and social practice artist Matthew Mazzotta’s artwork will be featured at the newest on-campus residence hall.

The selection committee is made up of four visual arts professionals including Michelle Voss, executive director of Austin City Art Fund.

“With pieces in bronze, marble, and neon, as well as a site-specific installation, the selected projects present a unique opportunity to inspire learners and visitors on campus with bold and imaginative works of art,” Voss said. “In addition, these four commissions represent the Texas State University System’s significant commitment to advancing the arts.”

Marjorie Flanagan, TSUS director of public art, facilitates the procedures for public art. 

“We are planting seeds of an amazing collection of world-class artworks on campus,” Flanagan said. “With those commissioned this year, professors and students will be able to contemplate a variety of studies when visiting the art, from new technologies, philosophy, ecology, mental health and wellness, physics, and of course, arts and culture. The public art here advances not only a sense of community, but also the education of all TSUS students.”

The TSUS Public Art Program will conduct additional calls for artists this spring. For more information about the opportunities, including where to apply, visit https://www.tsus.edu/about-tsus/tsus-public-art/news.html.