Austin Community College welcomes Southwest artist Amado Peña for a three-day visit in late September. He will demonstrate his art techniques in two events that are free and open to the public:

Courtesy: http://www.penagallery.com/

• Friday, September 26, 1-3 p.m. at Rio Grande Campus Room 3302

• Monday, September 29, 1-3 p.m. at Rio Grande Campus Building 3000 lobby

“The arts don’t only enrich the brain, they enrich the entire human being,” says Peña. “Art can stimulate the soul.”

Peña has a longstanding relationship with ACC that covers decades of residencies and student scholarship programs. In 2012 he donated 16 works, valued at nearly $100,000, to the college. His work is featured in the hallways at the ACC Highland Business Center.

“We are proud to display Amado’s art here at ACC and are grateful for his ongoing support,” says Dr. Richard Rhodes, ACC president and CEO. “Our students always benefit from his candid discussions. We want to share this opportunity with the community.”

Peña also will be available to visit with students and the community at the Pecan Street Fall Festival Saturday and Sunday, September 27-28.

Peña taught for 16 years in Austin before turning to his art full time. His distinctive style is known throughout the world and his works are part of the permanent collection at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.