School of Art and Design Director

Welcome to the School of Art and Design at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

As Director, artist, and educator, I am inspired by the vibrant creative energy that flows through our studios and galleries. My own practice as an audiovisual artist centers on perception, sound, and interdisciplinary technology—a spirit of cross-disciplinary exploration that drives our vision for the school.

Rooted in the culturally rich, transnational community of South Texas, our mission is to prepare students as skilled creators, critical thinkers, and engaged citizens. We offer a dynamic spectrum of degree programs designed to foster technical mastery and creative vision:

• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Art & Studio Art: With concentrations in areas such as Ceramics, Sculpture, and Visual Communication Design.
• Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Art (Teacher Certification): Equipping the next generation of EC-12 visual arts educators.
• Master of Fine Arts (MFA): Providing advanced mentorship for graduate artists pursuing rigorous studio practice, research, and professional engagement.

Our curriculum blends regional heritage with global perspectives, spanning Latinx and Pre-Hispanic art histories to contemporary media. Through our galleries in Edinburg and Brownsville—including the Charles and Dorothy Clark Gallery, the Visual Arts Building Gallery, and the future gallery at the Brownsville Longoria Visual Arts Complex—we serve as a cultural hub for student research and world-class exhibitions.

Whether you are a prospective student, a graduate candidate, or a community member, I invite you to join us as we innovate and shape the future of the arts in South Texas and beyond.

Warmly,

Erik Deerly
Director & Professor, School of Art and Design
College of Fine Arts
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
erik.deerly@utrgv.edu
956-665-3480