LSC‑Montgomery Annual Faculty Art Show Spotlights Adjunct Faculty Artist Jacob Bautista

CONROE, TX -- Lone Star College-Montgomery’s Annual Faculty Art Show concluded with strong attendance and enthusiastic engagement in the Mary Matteson-Parrish Art Gallery, showcasing the depth of artistic talent within the college’s Art Department. The exhibition featured paintings, sculptures, and mixed media works by faculty who balance classroom instruction with active professional practice. Students, employees, and community members explored a wide range of contemporary styles and techniques throughout the show’s run.

Among the featured artists was adjunct faculty member Jacob Bautista, whose contemporary printmaking drew significant interest. Originally from Amarillo, Texas, Bautista earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from West Texas A&M University and a Master of Fine Arts degree in printmaking from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His work has been exhibited nationally, including “Magic Wilderness” at the Museum of Wisconsin Art and “Nexo Entre Raíces” at the Janet Turner Print Museum.

His work explores the intricacies of the modern family and his Mexican/Spanish heritage through the lens of contemporary printmaking. One of his featured works, “Conmigo,” was completed and printed on the LSC-Montgomery campus. The piece was created using a meticulous intaglio process. First, Bautista etches his designs into shaped metal plates. He then applies ink using a technique developed in Germany in the 1430s before carefully wiping the surface clean, leaving pigment only in the recessed lines. Each plate is layered onto thick specialty paper and run through a printing press, where high pressure transfers the ink from the etched grooves onto the paper. The result is a richly textured work that reflects both technical precision and cultural depth.

“Jacob’s work beautifully bridges the personal and the cultural, inviting viewers into a profound exploration of family, heritage, and history. He has taken an active role in getting our printmaking area up to speed,” said Charles Wood, LSC-Montgomery Art Gallery Director and Art Faculty.

As a moving tribute to his grandmother, Jacob centers his work on the Xoloitzcuintli (Colima dog). Drawing from pre-Hispanic tradition, the piece honors the traditional Colima dog’s role as a spiritual guide for the departed. By integrating Catholic iconography, such as the Sacred Heart, Bautista connects Spanish colonial influence with ancient Mexican roots, creating a layered, culturally resonant composition. This piece is a powerful culmination of Jacob’s history, where he delves into the depths of family history, present memories, and the protection of his identity. His work is sealed on the outer corners with one of his signature designs: the hexafoil.

In addition to this featured work, Mr. Bautista’s piece "Mom 3" was also on display, further exploring the deep ideologies surrounding family heritage and personal identity. For those who missed the Faculty Art Show, another opportunity to experience exceptional printmaking began March 2. The Printmaking Show will be on display March 2-26 in the Mary Matteson‑Parrish Art Gallery, featuring a group exhibition of 25 professional printmakers from across the nation on March 4.