As the holiday season rolls around, cards filled with warm greetings and love circulate far and wide. Here on the Forty Acres, President Jay Hartzell invites students to design a holiday card, uniquely showcasing the creativity of the campus community.
Hartzell holds an annual card contest where students design a UT-themed holiday card. This year’s contest received 42 submissions, with the winner receiving a prize sum of $1,000.
Hartzell and his wife, who work together to choose the card every year, selected Alexis Martinez’s design as the 2025 contest winner. Her card features a view of the Tower from the perspective of Nancy Rubins’ “Monochrome” — better known as the “boat statue” on Dean Keeton Street.
“In the card requirements, it said not to do something solely focused on the Tower or solely focused on Bevo,” Martinez, a Mexican American & Latina/o studies and psychology senior, said. “It said something about (drawing) your favorite part of campus, and I thought the boats were a pretty notable place — I always refer to it when I’m giving directions.”
Sabrina Prado, marketing senior and Martinez’s close friend, said she believes the angle from where Martinez drew made the card stand out to Hartzell and his wife.
“She took a part of campus that maybe everyone doesn’t see or is not as recognized and … highlighted it with her artwork,” Prado said. “I think it was so creative of her.”
Alexis said growing up she always had a passion for drawing.
“I started drawing as young as I could remember. I was one of those kids that would draw on
the furniture,” Martinez said. “I love drawing. I love painting. I love doing everything crafty.”
Martinez has used her talent to enter many competitions. MaryAlice Martinez, Alexis’ mother, said she feels proud of her daughter for showcasing her talent.
“I’m always so excited when she says, ‘I’m going to enter a contest’”, MaryAlice said. “Everybody (is) so in awe of what she does … how she puts her mind to it (and) what she can create.”
When the New Year’s card competition opened, Prado encouraged Martinez to join.
“With anything art-related, my first thought is (to) always share or talk about it with Alexis because she’s been my friend to go to when it comes to art,” Prado said.
Martinez said she feels grateful that UT offers opportunities for students to use their talent to enter competitions.
“I’ve been very blessed to have been able to explore my art here at UT, while never taking an art class at all,” Martinez said. “I’m really grateful that (the competition is) open to everybody, so students like me, who just do art as a hobby, can enter these contests.”
MaryAlice said that she hopes Martinez continues appreciating art in her life.
“I believe art is always going to be a part of her life,” MaryAlice said. “I hope that she continues it in all aspects she can.”
