HCC students to showcase work in Redbud Arts Center juried collegiate exhibition

Diana Quijada grew up in a home filled with family photos and constant filming, often with her mother behind the lens. Watching her mom find joy in preserving everyday moments inspired the recent Houston City College (HCC) graduate to pursue photography as a career.

Now, one of Quijada’s photographs will be on display in Redbud Arts Center’s second collegiate exhibition, “Emerging Visions: A Celebration of Collegiate Talent.” Her piece, “Orca at White Oak Music Hall,” is an inkjet print shot from the venue’s second floor, offering a unique perspective of a live concert.

“I wanted to capture the stage presence that the audience down below rarely sees, such as the wires and music sheets,” Quijada said.

She is one of seven current and former HCC students selected for the juried exhibition, which opens to the public Saturday, July 11, with a reception starting at 6 p.m. The show runs through Saturday, Aug. 29.

“Orca at White Oak Music Hall” by Diana Quijada, a recent HCC graduate, will be on display at the Redbud Arts Center from July 11 through August 29. "Houston is filled with incredible student talent, and ‘Emerging Visions’ is our way of giving the next generation of artists a professional platform to share their work," said Tanja Peterson, Redbud’s executive director and curator. 

Clare Elliott, a Houston-based independent curator and fine art appraiser, will serve as juror. Awards include a 2027 East Gallery exhibition for first place, $300 for second place and $200 for third place, along with honorable mentions. Winners will be announced at the opening reception.

“It’s always good for students to participate in juried exhibitions because it teaches them to prepare their work for presentation to an outside juror who they have not had any interaction with before,” said Corey Ackelmire, studio/art instructor and program coordinator. “This is an expert in the field who is evaluating their work and is determining that theirs is of quality to be on exhibition. It’s a strong resume builder and a valuable experience.”

For her submission, HCC Studio Art student Bea Dumadag explores personal anxiety in a colorful, mixed-media piece, “Voyeuristic Intention.”

“This is based on a time in my life when I had a fear of being in the shower and pulling back the curtain to find someone standing there,” Dumadag shared. “With this piece, I wanted to express that in a silly and playful way—with bright, yet chaotic colors.”

The HCC students will exhibit alongside students from the University of Houston, University of Houston-Clear Lake, Houston Christian University, Texas Southern University, Sam Houston State University, Glassell School of Art, Lone Star College and San Jacinto College. For many of the participating students, the exhibition represents an important step beyond the classroom and into the broader art community.

“As a young artist, it’s important to leave the bubble of school because you start to learn where you fit in the arts community,” said Melinda Laszczynski, studio art professor and HCC Southeast gallery coordinator.  “Juried shows are always really important for young artists to experience. It’s an honor they were selected.”

That sense of growth is something Quijada credits to her time at HCC.

“Choosing Houston City College was a really good experience,” she said. “I’ve gained so much knowledge—not only from professors, but also from my fellow students. It felt more like a community than just classmates.”

To learn more about HCC’s art programs and degrees, visit hccs.edu.