An Unconventional Journey from Animal Sciences to Art

By Gisselle Rueda, Skyline Reporter

ALPINE - Vanessa Soto, a previous pre-vet student who had seriously considered dropping out of school, displayed her artwork in her senior exhibition for all of the Sul Ross community to see last month. 

Soto was originally studying animal sciences on a pre-vet track when she decided to switch her major to art after taking a class with Gregory Tegarden, Sul Ross’ associate professor of studio arts. Initially, she did not know what medium she wanted to work with but soon found a love for ceramics. Her exhibition, hosted throughout the month of April 2023, displayed her ceramics. 

The exhibition, titled “Vessels,” included  work from Soto’s toughest year at Sul Ross. All of the pieces from that time period had taken a toll on her mental and physical health. Soto wanted to show all that she had learned since her sudden switch from animal sciences to art.  

“I had to critique myself and my work to show my best, to show everyone what I had learned,” Soto told the Skyline. “It was both mentally and physically hard, but I pushed myself and made it.”  

Soto said pursuing an art degree is immensely challenging and can create limits that will push someone in ways they could have never imagined. While Soto has been pushing herself to reach her creative goals, Tegarden was her biggest inspiration. “Tegarden would help in any way he could,” Soto said.  

Soto, who said she hopes to open a ceramics studio and continue developing her art after graduation, also credits her mother and fiance for the support that helped her through trying times.