Brought to You by the Letter T

Throughout the month of September, Hardin-Simmons University hosted an exhibition titled Brought to You by the Letter T by Felipe Contreras. Hosted by HSU’s Art Department at the Frost Center for Visual Arts on campus, Contreas’s exhibit was also featured in the Abilene Outdoor SculpTour Exhibition.  

Contreras’ favorite piece, My Father’s Homeland.

Originally from New Jersey, Contreras spent a large portion of his life in Colombia before settling in Houston, Texas. Of all his creations in this exhibition, his favorite is the letter T he titled My Father’s Homeland. Contreras created a sculpture to symbolize a part of his family’s history with used photographs given to him by a friend from Colombia.

Contreras recycles materials, such as Styrofoam, mirrors, and crates, to create his pieces, stating that he believes “in turning what others perceive as garbage into art.”

Visitors mingle in Frost lobby with refreshments.

In a Q&A session that followed the exhibition, Contreras shared that much of his inspiration is derived from random things such as billboards. Preferring to work in the quiet of the night, Contreras does most of his sculpting and painting in his garage as he turns trash into treasure.

On September 17, Contreas visited with faculty members and students to explain his processes and answer any questions about this exhibit. Throughout the year, the Art Department hosts multiple gallery experiences which are free and open to the public.