Celebrating the Life & Artwork of Reynaldo “Rey” Luján-Gaytán

In collaboration with Texas Lutheran University (TLU), TLU's Mexican American Student Association (MASA), TLU's Center for Servant Leadership, the TLU Visual Arts Department, Teatro De Artes De Juan Seguin invites the local community to the Blumberg Memorial Library Art Gallery Grand Opening, "Celebrating the Life & Artwork of Reynaldo “Rey” Luján-Gaytán (1947- 2020)" on September 21 at 5 p.m.

The grand opening program will include remarks by family member Dolle Arambula, TLU representatives and Teatro, followed by a video and viewing of Gaytán's art. Performances by Teatro De Artes will begin at 6 p.m., including Ballet Folklórico De La Rosa and a few accordion pieces performed by Alejandro L. Guerra.

During the ceremony, refreshments will be provided by MASA, TLU's Center for Mexican American Studies, TLU's Proud to Be First Generation student group, and Campus Programs. Teatro is a nonprofit arts organization that has been in existence for 39 years and whose mission is to promote the Mexican American culture and its people through the study, teaching, humanities, practice and performance of the arts.

More About Rey Gaytán

He served as a consultant for various individuals, organizations, and communities dedicated to the arts. He taught in local and regional museums, school districts, housing community centers, art agencies/centers, and universities. His gift to teach extended across a wide variety of students which included mainstream students, as well as, individuals with disabilities, underserved populations, individuals from rural and urban environments, and the elderly. Throughout his more that 35 years as a dedicated educator, Gaytán was a faculty member at Austin Community College, St. Edwards University in Austin, Luna Community College-Springer campus and New Mexico Highlands University. He was registered as an Artist-in Education in Texas and New Mexico. He completed over 26 artists in residency under the auspice of Texas Commission on the Arts and the New Mexico Culture Arts Division.

He also conducted numerous art courses and his master pieces were displayed at Texas Lutheran University, West Side Community Center, Teatro De Artes De Juan Seguin, Carl Schurz Elementary and numerous citizen centers. He was Teatro De Artes De Juan Seguin’s first artist in residencies which provided services to student in the local & surrounding school districts. He was commissioned by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, former State Senator Gonzalo Barrientos, and Guadalupe County Community Symposium. LULAC Council 682 appointed Gaytán to spearhead the Columbia Project which provided out-reach for the Seguin Housing Authority’s Community Center.

He also served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam conflict. In his Semper Fi spirit, he volunteered as a driver for the Disabled American Veterans organization. His siblings include: Maria Anita Vega, Isabel (Kookie Barboza), Dahlia (Dolle Arambula), Andres Gaytán Jr., Gustavo (Gussie) Gaytán, and Anthony Gaytán. His parents were Andres and Maria Anita Gaytán.

More About Teatro De Artes De Juan Seguin

Teatro’s Cultural Arts Center is located at 921 W. New Braunfels St. Seguin, Tx 78155. Phone: (830-401-0232); Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter): @teatrodeartes.

This program is funded in part by Texas Commission on the Arts, National Endowment for the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities, Guadalupe County United Way, Humanities Texas, San Antonio Area Foundation, City of Seguin and many local businesses and individuals.