Gallery at Texas State University Round Rock Campus

Nishi Kumar, a thought leader and a person with deep background in arts with a BFA applied arts degree from a prestigious art institute in India (J. J. Institute of Applied Arts) and serving in leadership roles for last 20+ years in the software engineering and cyber security area, is deeply passionate about fostering creative expression and building vibrant communities.

“In my creative journey, I aspire to harness the essence of human emotion and experience, transforming it into visual narratives that transcend boundaries of culture, time, and space. As an artist, my work is driven by a deep fascination of the human emotions, and the spiritual connections that bind us all. I strive to blend traditional techniques with contemporary influences. My artistic practice encompasses a range of mediums, from traditional oil and acrylic painting to mixed media and digital art. ”

“In 2024 I joined the board of Round Rock Arts and took on the role of co-curator for the gallery at Texas State University, Round Rock campus. I am looking forward to contributing to the local art community. I am also excited about the opportunity to serve the local community, drawing on my background in community engagement, and the opportunity to support the mission of Round Rock Arts in nurturing local talent and expanding arts awareness.”

Preeti Agrawal is a passionate Austin-based watercolor artist, avid crafter and social media blogger. While she enjoys painting many subjects, she finds her passion in painting antique objects, and specifically doors from different times and places. Apart from doors she also enjoys painting Madhubani paintings – an ancient style of folk art that originated from India. Not only does the bright and colorful palette appeal to her, but she feels painting Madhubani allows her to be closer to her Indian roots and heritage. 

When Preeti isn’t painting, she likes to sew, craft with crepe paper and wood, or upcycle the old into the new. She feels that in recent times, the value of handmade goods has diminished, and she hopes to bring the art of hand making back. This is part of the reason she started her craft blog three years ago, where she uploads DIY tutorials of crafts that anyone can make. Her passion for repurposing materials and upcycling led her to teach several workshops at Austin Creative Reuse, a local nonprofit focused on creativity through sustainability. 

Preeti has taken on the task of being curator at Texas State Round Rock campus with Nishi Kumar. Both are also members of the board of Round Rock Arts.