Student artists invited viewers to reflect on discomfort and natural processes at the opening night of The MINI, a student art show entitled “Nature Within.” The exhibition opened Jan. 22, from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Michael and Noémi Neidorff Art Gallery and brought together Trinity students, alumni and members of the San Antonio arts community. The show will remain on view through Feb. 7.

The exhibition features 31 works by five student artists, including mediums like painting, photography, drawing and collage. During the opening reception, around 100 attendees circulated through the gallery with drinks and snacks ready for discussion.

According to participating artist Kass Ibarra, senior art and communication double-major, the exhibition allowed viewers to consider aspects of nature that people often overlook or avoid. 

“All of my pieces relate to nature. Specifically, the parts of nature that tend to make people uncomfortable,” Ibarra said. 

Ibarra presented four works in the exhibition, including “If They Can Eat, Why Can’t I?” made with air-dry clay and acrylic on wood. Her pieces focus on natural processes such as decay, asking viewers to reconsider their perspectives.

“A lot of my work asks people to think about why certain natural processes feel disgusting to us,” Ibarra said. “People are disgusted by mold and don’t want to eat it, but mold is just eating the food you’re not eating.”

For Ibarra, the gallery space itself plays an important role in the way that art is received. She described galleries as spaces that allow for discussion and interpretation rather than simply display.

“Some people see galleries as just places to show work, but I see them as places for conversation,” Ibarra said. “Art isn’t just about making things. There’s a mindset and a process behind it.”

The exhibition also drew attendees from outside the Trinity community. Among them was alum Rachel Maulden, class of ‘82 and Ruby City’s current manager of collections and exhibitions. Maulden attended The MINI to support a Ruby City intern, senior art major Elms Wyatt, who presented their work in the show.

“San Antonio has a very strong arts community with many different spaces to showcase work,” Maulden said. “I think it’s important to support young artists and see what they’re creating.”

Maulden, who studied art history at Trinity, does not identify as an artist but works closely with contemporary art through her role at Ruby City. According to Maulden, institutions like Trinity play a significant role in supporting emerging artists. 

“It’s always interesting to come back and see the work that students are doing,” Maulden said.

By bringing together student artists and members of the broader arts community, The MINI provided a space for viewers to engage with a range of artistic approaches and perspectives.

*This article was updated Jan. 29, 2026