The Skyline Newspaper

Denise Chávez signs "A Taco Testimony" for Dr. Barney Nelson. Photo by Sara Schultz

Denise Chávez Inspires Student Creativity

By Madeleine Cantu
Skyline Reporter

Inspiration. It is one thing people are ceaselessly seeking. Sometimes the smallest things can inspire: objects, animals, nature. At other times, it's the pleasant and unexpected surprise of talking to a great person.

On Thursday, Nov. 14, Alpine students, faculty, and citizens met such a person: Denise Chávez. As part of the Hispanic Heritage Month events organized by the Mexican-American Studies Program, Chávez spoke at the Fine Arts Studio Theatre.

Chávez has a number of talents in her repertoire and is well-known for her writing, particularly fiction, plays, and works as a teacher in the Southwest. She has won numerous awards for both, including the Favorite Teacher Award in 1991 at the University of Houston.

Teaching runs in Chávez's family. Her mother and seven siblings all were among the first Hispanics to graduate from Sul Ross, and all of them were educators.

Denise Chávez does more than teach and write. She is also active in the community of Mesilla, New Mexico, where she lives. There, she is the executive director of the annual Border-Books Festival and has worked at the Cultural Center of Mesilla for fourteen years.

In addition to all her accomplishments, Chávez is a very gregarious person. On meeting her, one is immediately comfortable. Her polite, easy-going manner is refreshing, and I had no problem approaching her. Being a person of various interests myself, Chávez motivated me in several ways, not just in my writing. Her down-to-earth style of wanting to help people, to work with them every day, and to continue the work that she enjoys, made me more aware of the things I would like to achieve in my lifetime.

Dr. Jesús Tafoya wrapped up the evening by delivering a brief, eloquent speech of his own. "We are honored to have the presence of Denise Chávez. This is showing us what we [the Mexican-American Studies Program] can do.

"We have had the Chihuahuan Symphony Orchestra and Denise. They capture the beauty of both cultures."

People can learn a lot by Chávez's example. There can be nothing more satisfying than embracing the diverse life-styles that make up our world.

Jazz Band is "Jumping"

By Robbie McDaniel
Skyline Reporter

The Sul Ross Jazz Band performed at Marshall Auditorium on Thursday, Nov. 15. Listeners were musically transported back to the 1940s with instrumentals reminiscent of the Big Band era. "Jumpin' at the Woodside" started the high energy that would endure throughout the evening. Some audience members were inspired to begin dancing near the back of the auditorium.

The Jazz Band consists of SRSU professors of music Justin Badgerow and Michael Lippard on alto sax, Steve Bennack on stand-up bass, vocal soloist Erin Lippard, and an array of musical talent from Sul Ross and the community.

This lively concert was the perfect transition into the holiday season.

The Sul Ross Wind Ensemble and Concert Choir are scheduled to perform at Marshall Auditorium on Thursday, Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m.

Sul Ross Featured In Art Walk

By Robbie McDaniel
Skyline Reporter

Alpine's annual Art Walk was held Nov. 16 & 17.

Holland Avenue was beautifully adorned with multi-colored lights, musical talent, and eager shoppers. Many local art galleries, restaurants, and businesses were open until 10:00 p.m. each night, along with tented vendors serving drinks and goodies to strollers.

Sul Ross artisans were set up inside the vacant Foxworth-Galbraith building next door to Alexander's restaurant.
Sculptures, paintings, pottery, jewelry and altered clothing by student artists were on display. Student musicians were also on hand to entertain guests as they viewed the art. Sul Ross's own "Doodlin' Hogwallops" were the featured act on stage adjacent to Kiowa Gallery. Front Street Books welcomed western novel writer, Elmer Kelton of San Angelo.

A hot air balloon basket drew shoppers to the west end by shooting flames skyward, across from Quetzal Art & Imports. Balloon tether rides were offered Saturday morning for a small fee. "The Mystic Gitanas" performed belly dancing shows twice each night to the delight of interested onlookers.

Featured artist for the event was Marathon photographer, James Evans. His works were displayed in the TransPecos Bank building. Evans' iconic portrait of Big Bend's "Burro Lady" was highlighted at this year's show.