Twenty-eight beautiful and personal depictions of Our Lady of Guadalupe by area artists Ana Borne and Rebecca Switzer are hanging in the Upper Gallery at the Price Center now through Jan. 3. The unique Pop-Up Show features work in a variety of media including found object assemblage, handmade paper, fiber art, mosaic, neon, and more. All of the works are for sale.
The pair shares: “Our inspiration for this show came from years of fascination with the Virgen de Guadalupe and her history. Our work reimagines her image in different mediums to challenge and celebrate female strength. We’re excited to share with you our Reflections on La Virgen and hope you enjoy and gain inspiration from the exhibit as we have.”
A public reception will be held on Thursday, Dec. 11 from 2 to 4 p.m. to meet the artists, hear more about their process and inspirations, and enjoy light refreshments. The event is free and open to all.
The Price Center Galleries are open Wednesday through Friday noon-5 and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The firstfloor galleries are currently featuring a show titled “What Goes Around Comes Around,” featuring 68 original works by area artists. Both shows will hang through Jan. 3.
In 2025, Texas State garnered national acclaim when The Hollywood Reporter named the theater program among the top 25 drama schools in the world. The prestigious program, known for its holistic approach to the world of performance, is tuition-free and only accepts 14 new students annually.
“When I received my acceptance, the decision to come to San Marcos was a no-brainer,” Thomas said.
While a student at Texas State, Thomas starred in university productions of Beauty and The Beast and Sister Act, as well as a local production of Beautiful at the ZACH in Austin. Being a student of the arts here gave her the practical foundation to turn her dreams into reality.
“Texas State strengthened my confidence as a performer and deepened my trust in my own artistry,” Thomas said. “It gave me a safe space to develop my choreographic voice, challenged me in ways that fueled growth and shaped me into a more versatile singer, dancer and actor.”
After graduating in 2025, Thomas’ first step into that world has been quite a giant leap as she debuted this fall with the National Touring Company of Disney’s Beauty and The Beast.
Based on the 1991 animated feature, Beauty and The Beast first appeared in its stage incarnation in 1994. The stage production has inspired generations of audience members with its memorable songs, lush costumes and iconic set design.
For Thomas, her journey with Beauty and the Beast has given wings to her lifelong dreams.
“Being part of such an iconic show—alongside an incredible cast—feels like a true gift,” Thomas said. “Bringing joy and light to audiences across the country is something I treasure, and seeing their smiles afterward fills my heart.”
But Thomas keeps her training and the lessons she learned at Texas State close to her heart as she goes.
“This journey has also pushed me to prioritize my physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being,” Thomas said, “And to learn what it truly takes to sustain an eight-show week.”
In this way, Thomas helps safeguard the dream of the stage for the rest of us, nurturing the spark to a flame that can burn longer because she has the knowledge and skills to sustain it.
Because theater helps people look deeper and see the beauty within.
“Theatre brings people together, sparks empathy and offers joy and reflection,” Thomas said. “And that joy is contagious— what we put onstage can genuinely lift someone’s day, or even change their perspective. In a world that can feel heavy, theater gives us a reason to smile together, to connect and even learn something about ourselves or the world we live in.”
Beauty and The Beast will play for two full weeks at Bass Concert Hall Dec. 2-14, Tuesday Friday at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday at 1 and 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $36 and are available at Texas-PerformingArts.org and BroadwayinAustin.com, by phone at 512-4711444 or from the Texas Performing Arts ticket office at Bass Concert Hall.
