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Ken Rodriguez

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krodriguez@ollusa.edu

For Immediate Release

April 5, 2024

OLLU Sueltenfuss Library to feature poetry exhibit by university professor

Octavio Quintanilla’s “FRONTEXTOS” to be displayed April 9-30

                                        

In honor of National Poetry Month, Our Lady of the Lake University’s (OLLU) Sueltenfuss Library will present “FRONTEXTOS,” a captivating poetry exhibit by renowned author, artist and OLLU English professor Octavio Quintanilla, PhD.

On display from April 9-30, the exhibit will culminate with a special reception on April 23 at 4 p.m. in the library. Alongside Quintanilla’s work, OLLU student contributions and interactive elements will be showcased to fully engage the audience.

A former San Antonio Poet Laureate, Quintanilla will also be honored this month by San Antonio’s Mexican Consulate General with a solo exhibit at the Mexican Cultural Institute. An opening reception will be held on April 17 at 6 p.m.

The term “Frontextos” is a blend of frontera (border) and texto (text). Combining ink drawings, emotive doodles and abstract painting, Quintanilla’s visual poetry reflects his own Mexican American history and dedication to his daily creative practice. Beginning in early 2018, during his two-year tenure as San Antonio’s Poet Laureate, Quintanilla began writing poems in Spanish with sketches drawn in a 3 ½ inch-by-5 ½ inch Moleskin notebook.

“I decided to write in Spanish so I could think and feel in a language I am fluent in, but that I needed to practice,” Quintanilla said. “I wanted to become intimate with it and add more layers and nuances to the frontera Spanish I grew up speaking.”

Exploring the relationship between text and imagery, Quintanilla challenged himself to publish one “Frontexto” to social media each day. His artistic dedication to that goal has been steadfast. His series has evolved into an impressive body of work: drawings, mixed media and paintings on canvas.

His most recent work will be published in his forthcoming book, “The Book of Wounded Sparrows” (Texas Review Press, Fall, 2024).

“We envision the “Frontextos” exhibit as the first of many opportunities for the library to showcase the talent and treasure present on our campus,” said Maria Cabaniss, Sultenfuss Library Director. “Octavio Quintanilla is an immense talent and an inspirational figure to both OLLU students and the wider community.”

Our Lady of the Lake University

Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU), founded in 1895 by the Congregation of Divine Providence, is a coeducational liberal arts institution with an enrollment of approximately 2,100 students. A multi-campus, regional university, OLLU has locations in San Antonio, Houston and the Rio Grande Valley, and an extensive online presence.

The university offers more than 70 undergraduate majors and minors, 15 master’s degree programs and four doctoral degree programs. Academic degree programs are offered through the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business and Leadership, the College of Professional Studies, the Salazar-Escobedo School of Mass Communication and Theater, the Worden School of Social Service and the Woolfolk School of Communication Sciences and Disorders. OLLU incorporates a technology-rich curriculum in all areas of study and provides access to a wide variety of high-tech resources.

Our Lady of the Lake University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. Questions about the accreditation of Our Lady of the Lake University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500 or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).