KINGSVILLE (July 9, 2025) — Throughout his career as an artist, Texas A&M University-Kingsville Professor of Art Jesus De La Rosa has received his share of accolades, as his artwork has been reviewed in a bevy of publications and displayed in exhibits and private collections across the U.S.
Recently, De La Rosa received another honor as his body of artwork was awarded Best Painting at the inaugural South Texas Arts Fair held on June 13 at the Arts, Culture, & Events Center in Edinburg.
“Receiving awards is always a welcome honor. Every opportunity to share my artwork with a new audience—especially in the culturally vibrant setting of South Texas—is meaningful,” De La Rosa said. “Recognition from a panel of respected jurors and peers is both humbling and motivating. It serves as a reminder to remain curious, open, and dedicated to my art practice.
“That said, as I often tell my students, the most outstanding award is the ability and opportunity to make art every day,” De La Rosa added. “I am grateful for this.”
The South Texas Arts Fair featured visual artists in all mediums selected by jurors, whose art pieces were in the running for top honors in various categories.
The jurors’ panel was composed of several top art gallery and museum directors from across the state including:
Ed Pogue – University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley Director of School of Art and Design
Marcelo A. Ramirez Garcia-Rojas – Chief Curator of the International Museum of Art and Science in McAllen
Rebecca Bridges – Executive Director of the Abilene Center for Contemporary Arts
Tiffany Jehorek – Executive Director and Curator of Exhibits for the Longview Museum of Fine Arts
Caitlin Clay – Curator of Exhibitions for the Beaumont Museum of Southeast Texas
Luis Purón – Executive Director for the Rockport Center for the Arts, Rockport
Artists also were able to sell artwork to the public and retain 100 percent of the sales.
“The South Texas Arts Fair was an inspiring and memorable event,” De La Rosa said. “It was a world-class celebration of creativity — something truly vital for our region to promote arts awareness and education. The fair showcased the community’s strong commitment to supporting the arts. It was also gratifying to connect with fellow artists and engage directly with the public.”
-TAMUK-
