Regina McIlvain

Director of Development: Elgin Depot Museum, Photographer, Spokesperson, Historian, Singer, folklorist

Elgin, Texas, United States

About

Currently I serve on the Historic Review Board of the City of Elgin, TX. As a mixed media photographer and installation artist, I delve into the history and culture of Texas. My layered installations including images, ephemeral, music, and both 2-D and 3-D elements are meticulously researched to create experiential memories for viewers of all ages and backgrounds. My use of transparent and semi-transparent printing materials brings into play natural phenomena like sunlight and wind that move floating pieces. Suggestions of times past, human endeavor, cultural grace and spiritual inspiration find their way into my work to speak directly to each individual of their own heritage and accumulation of experience. 2022: a photography/mixed media exhibit on the theme of 'Life with Water'. In Texas that reflects our shared dependence upon water and gradually revealed to me the often unsung contributions of women connected to our aquifers, springs and water sources.

Experience

  • Director of Development at ELGIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY
    Feb 2025 - Present · 1 yr 5 mos

  • beWitching Ours Public Benefit LLC (Full-time · 6 yrs 3 mos)
    • Founder
      Apr 2019 - Feb 2025 · 5 yrs 11 mos

    • Mixed media artist/photographer/installations
      Dec 2018 - Feb 2025 · 6 yrs 3 mos

      I tell visual stories through a combination of mediums. Creating whole experiences focused on the history, culture, music and diverse influences upon the State of Texas, I create forms of memory experience.

  • Corporate Sponsorship Lead at Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farms
    Aug 2023 - Apr 2024 · 9 mos

  • Lead Singer/folklorist at Jourdan-Bachman Museum
    2019 - Apr 2024 · 5 yrs 4 mos

  • Dougherty Arts Center (3 yrs 11 mos)
    • Gallery Exhibit, Photography/Mixed Media, DAC, reception March 17
      Feb 2022 - Aug 2023 · 1 yr 7 mos

      Photography and mixed media exhibit, 'Life with Water' from 26 Feb. through 5 April, 2022. I explore the influence of water on the Hill Country region of Texas, from the mundane to the sublime. Sections move from the beauty of tasks such as laundry to the contemplation of other-worldly reflections. Installations highlight the life that could not thrive without the expansive aquifer systems that support this rich area of farmland, wildflower fields and occasional deep springs.

    • Photographer Artist-in-Residence
      Oct 2019 - Aug 2023 · 3 yrs 11 mos

      Producer and host of various cable talk shows. topics include: sustainability, health, skin care, preventative healthcare, folklore, history, cooking, serious aromatherapy, community service