The International Museum of Art and Sciences (IMAS) located in McAllen is something to behold for any resident of the Valley that has yet to enter its doors.

The museum’s purpose, as an educational institution is to preserve the past, record the present, and provide perspective for the future through the collection and care of objects of scientific and artistic value for research, publication, programs, and exhibition. The Museum was dedicated and formally opened to the public on October 26, 1969.

In support of its mission, IMAS continually offers numerous cultural arts and science events as well as a rotating schedule of permanent and traveling exhibitions, including works by local, national, and international contemporary artists. The museum’s per-manent collection exhibitions include: the Geological Collec-tion; a substantial Mexican Folk Art Collection; works by Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali; Con-temporary American Artists; the Caton Collection of 16th to 19th Century European Paint-ings; and the Clark Collection of mainly Constructivist works. Its mission is to promote a deeper appreciation for the arts and sciences through its exhibitions, cultural events and educational programs, and to preserve, expand, and display its permanent art and science collections.

A new building expansion, partially funded by the New Millennium Capital Campaign, was constructed and completed in 2001, which added an additional 17,259 square feet to accommodate 3 classrooms, an art-ist studio, cafe, gift shop, theater, and a hands-on exhibi-tion space called the Children’s Discovery Pavilion. In the same year, the Museum completed its “Community Big

Build” project and unveiled “RioScape: A Children’s Dis-covery Park”, incorporating play in an outdoor learning environment that reflects scientific and environmental concepts specific to the Rio Grande River. The Museum currently has over 50,000 square feet of exhibit space and public access areas. The Museum was developed through the efforts of the McAllen Junior League to increase the quality of life for the citizens of the Rio Grande Valley, and to provide activities in the arts and sciences that are meaningful, educational, and available to the public.

Events such as the ARTE De La Frontera had contestants from all over the world submit their work for the right to show it at IMAS. Those that were chosen followed with keeping in IMAS's criteria of exhibit-ing the aspects of Valley culture into their work and using that to create an exhibit that repre-sents all of those differences that make up Valley culture.

Also exhibited is beautiful stained glass section that also hosts events through their offices and currently there are exhibits by both famed graphic artist/cartoonist Ron English entitled "You Are Not Here" that runs until Au-gust 14th, and Maria Linzoain's "Vida de Artista" that will conclude on the August 7th.

For those seaching for a place to enlighten themselves and appreciate rsome world-class art, visiting IMAS is a great place to start.

RON ENGLISH “YOU ARE NOT HERE” EXHIBIT CLOSES AUGUST 14TH.