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IMAS announces 2021 programs

imas Wreath Dianna Medina 600pxWhile the International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) art galleries continue to exhibit exquisite collections and artwork and remain open for a comfortable socially-distanced experience, the museum has also further enhanced its online programming. The museum invites the community to access a variety of virtual exhibits and educational resources on its website, and to participate in hands-on programs at home. From adult art workshops to afterschool programs, the IMAS offers safe ways to engage with art, science, and culture. Many of these programs are accessible for no cost to the public while some are paid workshops and discounted for IMAS members.

Read more: IMAS announces 2021 programs

RGV Coastal Expo registration open

Sixteen years, and still going strong, the Rio Grande Valley Coastal Expo comes to you once again, this time virtually. Texas Parks and Wildlife, the City of Edinburg and the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands and World Birding Center invites elementary students, parents, and educators to participate in this one-of-a-kind event.

On February 15th -19th, 2021, experience Coastal Ecology, South Texas Wildlife and Outdoor Adventure in a brand-new format. Explore the wonders of our natural world. See wild animals up close. Virtually experience fishing, rock climbing, kayaking and other adventure sports firsthand. Learn about the amazing places and adventures available across the Rio Grande Valley.

This year’s event will feature a mix of downloadable activities, live virtual events, interactive game shows, and a range of engaging pre-recorded videos that can be incorporated into classroom curricula.

Read more: RGV Coastal Expo registration open

Visit Pharr for food and fun

pharr 5182 600pxThe City of Pharr has seen a lot of growth and revitalization in recent years. As seen in other downtown areas I have been in this season, Pharr’s downtown is welcoming and features its history. Its historic buildings add to the character while newer buildings are revitalizing the area and making room for more commerce and entertainment. If you travel the Valley along Business 83, you will likely see the epicenter of each of the Valley’s cities.

Read more: Visit Pharr for food and fun

Look for the butterflies

butterfly speer lib 600pxIf you drive around the City of Mission you might notice something a little special. Every once in a while, you might just see a beautiful butterfly sculpture. Being home to the National Butterfly Center, it just seemed fitting for there to be butterflies of giant size around town to celebrate. These butterflies represent some of the 200 or more species that can be found in the area.

Read more: Look for the butterflies

1910 Jail exhibit premiers online

MOSTH 0736 600pxThe city-block complex of the Museum of South Texas History (MOSTH) was once housed in the 1910 Jail, an artifact that has captured the attention and curiosity of the community. The jail, which was closed between 2012 and 2020, is the oldest standing historic structure in the city of Edinburg. It will open sometime in 2021 with all-new permanent and temporary exhibits. Hear more about the renovation of the building and installation of the exhibits during the Sunday Speaker Series Online presentation, “The 1910 Jail: Behind the Scenes,” at 2 p.m. on January 24 on Facebook Live.

Read more: 1910 Jail exhibit premiers online

MHM hosts quilt show

mhm quilt 600pxMission Historical Museum will host their 15th Annual Mission Quilt Show online this year. The exhibit opened on Monday, January 18 and is available for viewing until January 29th.

Read more: MHM hosts quilt show

UTRGV announces new performances

UTRGV Aaron Barrera 600pxUTRGV Patron of the Arts has several performances planned this season. The performances are held virtually. They also have a YouTube channel to view previous shows.

Their first performance available online is a tribute by the UTRGV Mariachi Program to one of the most popular Mexican actors and ranchera singers of all time, Pedro Infante.

Pedro Infante, a star during the golden age of Mexican cinema, is an icon of Latin America who appeared in about 60 films and recorded over 350 songs.

Read more: UTRGV announces new performances

McAllen celebrate MLK Day with community activities

The City of McAllen has once again partnered with the Juneteenth community leaders, this time, to participate in a month-long list of activities in celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. They started celebration on Monday, January 18, and are continuing through Black History Month.

“Martin Luther King, Jr. was truly an inspirational man,” said McAllen Mayor Jim Darling. “In light of recent events, the celebration of MLK’s non-violent methods of protest are more important than ever, as is this quote by him: ‘We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.’”

This year’s observation will feature events throughout the Rio Grande Valley, celebrating the theme “Building a Stronger CommUNITY Through Service.”

