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K-State Today

Division of Communications and Marketing
Kansas State University
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January 16, 2024

APDesign graduate Yvette Fabela exhibits work from Condia + Ornelas Traveling Prize

Submitted by Thom Jackson

Yvette Fabela

The Condia + Ornelas Traveling Prize is an esteemed recognition awarded to exceptional graduate students in Kansas State University's architecture department, and Yvette Fabela, a 2023 master's graduate in architecture, has earned this prestigious accolade.

The College of Architecture, Planning & Design, or APDesign, is showcasing her talent and the fruits of her international journey through the exhibit, "Brushstrokes across Spain: Capturing Visceral Experience Through Watercolor." The exhibition will run through February 2024 at the Cassias Gallery in Regnier Hall.

The collection features a series of watercolor images that vividly encapsulate Fabela's experiences during her time in Spain. From architectural marvels to cultural landscapes, her brushstrokes uniquely convey the essence of the places she encountered.

To complement the visual feast, Fabela will delve into the narratives behind her artwork during a special talk scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 26, in Regnier Forum, 1117 Regnier Hall. Attendees will have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Fabela's creative process, the inspiration she drew from her surroundings and the cultural significance embedded in each painting.

"I hope that those who view the exhibit will walk away with a glimpse into my experiences abroad and an appreciation for analogue drawing methods," Fabela said. "My watercolor journey only began almost two years ago, and I emphasize this to encourage students to pursue and nurture these kinds of skills. Sketching and painting, as expressive mediums, offer the potential to capture the atmospheric qualities of a place. I hope to get students excited about practicing on-site sketching or adding some hand renders to their next project with this in mind."

The Condia + Ornelas Traveling Prize is a testament to Fabela's exemplary achievements as a graduate student in the department of architecture. It recognizes her dedication, talent and the remarkable contributions she has made to the field.

Past recipients include Haneen Abu-Sherbi in 2022 and Talisa Hernandez in 2021.

The Condia + Ornelas Traveling Fellowship, established in 2020 by K-State Professors Bob Condia and Wendy Ornelas, annually enables an outstanding graduate from the K-State architecture department to study firsthand significant architectural works and cultural values beyond the boundaries of the university. The fellowship recipient exemplifies Condia + Ornelas' belief in the importance of understanding other cultures and studying places beyond one's comfort zone. Such knowledge and experience build a creative and innovative spirit in the foundation and lifetime education of an architect.