Arts festival gives local artists venue to showcase works in McAllen

McALLEN — Arts and crafts and jewelry and music welcomed visitors to the Season of Hope arts festival here Saturday, but it was the people behind the items and performances who took center stage.

There was more to the ninth annual event than what could be perused at vendors’ booths, as stories from those who participated highlighted the opportunity the festival has created.

Mariana Curts, 31, of McAllen, said for her it was all about having a venue to share her passion.

Artwork is displayed during “A Season of Hope” arts festival at Art Village on Main on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022, in McAllen. (Joel Martinez | [email protected])

“I’m not in it for the money; to me, it is the exposure and making sure that my voice is heard in a different way,” she said, adding that each of her works describes deeper emotions that are difficult to describe in words. “(I’m) making sure my emotion is seen.”

She paints abstract art with paint splatters. The theme of her art is Abstract Expression.

By displaying her work she hopes to motivate young artists to view art as an outlet for expression.

In fact, she believes she is already accomplishing that goal because in this year’s art show she inspired two of her family members to display their work as well.

While she hopes to build a customer base and looks at events like the festival as a means to establish that, the reward is in displaying her work.

“By paving the way myself, it kind of brings people to say, “Hey, if she can do it, so can I,” she said. “Anyone can be an artist.”

Artwork is displayed during “A Season of Hope” arts festival at Art Village on Main on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022, in McAllen. (Joel Martinez | [email protected])

For Yoli Cantu, owner of a glass shop in McAllen, this is exactly what the theme of the long-running event is about — offering the means to local artists to showcase their works.

In the festival’s case, proceeds from the event are going toward local school programs that support the arts.

“We started that theme (Season of Hope) because the proceeds from the booths that the artists rent (are used) to support education — art education, music, dance, instruments, any type of art form,” Cantu said, adding that this year they are sponsoring the Creative Art Studio who offers classes to children.

To kick off this year’s festival Cantu held a lighting of the tree in which they displayed Christmas lights and decorations on a 30-foot Christmas tree.

Not only does the festival allow local artists to display their work, but it also gives students the opportunity to showcase their musical talent.

According to Cantu, they had performances from school mariachi groups that would be performing twice Saturday.

Patty Rosenlund was among many attendees enjoying the art on display Saturday. She said this event gives residents the opportunity to indulge in unique art created by local artists that make for heartfelt Christmas gifts.

“I come to this event every year, I love to support the art community … and what a great way to buy a unique Christmas gift,” Rosenlund said after she had just finished buying two art pieces from one of her favorite artists at the show. “They’re not off the shelf; they are more unique and more personal.”