Most art collectors build a collection for several reasons: to decorate their homes, to support artists, and to find inspiration. This exhibition focuses on two collectors who have donated significant works of art to Texas A&M University. Richard and Nona Barrett amassed a significant collection of contemporary Texas art, including works by Randy Twaddle, Earl Staley, Judy Youngblood, and Michael Collins. As visitors view the art, they can gain insights into what inspired these collectors, what styles and themes attracted them, as well as get a sense of their deep appreciation for aesthetics.

Though there is occasionally some variation, the elements of art are comprised of line, shape, tone, color, pattern, texture, and form. When any drawing, painting, sculpture, or design is analyzed, one can see how these component parts combine to create the overall effect of the artwork. While not all of the elements have to appear in a work of art, when they are used, how they relate to each other delivers a distinct look to the work of art. Most images begin their life as line drawings and lines cross over one another to form shapes. Shapes can be filled with tone and color or repeated to create pattern. A shape may be rendered with a rough surface to create a texture, or it can be projected into three dimensions to create form. Each of the elements may also be used individually to stress their own character in an artwork. Using this toolset to examine works in the collection can help the viewer appreciate the artwork and better understand how the artist's composition was put together.

American landscape art is a style of painting that depicts the natural beauty of the United States, including its mountains, forests, rivers and plains. Artists in the exhibition include Thomas Hill, Thomas Hart Benton, Everett Spruce, Gerald Bywaters, and Currier & Ives.

For service information, transport.tamu.edu/busroutes  (http://transport.tamu.edu/busroutes)

The Individual Development Plan Career Exploration Series is a masters and doctoral 8-session series that helps students select and successfully launch into their careers. It provides the tools for graduate students to learn about various careers and gain clarity on their professional goals. All graduate students are invited to attend. Attending 6 out of 8 sessions and completing all of the learning activities makes participants eligible to receive the GRAD Aggies Advanced Certificate for Professional Development. (Participants who register for the first Session in the Series will be automatically enrolled in the remaining Sessions and in the IDP Canvas Community)

The Gardens will offer children's storytime weekly on Tuesdays starting at 9:00 am, in June and July. Each session will feature 1-2 garden-themed books which have been nominated or have won a Growing Good Kids book award, followed by a small craft. This is a free program, but does not include parking. Those without a TAMU parking permit will need to pay to park in Lots 97 or 100c.  This series is recommended for ages 8 and under, but children of all ages, along with their guardians, are invited. Families are welcome to bring a blanket to sit on during storytime.

All Texas A&M faculty, staff, graduateassistantsand retirees are invited to attend the Vendor Fair to meet with Benefit Services, insurance providers and other program vendors as well as university organizations. You can also join the virtual open enrollment meetingsonline. Log into Workday and review your benefits before July 31. OE details online (https://employees.tamu.edu/benefits/open-enrollment.html)

Make your first impression count for the upcoming fall Career Fairs! Learn how to network, write a great resume, and what to expect for a career fair. Required workshop for the Summer 2024 Career Readiness Bootcamp Badge Program. This is 1 of 3 offerings for this workshop. Note: Attendance at workshops will be verified by Career Center staff.