According to Dr. Ray Howard, one of the organizing members of the celebration, the activities will focus on the historical roots of the African-American community in the Rio Grande Valley, the cultural contributions throughout the country, as well as examining the political impact of MLK and its relevance today.

Read more: McAllen celebrate MLK Day with community activities

Gardener Training application deadline is today

gardener trainingThe Texas Master Gardener Volunteer Training application deadline is today. The classes will be presented by the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension and will be a combination of online and in person training.

This class series is for those who want to volunteer for the Texas AgriLIFE County Extension Service. Master Gardeners provide educational programs for community groups and schools regarding horticulture. They are also involved in plant research and provide educational booths at festivals & events. Classes are typically held annually.

Read more: Gardener Training application deadline is today

Enjoy the outdoors in McAllen

MO Quinta Mazatlan 4826 600x600While McAllen has seen a growth in business in the last 20 years, it has also seen a growth in what it offers for outdoor activities.

The entire Rio Grande Valley is a huge birding hub. McAllen has not been left out in the birding area. McAllen features one of the World Birding Center’s at its historic Quinta Mazatlán.

Read more: Enjoy the outdoors in McAllen

Product Costume Show this week

P TCF Product Costume Show 600x600The Texas Citrus Fiesta (TCF) will host their annual Product Costume Show this week, Saturday, January 16. The event will be held at the Mission Event Center, 2425 Ruby Red Blvd., from 1 to 4:30 p.m.

Each year, the Fiesta chooses a theme that participants carry on in their costumes. This year’s theme is Let Your Dream Blossom. Participants then walk the runway showing off their handmade creations.

Read more: Product Costume Show this week

Sketching in Real Life

Learn to draw with IMAS. Learn sketching techniques as they demonstrate how to quickly draw images from real life. This kit includes a sketchbook, sketching pencil set, and sharpener all in a travel case. The program is recommended for ages 12 and up. The Workshop will be held online on Wednesday, January 20 from 3 to 4 p.m.

Tune in every third Wednesday of the month for a new art workshop that you can follow along with at home. A limited number of supply kits are available each month for registration. Kits are picked up at the museum via curbside delivery.

Visit theimasonline.org and go to the Explore tab to register. Kit pickup is every Saturday prior to workshop from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m.

Share your work with IMAS using #IMASArtist and #ExploreIMAS for a chance to be featured on IMAS social media.

Previous workshops are available for viewing.

The International Museum of Arts and Sciences is open and has several exhibits on display and programs taking place. The IMAS galleries are open weekly Wednesday through Saturday with modified hours and scheduled admission tickets. Currently admission is $1 for guests four and up, and IMAS members and children under four receive free admission. Visit theimasonline.org for the most up to date visitor information. IMAS is located at 1900 W. Nolana Ave in McAllen.

Start your birdwatching hobby

h Great Kiskadee mesquite John Brush 600x600There is a whole lot of feathered fun happening on January 23rd at Quinta Mazatlan. The Center for Urban Ecology is hosting the first Hobbies in Nature session of 2021, “Begin to Birdwatch”. The one-hour program invites guests into the world of birds, where they will be amazed by the beautiful colors, fascinating behaviors, and incredible diversity of birds found all around us.

Read more: Start your birdwatching hobby

Wild Bees still on exhibit

IMAS Bumblebee Exploring Mallow Copyright Paula SharpWild Bees, an exhibition showcasing the works of Paula Sharp and Ross Eatman, is a collection of stunning macro photographs depicting the world of America’s native bees. The exhibit is on a national tour of prominent museums, botanical gardens, and galleries. Originally set to end in October, the exhibit is still buzzing through February 7 at IMAS.

Read more: Wild Bees still on exhibit

Bird watching in your own backyard

Bird Log Green Jay IMASJanuary 5 celebrated National Bird Day. The International Museum of Arts and Sciences had presented a lesson on creating your own backyard bird log on their website. Just because the day has past, does not mean you still cannot make one. The information is still on their website and available any time.

In 2002, Born Free USA, a non-profit focused on wildlife conservation, activism, and education, in collaboration with the Avian Welfare Coalition, launched the first annual National Bird Day to promote awareness of birds every January 5th. Many nature and bird lovers observe National Bird Day.

Read more: Bird watching in your own backyard

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